Page 35 of Crimson Reign

"Every woman who's ever pursued Matteo has done so with apparent intentions. Position. Power. The Bellanti name. I vetted them myself, but none were suitable."

"And have you vetted me as well?"

"Thoroughly. From the moment I saw you at Nico’s estate."

"And what conclusion did you reach?" I ask.

"That you're either the best thing that's ever happened to my brother, or the most dangerous. I haven't decided which yet."

"Those aren't mutually exclusive," I point out.

That earns me a genuine smile. "No, they're not. Which is precisely why I wanted to have this conversation."

He gestures toward a set of French doors leading to a smaller terrace, away from the main gathering, and I follow him outside.

"My brother is in love with you," he states bluntly.

"I know," I reply simply.

"Do you? Because Matteo doesn't fall in love. Ever." He observes me. "Our father told Matteo this morning that he's considering stepping down. Passing leadership of the family to him."

"So soon?"

"The Caruso situation altered the timeline." He fixes me with an intent stare. "Do you understand what this means? For Matteo? For you?"

"It means he'll become Don of the Bellanti syndicate. And if I stay with him, I'll become Donna."

"Exactly. The Donna isn't just a wife, Elena. She's the heart of the family, the keeper of its secrets. In some ways, her power extends even beyond the Don's."

"I'm aware."

"Are you? Because once my father makes this decision public, there's no turning back. Not for Matteo, and not for you if you choose to stay with him." He leans forward, his eyes intense.. "This life—our life—itwasn't your choice. You could still walk away. Take your daughter somewhere safe, start over."

"I killed a man three weeks ago," I say finally. "Three bullets, center mass. I'm already in this world, Lorenzo. The only choice left is whether I embrace it fully or live in denial of what I've become."

"And which do you choose?"

"I choose your brother. Everything else—the title, the responsibilities, the dangers—those I accept as part of loving him."

Lorenzo nods once, decisively. "Good answer."

The door behind us opens, and Matteo appears, his expression shifting from surprise to wariness.

"Everything alright?" he asks.

"Perfect timing," Lorenzo says smoothly. "She'll do," he murmurs to him before disappearing inside.

Matteo watches him go. "Should I be concerned about what just happened?"

"I believe I just received the Bellanti brother's seal of approval."

He snorts. “From Lorenzo? That’s interesting.”

He then reaches out, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear with gentle fingers. “I’m sorry I was gone so long. The Calabreses needed more convincing than expected.”

“Didyou succeed?”

“Of course. How’s Fiona?”

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