Page 85 of Dark Mafia Bride

Yesterday was intense—so intense that even as I drove back to my office, all I could think about was the taste of her lips, the way she felt in my arms, and the sound of her moaning my name as she reached her climax.

But it wasn’t just that. I can’t shake off the regret I felt when I saw the hurt in her eyes. I was furious, wanting to lash out and make her feel the anger that boiled within me when I saw her with another man. Yet, as my words landed, I realized how deeply I regretted them when they hit their mark.

I stayed in my office until it was late, until I was sure she must have fallen asleep. And then I came home with mixed feelings. Part of me wanted to find her in our bedroom waiting for me. Wanting me. Another part of me was terrified...at how fast my heart pounded in my chest when she was in the room,how I craved her like the air I breathe, how I can’t seem to do anything else but focus on her when she’s near.

I’ve fallen for Mirabella.

Fuck.

I’ve done the one thing that I swore I would never do—fall for a woman. But, oh, how stupid I was to think feelings like this could be controlled. How dumb I was to think I could resist the overwhelming force.

Love? It sounds like a strange concept, but that’s the only word to describe the way she consumes my entire being, the way I want to live and exist for her.

I am in love with Mirabella.

A groan slips out of my lips as I get up from bed. It’s a Saturday, so I’m sure she’s at home. She’s probably with her family in the east wing of the house, and all I can think of right now is finding her.

After brushing my teeth and showering, I throw on a simple shirt and a pair of casual jeans before stepping out into the hallway. My bare feet pad over the marble floors as I make my way down the stairs and through the large hallway left to the foyer.

As I approach the small living room ahead, I hear voices—laughter, arguing, and cheering. The atmosphere is completely different from the rest of the house. The scattered mugs on the side table and the throw blanket bunched up on one of the sofas add to the cozy vibe. It feels lighter, airier, and undeniably happier.

The voices grow louder, and when I walk in, I’m met with the delightful sight of the whole family—Mirabella, her sister Giulia, her mother Isabella, and her Nonna—all crammed together on the plush L-shaped couch, eyes glued to a horror movie. Isabella seems detached, alternating between sipping from her large mug and laughing at Giulia’s quips.

But the others? They’re completely unfazed. On the big screen, a character tiptoes down a dark hallway as eerie music swells. I can sense a jump scare coming, but instead of flinching, they sit, unblinking and entertained.

Isabella is the one who spots me first. Her eyes widen in surprise before her face splits into an easy smile.

“Ettore!”

That’s when the rest of the family turns to me. My gaze locks onto Mirabella’s, and I see something flicker in her eyes before a deep blush spreads across her cheeks.

“Um...what are you doing here?” Giulia is the one who blurts out first. She looks genuinely shocked, but there’s a mischievous glint as she glances at her sister.

Mirabella, who notices this, nudges Giulia’s waist with her elbow.

I can’t help but laugh. “Should I leave or...?”

“No, no,” Isabella speaks, throwing a glare her daughter’s way. “She’s just shocked, as am I, but Giulia here doesn’t have a filter.”

“There’s a spot here,” Giulia says excitedly, scooting to the side, closer to her Nonna, who still hasn’t said anything since I stepped into the room. She taps the open cushion beside Mirabella, declaring not so subtly that I should sit beside my wife.

I walk over and sink into the seat, my shoulder brushing against Mirabella’s. “Hey,” I say, glancing down at her.

She turns to look at me before pulling her bottom lip between her teeth. “Hey.”

A sensation travels through my entire body, instantly heating me up. I smile and turn to the TV, and that’s when I notice the looks everyone in the room is giving me...well, us. Giulia wears a grin, as if the whole scene is amusing to her. Isabella looksgenuinely pleased to see me here. And Nonna...well, she glares at me as if she’d prefer I vanish.

There’s an awkward tension in the room, and it’s completely ridiculous. We’ve spent nights together, done dirty things to each other, and yet sitting here surrounded by her family makes me feel like a teenager.

Giulia finally breaks the tension by nudging me with her elbow. “So, Ettore, you like scary movies?”

“Depends on the film,” I reply, leaning back. I watch as a character tumbles to the ground while being chased, struggling for what feels like an eternity before finally getting up just as the monster is about to pounce. “I think this one could use some better acting.”

Mirabella rolls her eyes, a small smirk playing on her lips. “So now you’re an expert in movies?”

“There are a lot of things you don’t know about me,” I murmur, relishing the way her pupils dilate as she watches me.

Nonna, clearly unimpressed by my presence, mutters under her breath, “Oh, what a surprise.”

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