Page 36 of Crimson Reign

“Upstairs sleeping. Isabella took her to the nursery.” I study his face in the moonlight, noting the new lines of tension around his eyes. “Your brother mentioned something interesting. About your father.”

Matteo stills, his expression carefully neutral. “Did he?”

“He said your father is considering stepping down. Passing leadership to you.” I watch his reaction closely. “Were you planning to tell me?”

He sighs, running a hand through his hair. “Of course I was. I only found out this morning, and I wanted to discuss it with you privately. Not in the middle of a family gathering.”

“Why not?” I ask, genuinely curious. “It’s good news, isn’t it? Recognition of everything you’ve accomplished.”

“It’s… complicated.” His gaze shifts to the gardens below, the vast Bellanti estate stretching into the darkness. “Being Don isn’t just a title, Elena. It’s a target. On me, and by extension, on anyone close to me.”

Understanding dawns. “On me. On Fiona.”

"Elena—" He hesitates. "If you stay with me now, you're not just choosing a relationship. You're choosing to become the Donna of the Bellanti syndicate. To step fully into a world you never asked to be part of."

"Is that what you're worried about? That I'll run now that things are becoming official?"

"I'm worried that you shouldn't have to make this choice at all. Your husband was killed because of his indirect involvement in our world. And now I'm asking you to walk straight into the center."

"You're not asking me anything," I point out. "Actually, you seem to be trying to dissuade me from something I haven't even been offered."

"I'm trying to give you an out before things go further between us."

"So thoughtful of you to decide what's best for me."

"What I'm trying to say is that being with me means accepting my world completely. The power, yes, but also the violence. The constant vigilance."

"You don't think I know that already? Matteo, I killed a man three weeks ago. I'm already in this world."

"That was different. That was survival."

"And this would be a choice. That's what scares you, isn't it? That I might choose this life—choose you—and then regret it."

"It's a life of crime, Elena," he says bluntly.

"It's a life of family," I interrupt. "Of protection. Of power used to shield those you love. Yes, there's darkness in it. But there's darkness in me too."

"You deserve a normal life after everything you've been through."

"Normal is a luxury I lost the moment Mark died. But you gave me something better. You gave me and Fiona safety. Respect. A place to belong."

"And what if I fail you? What if I can't protect you the way I promised?"

"Then we'll face it together. That's what family does."

"I love you," I say, the words falling from my lips with startling ease. "I'm in love with you, Matteo Bellanti, and if you think you can scare me away with talk of danger and crime and responsibility, then you don't know me at all."

He stares at me, his hand tightening on mine. "You're certain? Because once I hear those words, I won't let you take them back. I won't let you go."

"I've never been more certain of anything in my life."

"I love you," he says, the words rough with emotions. "God help me, I've loved you from the beginning."

“I love you too." the words are barely out of my mouth when he swallows them, kissing me like he needs to survive. I respond with equal fervor, pulling him closer until there's no space left between us.

A soft sound from the doorway breaks through our moment. Isabella stands there with Fiona in her arms, drowsy but awake.

"She woke up and wouldn't settle. I think she wants her mama."

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