Page 50 of Bound By Honor

“You were amazing tonight,” I tell her, my voice filled with wonder. “The way you trusted me, the way you let go... it was incredible.”

She turns her head to look at me, her eyes soft and brimming with emotion. “I love you,” she whispers. “I’ve never felt so safe, so cherished.”

My heart clenches at her words, and I lean in to capture her lips in a tender kiss. “I love you, too. More than anything.”

When I’ve finished applying the gel, I help her out of the tub, wrapping her in a large, fluffy towel. I take another towel and gently pat her skin dry, taking special care with the areas where I’ve applied the gel.

Once she’s dry, I scoop her up in my arms, carrying her back to the bedroom. I retrieve her favorite lavender-scented lotion, warming it between my palms before massaging it into her skin, starting with her feet and working my way up. By the time I finish, she’s practically purring with contentment.

I help her into a soft, oversized t-shirt, then tuck her under the covers. Sliding in beside her, I immediately gather her into my arms. She comes willingly, nestling her head against my chest, her arm draping across my waist.

“Thank you,” she murmurs, her voice already heavy with impending sleep. “For taking such good care of me.”

“Always,” I promise, tightening my hold on her. “You’re my everything, Aurora. Taking care of you will always be my priority.”

She hums happily, burrowing even closer. Within moments, her breathing evens out, her body going slack with sleep. I lay awake a while longer, simply marveling at the incredible woman in my arms and feeling profoundly grateful for the trust she’s given me. Tonight was intense, a major step in our journey together. And as I finally allow myself to drift off, it’s with a heart full of love and a soul at peace.

20

AURORA POV

“Papáis coming home.”

Dominic’s words drop like stones into still water, rippling through the garden pavilion. The fairy lights strung overhead suddenly feel too bright, too festive for the weight of this moment. Beside me, Luciano’s hand tightens on my waist.

“When?” Enzo’s usual smirk vanishes, replaced by something harder.

“Three days.” Dominic swirls his scotch. “He sent word from Milan this morning.”

Marco curses under his breath. “And you’re just telling us now? During our first peaceful Sunday dinner in months?”

“Because it couldn’t wait.” Dominic’s eyes find mine. “He knows about everything—Alessandro, the Rossis, Luciano...”

“Let him come.” My voice comes out steadier than I feel. “I’m not a scared little girl anymore.”

“No,” Luciano’s voice rumbles against my back. “You’re not. Butpiccola, you don’t know him like we do.”

“He’s right.” Enzo downs his drink. “Papáhas... expectations. Especially about family loyalty.”

The word ”loyalty” hangs between us like smoke. I think of Maria, of Alessandro’s betrayal, of the scars we all carry from choices made in its name.

“Does he know about the deal?” I ask Dominic. “About your arrangement with the Rossis?”

A muscle ticks in his jaw. “That’s why he’s coming.”

“Merda.” Marco starts pacing. “If he tries to undo what we’ve built?—“

“He won’t.” Dominic’s tone brooks no argument. “I’m Don now. Not him.”

“Tell that toPapá,” Enzo mutters.

“It’s done,” Dominic cuts in, his voice carrying that deadly calm I know too well. “The contract is signed. One Salvatore must marry into the Rossi family to secure peace.”

“But it doesn’t have to be you,” I protest. “Dom, there has to be another way?—”

“There isn’t.” He meets my eyes, and I see the weight of command in his gaze. “Franco wanted you for himself, Aurora. That was their original demand.”

Dominic downs his scotch. “Which is why I made a counter-offer. Me for you. I’ll marry one of the twins.”

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