Page 110 of My Best Friend Is Broken
He’s thriving. Finding his place in this world, building connections and confidence and a life that’s about more than just getting through each day.
“You’re staring,” Liam murmurs while conversation buzzes on the other side of the table, his lips quirking in a small smile.
“Can you blame me? You look incredible tonight.”
His cheeks flush, but he doesn’t look away. “So do you.”
The moment is interrupted by the sharp clink of silver against crystal. Dario is tapping his knife gently against his wine glass to get everyone’s attention.
“I wanted to take a moment,” he says, his voice carrying easily through the now quiet room, “to formally thank some people who mean a great deal to me.”
The table falls completely silent, all eyes on Dario.
“Molly was taken from me. For several hours, I didn’t know if I’d ever see him again, if I’d lost the most important person in my world to violence and stupidity and the endless fucking war that defines our lives.”
Molly’s hand covers Dario’s where it rests on the table, a wordless gesture of comfort and connection.
“But I didn’t lose him. Because Liam…” Dario’s gaze shifts to him, “was brave enough and strong enough to save Molly’s life.”
Liam looks stunned, like he wasn’t expecting to be included in this acknowledgment.
“That tackle,” Dario continues, “was one of the bravest things I’ve ever witnessed. You saw the danger, assessed the situation, and acted without hesitation. You saved the person I love most in this world, and I will never forget that.”
“I just did what anyone would do,” Liam says quietly.
“No,” Dario says firmly. “Most people would have frozen. Most people would have waited for someone else to act. You didn’t. And for that, you have my eternal gratitude and the protection of the Ajello family for as long as you live.”
The weight of that promise settles over the table. In our world, family protection isn’t just words. It’s a vow sealed in blood and honor.
“Thank you,” Liam manages, his voice slightly hoarse with emotion. As if he already understands the full weight of what has just been said.
Dario nods, then turns his attention to me. “Nicolo, you’ve been a valued member of this family since you were barely old enough to understand what that meant. You’ve proven yourself time and time again. Your loyalty, your competence, your willingness to put the family above personal gain.”
I can feel everyone’s eyes on me now, and something in Dario’s expression tells me this is about to become more significant than a simple thank you.
“Enzo has decided to return to Italy,” Dario continues. “His mother’s health is failing, and he wants to spend whatever time she has left by her side. Which means I find myself down a deputato.”
My heart begins to race. A deputato position. That’s not just a promotion… that’s elevation to the inner circle, the kind of role that comes with real power and responsibility.
“I can think of no one better suited to fill that position than you, Nicolo. Your actions in the past weeks have proven that you understand what matters. Loyalty, family, and the willingness to do whatever it takes to protect what’s ours.” Dario raises his glass. “Effective immediately, I’m promoting you to deputato. May you serve the family with honor and wisdom.”
The table erupts in congratulations. Carlo is on his feet, clapping me on the shoulder with enough force to nearly knock me out of my chair. Dante raises his glass with a respectful nod. Molly is beaming like this is his own promotion rather than mine.
But all I can think about is what this means. Deputato. The kind of position that comes with real money, real influence, real power. The kind of role that will let me provide for Liam in ways I’ve only dreamed about.
I could buy us a house like this. Not quite as grand, maybe, but something that’s actually ours rather than rented through shell companies. Something with a garden and space and all the stability that Liam deserves.
I could give him the life he should have had, the future that prison tried to steal from him.
“Congratulations,” Liam says softly, and when I turn to look at him, his eyes are shining with pride and something deeper. Love, pure and uncomplicated, the kind that doesn’t need words to communicate everything it means.
And then he’s kissing me. Right there at the table, in front of Dario and Molly and everyone, with zero hesitation or self-consciousness. Just pressing his lips tomine in a kiss that saysI’m proud of youandI love youandthank you for giving me this lifeall at once.
When we break apart, the table is cheering. Carlo is whistling, Molly is making dramatic swooning gestures, and even Dante is smiling, actually smiling, which is rare enough to be noteworthy.
“About time you two stopped being subtle about it,” Carlo says with a grin.
“We haven’t been subtle,” I point out.
