Page 318 of Legacy
I shake my head, stepping closer.
“Only to save her. She was going to be sold again. Your father stepped in. And she… she loved him, Angelo. She writes that. It’s in there. Their love was real. But so was her pain before him. That’s why I thought you never talked about it.”
He pulls away slightly, just enough to holster the gun at his side, his fingers brushing over the handle like he forgot he was even holding it.
Then he drags a hand down his face and lets out a bitter, hollow chuckle.
“So much for a happy birthday for Elena.”
I exhale, letting some of the tension bleed out. “Well… she did get to finish her dessert.”
A beat.
Then his lips twitch.
He shakes his head, not smiling, not yet, but that edge of rage begins to soften.
“I’ll talk to her,” I offer gently. “When she’s ready.”
“No,” he mutters. “She was disrespectful to you, she’s a big girl. She needs to get over it.”
His hand slides around my waist, pulling me in, forehead resting against mine like he needs the contact just to stay grounded.
And I let him.
For now, we just breathe.
Together.
Chapter 54
Angelo
The elevator glides open and I step into the penthouse, fingers curling tighter around the takeout bags as my eyes sweep the space.
Still. Quiet. Sunset streaming through the windows, cutting across the dark floors like silk.
My shoulders ease, just a little.
It’s been a long fucking morning.
Meetings. Reports.
We found the mole.
Luca and Nico are running scenarios. Maksim is coordinating search teams. Vaska’s threatening to handle the traitor himself if I don’t move faster.
And through it all, one thought: get back toher.
I drop my keys on the table, toe off my shoes, and head toward the master. The door’s cracked, and the second I step inside, I see her.
And just like that I can breathe again.
She’s sitting on the bed, back propped against the headboard, phone in hand like she just ended a call. Her hair’s twisted up messily, a few strands falling around her face. In my black shirt, soft and worn from too many washes. Leggings hug her hips and legs like a second skin. Her lipstick’s faded, just a flush of red left.
My throat tightens.
My wife is a fucking heaven incarnate
