Page 126 of Massimo

So what happened to cause her to react this way?

It hits me then: I never responded to Vito’s statement in my office.

And without any context—combined with Nova’s belief that I’m using her and the psychological warfare she's endure under Mancini's control—she likely thinks some punishment or twisted lesson is coming.

For the thousandth time, I curse Mancini for what he did to this beautiful creature. How he tried to break and mold her into what he wanted. Iwillcut the head off that snake, and spend my entire life, ifthat's what it takes, helping Nova heal and become the woman she's always hid from her monstrous father.

Vito looks at me, concerned about Nova's reaction, and I motion to the door. He turns on his heel and leaves.

I walk to the computer monitor and turn the volume down so Nova doesn't hear the quick plans Vito is making with Gemma. I want to tell her myself.

I want nothing more than to give this stunning woman the wedding of her dreams. And I wanted her to truly trust me when she said her vows. But I can't delay any longer.

I step toward Nova. She watches me warily but doesn’t step back.

"We're going to do something that will keep you safe from your father and Julien Moreau, princess. Will you trust me?"

The uncertainty that flashes across her features nearly guts me, and I renew my vow to redeem myself in her eyes and earn her trust.

She studies me as if trying to see inside my mind, then she finally nods.

I extend my hand to her. She hesitates for a moment, then slips her small hand into mine. The touch grounds me, enveloping me in a sense of peace.

Unable to resist, I pull her to me, tilting her chin up. Bending down, I kiss her gently, my heart beating faster as I feel the warmth of her against me.

Her response is tentative at first but quickly turns more confident. I wrap my arms around her, feeling her fit so perfectly with my body. Kissing her more deeply, I fight the urge to smile as her hands begin to explore my body, and she becomes more sure of herself, more demanding of what she wants.

Vito clears his throat behind me. "Ready when you two are, brother."

"Give us a minute."

As I hold Nova against my chest, she looks up at me, her lips pink and swollen from our kiss. I run a knuckle gently down her cheek.

"We're going to do something to protect you," I repeat and wait to continue until she nods, "That something will take place in my office with Vito. Gabe, Gemma, and Jerome will be our witnesses."

Her brow furrows. "What do you mean?"

I gently cup her face. "We're going to get married."

The bombshell I dropped leaves her stunned and shell-shocked, and I give her time to process. As emotions flicker across her face, it's clear she's caught in an internal battle, torn between doubt and hope.

Doubt because, in her mind, why would I want the 'snake's spawn'? And hope that she can trust me to eliminate the threat that looms over her. And maybe, just maybe, part of that hope is that she can trust the feelings I've caught glimpses of during those brief moments when she wasn’t trying to hide herself from me.

"I would love nothing more than to give you the wedding of your dreams, but right now—"

"Your family," she blurts and tries to step back from me, but I hold her close. "They'll never accept a Mancini." She shakes her head. "You'd never align the Santoros with the filth of the Mancini empire."

"You're right." Hurt flashes over her face before she hides it, and I press on, "But you're nothing like them, Nova. And soon, the Mancini empire—your father, your brothers, all their vile men—will be destroyed." My grip tightens on her. "You arenothinglike them. You're so much fucking more, and you will be my queen."

Her eyes fill with tears; tears of yearning.

I see you, Nova.

My thumb drifts up to press under her lashes to gather her tears, then I suck them from my thumb. "No more tears. No more lessons to learn. Never again. Please say you'll be my wife."

My entire body reacts to saying that phrase—my wife—out loud, and she reacts as well.

But even if she tells me no right now, we'll still marry because I need her safe. However, it will be so much better if she's willing.

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