Page 99 of Dangerous Vows

His family has taken me in, fed me, and held my hand through terror and trauma. But I can’t unload my mess onto them. I can’t say,Hey, I’m in love with your brother, and I think he’s breaking my heart by pretending he isn’t in love with me too.

I nod, swallowing the knot in my throat. I would like to know if Pietro told them anything else. If he talks about me.

Is he keeping his distance out of guilt… or because the feelings are gone?

“I can’t believe he called you to come check on me,” I blurt.

Bianca gasps. “Wait—how long would Pietro keep it a secret?” she quickly glances at her sidekick.

Alena smirks. “Well, it’s not a secret now. And it would have remained a secret indefinitely if you hadn’t spilled the beans,” she smirks.

“Does he hold a grudge forever?” I ask, surprised.

“Pietro broods when he’s stewing over something, and a mafia war is more than something,” Bianca says with zero subtlety. “Besides, he didn’tsay‘go fix Amara’s mood,’ but you know…” She shrugs. “We read between the broody lines.”

Alena rolls her eyes affectionately. “He’s worried. And you’ve been on your own for too long.”

Bianca snorts, flopping onto the other end of the couch. “Pietro’sbroody as hell lately. It’s like talking to a vampire. I don’t know what you did to him, but the man hasmoody Italian drama princewritten all over him these days.”

I laugh so hard I’m about to spew a muffin.

Alena exchanges a look with Bianca when I don’t comment. Then Bianca says, “You don’t have to defend him to us. We love him, but trust me, weknow.”

My cheeks flush. “He’s just… processing things.” I don’t know why I’m making excuses for the man who’s crushed me, but I’m loyal like that. “Thanks for coming,” I say, keeping my voice light but managing to change the topic just the same. “I didn’t realize how much I needed this.”

Alena smiles softly. “You’re not alone, Amara. Found family isn’t always quiet. But it’s solid. You’re not alone in this. Not anymore.”

Bianca leans over and stage-whispers, “Also, we brought chocolate. And I might’ve smuggled in a mini bottle of Prosecco just for sniffing purposes.”

The look on my face must have alarmed her. She’s a character. That’s when Bianca reaches out and ruffles my hair with zero permission. “Honey, wearethe abnormal. You’re one of us now. Embrace the chaos,” she says as she stands and heads to the kitchen.

“Do you have any champagne in this majestic house? My God, I didn’t know my brothers had this beauty hidden!” She disappears into the kitchen and then I hear, “Ah, here is it.” A bottle makes a “pop” and the fizzy sound follows in its wake. The refrigerator door opens and shuts.

Within minutes, she reappears in the living room with three glasses. She bends to serve us. “Take the middle one, it only has a splash of alcohol, but you need it. We can’t have the baby stressed out!”

I love her. She’s bubbly, and her effervescent smile warms my heart. She’s a force of nature. I wouldn’t put anything past her when it comes to protecting her family.

So instead of going it alone, I accepted my new family’s help, and I leaned into the laughter. I laughed so much my sides ached.

And to think my day was full before Bianca’s absurd impression ofRenalto’s poker face and Alena’s patient explanations of prenatal vitamins. But it’s hard to pretend things are normal when they aren’t.

But for a little while, with them here, it almost feels like maybe someday… this could be my new normal.

The fact remains that Pietro knew I was lonely, and he called on his family to help. This is not the move of a man who doesn’t care about me.

This is a man who cares about me immensely. He didn’t have to do that, but I’m so happy he did.

I am still chuckling at their one-liners and wit long after the girls left. But the fact that Pietro noticed me warms my heart and gives me hope.

* * *

I’ve been concerned about Sarah’s safety, and today, I noticed a burner phone on the nightstand near me. This is new.

As if I willed it to life, it suddenly buzzes next to me, causing me to jump. I don’t recognize the number, but I already know who it is.

“Sarah?” I answer, curling onto my side.

“Hey,” she says, breathless like she’s just stepped outside. “How’s house arrest?”

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