I pulled back just enough to rest my forehead against hers, both of us breathing hard, smiling like fools.
“You couldn’t wait, could you?” she whispered, eyes sparkling.
“Never could with you,” I murmured, brushing my thumb across her cheek. “Not then. Not now. Not ever.”
The reception spilled out into the estate gardens under strings of golden lights and a canopy of stars. Laughter, soft music, and the clink of glasses filled the warm evening air. White roses and candles decorated every table, and the scent of fresh food and champagne drifted on the breeze. For once, there were no armed guards on high alert. Just family. Just peace.
I stood with my arm wrapped possessively around Aurora’s waist, her head resting against my shoulder as we watched the scene. My wife. The word still felt like a victory I didn’t entirely deserve.
Matteo approached first, a glass of whiskey in one hand and a rare, genuine smile on his face. Angelo’s watch glinted on his wrist, catching the light.
“You clean up nice, Devil,” he said, clapping me on the shoulder. “Didn’t think I’d live to see the day you looked this… domesticated.”
Aurora laughed softly. “Careful. He’s still dangerous.”
“Only for her,” I replied, pressing a kiss to her temple.
Sienna appeared next, dragging a reluctant but amused Chiara and Leo behind her. The twins, Bruno and Luca, trailed after their parents like tiny hurricanes in miniature suits, already sticky with cake.
“You two look disgustingly happy,” Sienna declared, hugging Aurora tightly. “I approve. Mostly because I get to call him ‘brother-in-law’ now and annoy him forever.”
I raised an eyebrow. “You can try.”
“Oh, I will,” she grinned.
Chiara stepped forward, eyes shining as she pulled Aurora into a warm embrace. “You’re glowing,” she whispered. “I’m so happy for you. Both of you.”
Leo stood a step behind her, nodding once in my direction. There was respect there now. A fragile but real truce.
“Congratulations,” he said simply. “Take care of her.”
“I plan to,” I answered, meeting his gaze. “Every day.”
Bruno tugged on Aurora’s dress, looking up with wide eyes. “Auntie Aurora, does this mean you’re gonna have a baby like Mommy did?”
The entire group burst into laughter. Aurora’s cheeks flushed as she crouched down to ruffle his hair.
“Maybe someday soon,” she said softly, glancing up at me with a secret smile.
Luca chimed in. “Can we teach him how to throw breadsticks?”
“Or her,” Sienna corrected, smirking.
Matteo shook his head, chuckling. “God help us all.”
The night continued with dancing, toasts, and stories. Chiara and Leo watched their boys run around the garden with fond exasperation. Sienna dragged Matteo onto the dance floor despite his protests. At one point, I pulled Aurora close during a slow song, my hand resting over the gentle swell of her stomach.
“You’re mine now,” I murmured against her ear. “Officially. Legally. In every way that matters.”
She tilted her head back to look at me, eyes sparkling. “I was yours the night I chased you across that club. This is just paperwork.”
I kissed her deeply, not caring who was watching. When we broke apart, she was breathless and smiling.
“Best bad decision I ever made,” she whispered.
“Best decision I ever forced,” I replied, grinning.
Thedoortoourbedroom had barely clicked shut before I had her pressed against it, my mouth claiming hers in a deep, filthy kiss that left no room for doubt.
