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‘I understand…’ I said, even if I didn’t really understand how any of this involved me. ‘So, I guess a merger would be good then.’

Vito let out a low laugh. ‘Yes, it would be very good.’ But then he gathered my hands in his, his expression sobering again. ‘But for this to happen, we must build trust and respect between our two families. Dante has proposed a solution which will not only build the trust we need, but will also make amends for his disrespect towards you.’

‘But he didn’t disrespect me.’ I attempted to wrestle back control of the conversation, and my rampaging heartbeat, because Dante’s gaze had become even more intense—so much so, I could feel it like a physical force, searing my insides.

Vito didn’t seem to hear my objection, continuing in that same pragmatic tone. ‘Mia told me you trust Dante. That you do not fear him. She believes you may even be developing stronger feelings for him. Is this also true?’

I was forced to nod, because he could probably see the answer written all over my face—even if his matter-of-fact tone was making me feel even more confused. Did he think me a fool too, like Mia, for trusting Dante, for romanticising my time here with him, for believing that our strong physical connection could lead to more?

But instead of judgement, or pity, what I saw in Vito’s expression was pragmatism when he nodded. ‘Then you would consider his offer of marriage?’

My mouth went slack, and my pulse punched my neck. ‘His… Wh-what?’ I choked on the word. Had I heard Vito correctly?

‘Dante has asked that you become his wife.’ Vito’s gaze remained fixed on my reaction, while all the blood drained out of my face and slammed into my heart.

Dante had asked to marry me.

Me? Clueless, romantic Evie Taylor, the girl whose dad and mum hadn’t even wanted her. The girl who’d never even had sex until he’d kidnapped her… And who knew nothing about relationships really, except that she wanted one as exciting and romantic as her big sister Mia’s… That Evie?

‘I would never force you to do this. It would be your choice,’ Vito continued. I struggled to listen, while the bubble of hope and excitement threatened to bounce my heart right out of my chest. ‘A marriage would seal our alliance, as you are my sister now. And it is a way for Dante to show you respect after taking your innocence.’

Vito’s logic was that of a medieval warlord, I thought vaguely. But I was too stunned to really understand what he was telling me. And still struggling to keep a leash on the fierce rush of excitement, of hope, of validation—because the powerful Mafia boss who I had been convinced was about to dump me had just offered to marry me.

Don’t go getting ahead of yourself. It doesn’t mean he has feelings for you, too.

I swallowed to shift the boulder of shock and awe forming in my throat, still desperately trying to get Dante’s offer into perspective.

One thing I’d learned over the past nine months, from Mia, was that as bad as these men were—however ruthless, dangerous and lawless—they had a rigid code of honour, which could not be broken. So, while it was exhilarating to know I did matter to Dante, enough for him to consider marrying me, his offer wasn’t necessarily a romantic one.

In fact, it almost certainly wasn’t. This offer of marriage was still just a means to an end for him. Vito had said as much.

But when my gaze connected with Dante’s, I saw that possessive gleam in his eyes which I had always found so compelling, and the visceral wave of longing—to mean more to him—hit me again.

I had been dreading the thought of never seeing him again. And a marriage between us, however extreme on one level, would also be a way to stay with him.

So, there was that.

The truth was, I did have deeper feelings for Dante. And it felt good to know that Vito hadn’t dismissed my feelings, the way Mia had. And that Dante had seen them too, and hadn’t dismissed them either—despite his attempt to give me the cold shoulder for the last three days.

I knew Dante didn’t love me—or not yet. I doubted he even had any idea what love was. Or could be. But the fact that he’d suggested a marriage between us meant he had at least come to respect me. Enough to want me as his wife.

But when the surge of elation battered my ribs again, I forced myself to breathe through it.

Damn it, Evie, get a grip. What Vito was talking about was an arranged union, a marriage of convenience to end their feud, not a love for the ages. Or at least not yet.

‘Can I speak to him…? Before I make a decision?’ I asked.

Vito’s lips quirked. ‘Yes, of course, Evie. But you cannot make a decision today. First, we must return to Isla Donna. Your sister does not know yet of Dante’s proposal, and I do not think she will be pleased about it.’

I couldn’t help loving him in that moment. I had no doubt at all that my big sister was going to go ballistic when she heard about Dante’s marriage offer—and Vito had to know it too.

His expression became grave. ‘She knows, as I do, Dante is a violent man, cold and ruthless. And you should know, I am not convinced he is capable of softer emotions after the trauma he suffered, the battles he had to fight from a very young age.’

‘What traumas?’ I lowered my voice to ensure Dante couldn’t hear us as sympathy made my heart contract.

Vito’s gaze became shuttered. ‘This is something you can ask him, now that I know he speaks good English…’ he said, his brow creasing in a disgruntled frown.

‘He told you?’ I said, glad that Dante had finally come clean, because I’d never been good at keeping secrets.