Page 64 of Dark Mafia Vows

“And how’s the company doing now?” I ask, suddenly aware that I haven’t heard anything about it since my engagement to Dario. The only time I’ve seen Lorenzo lately was at the gala to which Dario took me.

To my surprise and pleasure, Lorenzo smiles. “The company is doing great, actually, thanks to Dario’s help. He’s really stepped up.”

I raise an eyebrow at his words, shocked that he’s giving Dario credit.

“That’s unexpected coming from you. Thought he was the bane of your existence.”

Lorenzo chuckles, and I can see a genuine happiness radiating from him, even brighter than the last time we spoke. Despite my earlier annoyance, that thought brings warmth to my chest.

“Dario may be everything I’ve said, but he’s kept his promise since…” He trails off, clearing his throat before continuing. “Even though he’s responsible for us getting back on our feet and owns the majority of the stock, he lets me run things as I always did. He’s not interested in overthrowing me or taking control as I initially feared,” he adds, a smirk creeping back onto his face. “Although he’s still a jerk and we definitely don’t see eye to eye.”

I chuckle as his words do something to my chest. The thought of them no longer being sworn enemies warms my heart in a way I hadn’t expected.

A deep sigh escapes his lips, and he runs a hand through his hair, a gesture I’ve come to recognize as a sign of his inner conflict. “But I’m partly to blame for that,” he admits, his voice low and earnest. “And I want to make things right.”

Before I can push him further or ask what exactly he means by that, he swiftly changes the subject, catching me off guard.

“So, what’s got you all chippy today? I know you only bake in your happy moods. If you really hated Dario and this house as much as you say, I don’t see how you’d be in such a good mood. Is there something you want to tell me?”

A flush of heat rises in my cheeks.

Well, I’ve been experiencing an abundance of pleasure lately. As in, black-out orgasm after black-out orgasm. Who would’ve thought my enemy would be the only man capable of making mefeelthis much?

“In a weird turn of events, Dario seems to have that effect on people now,” I reply dryly, hoping the sarcasm covers up the truth hiding behind my words.

“That’s good,” Lorenzo says, his expression softening. A flicker of relief passes through his eyes, barely noticeable but enough for me to catch it. It’s the kind of relief that tells me maybe, just maybe, he believes I’m not as miserable as he once feared.

A thought strikes me then—Lorenzo would never let me get involved with a man he couldn’t vouch for. Despite their bad blood, they were once friends, and deep down, I know that’s not something he’s forgotten. He must be assured that I’m in good hands to have allowed this whole arrangement to go this far. Even if he’s not thrilled about it, the fact that he hasn’t fought harder against it says more than his words ever could.

As much as I want to stay mad at him for the contract, I know my brother. He wouldn’t have let this happen if he didn’t believe, on some level, that Dario could take care of me. And thatrealization makes something twist inside me—something a lot more confusing than I’m ready to admit.

“Since things are almost normal now, at least for you, I think it’s high time you start dating.” I smirk, shaping the dough with a deliberate casualness.

“Not this again, Ginny,” he groans, rolling his eyes, but I can tell he’s not entirely dismissive.

I stop mid-roll, my hands stilling on the dough. “It wouldn’t kill you to put yourself out there. You’ll be thirty-seven this year, Enzo. I want to be an aunt so bad. You know, take my little pumpkins to the park, bake them the sweetest tooth-rotting confections, and just be the badass aunt I’ve always dreamed of but never had.”

Lorenzo chuckles, grabbing an apple from the bowl on the counter. He tosses it into the air, catches it effortlessly, and takes a bite before leaning back against the counter with his arms crossed, a teasing smirk on his face.

“Well, you can still do all those things, Ginny. Just with your own kids. I’m sure Dario wouldn’t mind helping out by, you know,pumpingyou full of some little Ginny mini-me’s.”

I groan in disgust. “Oh my god. Isodo not want to discuss Dario pumping me with babies right now. Especially with you.”

He laughs, clearly enjoying how flustered I am. “Like it’s not going to happen eventually. I mean, if you weren’t my sister, and I was in the exact same position as Dario—living in a house with a beautiful woman, with the whole marriage thing looming—I’d make sure she was pregnant before we even reached the altar.”

“Enzo, pleasestop.”

“Just telling you—you have my blessing to screw my ex-best friend, little sis. Am I not the coolest brother ever?”

If only he knew I already was.

“And that ends this conversation,” I say firmly, trying to hide the heat rising to my cheeks.

Lorenzo laughs again, but the sound softens, the teasing ebbing away. He takes another bite of the apple, his expression turning more serious as he leans against the counter.

“But, in all honesty, Ginny, I’m glad you’re not totally hating being here. And I need you to know…I’m still here for you. Anytime. The minute anything goes wrong, or Dario crosses the line—even by an inch—you tell me. I don’t care if it’s business or for the company. I’ll get you out of here. The company be damned. Okay?”

His words hit me like a wave, stirring up a mix of gratitude and a painful reminder of how much he cares. There’s that protective side of him, the brother who won’t let anything or anyone hurt me, no matter what’s at stake.

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