Page 79 of Masked Mafia's Runaway Bride

Alex giggled, his shyness fading just a little. “No way. You’re way bigger.”

Sergio chuckled, his thumb brushing lightly over Alex’s knuckles before letting go. “Big doesn’t always mean strong, you know. But I think you’ve got both.”

I watched them, my heart full in a way it hadn’t been in years. For so long, it had just been Alex and me, our little world built on quiet strength and fierce love. Now, seeing Sergio kneeling there, his every word and gesture filled with care, I knew our world had just gotten a little bigger.

Alex tilted his head, looking at Sergio curiously. “Do you like pizza?”

Sergio leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “Like it? I love it. Especially with lots of cheese.”

Alex’s smile grew. “Me too! But no olives. Olives are gross.”

“Agreed,” Sergio said, his face serious. “No olives. Ever.”

I laughed softly, wiping my eyes. “Looks like you two are going to get along just fine.”

Sergio glanced at me, his gaze full of gratitude and something deeper. “I think so, too.”

Alex shifted on the bed, leaning closer to Sergio. “Do you want to see my dinosaur drawings now?”

Sergio nodded, his face lighting up. “I’d love to.”

Alex scrambled off the bed to grab his sketchpad, and I stood back, watching them. My heart swelled as the weight of years of fear and uncertainty lifted, piece by piece.

For the first time in a long time, everything felt right.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

MIRELLA

The door clicked softly as I pulled it shut behind me, Alex’s peaceful breathing still lingering in my ears. The house was quiet now, soothing and heavy all at once. I turned to find Sergio already close—so close that I could feel his warmth brushing against me.

His voice came low, a whisper that sent a tremor straight through me. “I want you tonight, all of you.”

My heart stuttered, every muscle in my body tensing at the sound of those words. His gaze pinned me in place, dark and steady, searching my face for something I couldn’t name. I felt my breath catch in my throat as his lips curved into a slow, knowing smile, one that made my knees weaken. He knew. He always knew.

I didn’t move as his hand reached up, fingertips grazing the curve of my cheek. It was such a soft, tender touch, yet it carried all the weight of what he’d just said. My skin warmed under his palm, a familiar ache building inside me as he held me there, like I was something sacred. His thumb brushed my lower lip—barely a touch, but enough to make me shiver.

“You want this too,” he murmured, his voice rougher this time, more certain.

I couldn’t answer—not with words, anyway. I nodded instead, barely perceptible, but enough for him. His other hand found my waist, his palm pressing against me, pulling me closer until I wasflush against him. Every inch of me felt like it was burning, my pulse pounding in my ears.

Sergio leaned in, his lips hovering just above mine. The anticipation nearly unraveled me. His breath teased my skin as he whispered, “I want to make love to you tonight.”

The words undid me completely. They were spoken with such raw honesty that my heart clenched, and I could barely stand under the weight of it. There was no hesitation, no hiding—just him and what he wanted, what we wanted.

“Say yes, Mirella,” he whispered, his voice a little rough, his lips brushing mine as he spoke. “Say you’re mine tonight.”

I looked up into his eyes—those eyes that had always seen me and loved me, no matter who I was or what I carried. And there, in that moment, there wasn’t a doubt left in me.

“Yes,” I whispered, the word coming out like a breath.

The smile that spread across his face was slow, “I will make love to you in every way possible tonight,”

His words settled over me, warm and comforting. I leaned into him, resting my forehead against his chest. His heartbeat was steady, and I could lose myself in it.

When I looked up, his face was so close to mine that I could feel the warmth of his breath. His eyes searched mine, and then, slowly, he leaned down, capturing my lips in a kiss.

It wasn’t rushed or demanding. It was gentle like the first rays of sunlight breaking over the horizon. His lips moved against mine with a tenderness that unraveled me.

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