Page 89 of Plus-Size Bratva Possession
“Enough bickering, you all!” Kate chimed in, pointing to the grill, then at the table. “Let's eat before Carlo burns anything else on the grill.”
“That was one time!” Carlo protested, bringing over a plate.
As we settled around the table, I found myself sandwiched between Gastone and Larissa. Everyone was laughing. Everyone was happy. The conversation flowed so freely, it felt like one of the happiest nights of my life.
“So really,” Kate leaned forward, eyes sparkling with curiosity, “Was Italy as romantic as they say? I’ve never been,you know,” and then she shot a guilty-looking Caspian a very pointed look.
Gastone's hand found mine under the table, his thumb tracing circles on my palm. “It was perfect,” he said simply.
“Except for when you got us kicked out of that restaurant in Florence,” I reminded him with a smirk.
All eyes turned to Gastone, who had the decency to look slightly embarrassed. “The waiter was flirting with her,” he explained with a shrug.
“He asked if I wanted more water!” I laughed.
“He was undressing you with his eyes,” Gastone growled playfully. “I was defending your honor.”
The table erupted in laughter, and I felt Gastone's chest rumble against my shoulder as he joined in.
When the meal was finished and everyone had moved to more comfortable seating around the patio, Gastone pulled me onto his lap in one of the large cushioned chairs. I nestled against him, feeling the steady beat of his heart against my back.
“Happy?” he murmured into my hair.
I turned in his arms to face him. “Happier than I ever thought possible.”
His eyes darkened as they dropped to my lips. “Good. Because this is just the beginning.”
When he kissed me, I forgot where we were. Forgot everything except the feel of his mouth on mine, his hand cradling my face as if I were something precious.
“Gross,” Carlo's voice broke through our bubble. “Get a room, you two. Preferably in another country.”
We broke apart and into laughter, and I buried my face in Gastone's shoulder.
“You're just jealous,” Gastone called back, his arms tightening around me. He then leaned in and whispered in my ear, “I love you, Elena Ajello.”
And just like that, surrounded by our families, wrapped in the arms of the man I now couldn't imagine living without, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.
*****
THE END
