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"I think Ryder should tell you about his idea," Bruno mumbles a moment later, and I nod, facing my ex-fiancé's brother. There's a twinkle in his eyes that only I recognize, and he winks at me, making me flush all over again.
"Well, I assumed your father would not be very happy to hear about this," Ryder begins. "He was eager for you and Adrian to marry. But I have come up with a solution."
"Which is?" I bat my lashes innocently, pretending we didn't just come up with the plan together.
"I want to marry you," Ryder goes on. "I'll take my brother’s place, if you're willing. I'd like to be your husband."
"Are you asking me to marry you, Ryder Bernardi?" I ask with my heart racing.
"Not officially," he grins. "That's too special to share with Father. Sorry."
He glances at the old man but Bruno merely chuckles before he's taken over by a coughing fit. He covers his mouth with a handkerchief embroidered with his initials, and when he pulls it back, the fabric is stained with dark blood.
I don't say anything and neither does Ryder. Bruno quickly steers our attention away from what we've just witnessed, saying, "Well, you have my blessing to do this, kids. I just hope Nicoletta's father will be as understanding as I am."
"I should hope so," I nod. "I will explain to him I'm happy doing things this way. I don't think he'll oppose your decisions."
"Good." Bruno slams his fist on the table. "That's settled then. I need some time to reorganize everything. But because so many preparations have already started, are you willing to keep the same wedding date?"
I swallow the lump in my throat. The wedding's mere weeks away, and despite knowing that for months, I never truly believed it would happen. But now that there's a possibility I might marry Ryder, everything's changed. I know I can be happy with him. I want this. And the fact that the date of the wedding is looming fills my stomach with butterflies and longing.
"Yes, that's okay with me," I whisper, never taking my gaze off Ryder's. He grins at me, making the butterflies flutter. "If Ryder agrees."
"Of course," he nods, gravely looking at his father. "Anything I can do to make things easier."
"I will get in touch with your papa tonight, Nicoletta," Bruno grumbles. "I can't say this is the ideal outcome, but if you kids are happy, I'll go along with it."
"We're very happy," I chirp, and Bruno gives me an affectionate smile before clearing his throat and turning his attention back to Ryder.
"Don't think I haven't noticed you two sneaking around behind my back before," he says next, making my cheeks flush an even deeper shade of pink. "You probably thought you were being clever, but I know everything that happens in this house."
"Sorry," I mutter, but Bruno waves his hand dismissively.
"It is what it is now, and we'll deal with it. But, Ryder..." This time, Bruno's cool gaze meets his son's, and they stare at one another. "You already had a wedding that went to hell. It can't happen again this time. Do you understand?"
"Of course, Father." Ryder nods gravely and my respect and admiration for him grows. He's so wonderfully in touch with his father, it's really a beautiful thing to see. Besides, I have no intention of changing my mind about the wedding. Not with this brother. "And another thing. Now that that's settled... would you permit me to spend more time with Nicoletta?"
I’m buzzing with hope as Bruno groans and rubs his temples. "Honestly, Ryder, I want to say no. But I have a feeling your love would find a way, and while you don't seem eager to disobey me, I'm sure you eventually would. So, what the hell. Yes, you may spend more time together."
I can't believe my luck. My smile grows and grows as I glance between the two men before me. "Thank you so much, signore Bernardi."
"Please," Bruno waves his hand. "It's high time you started calling me Bruno."
"Bruno." I test the name out on my lips and give him a tentative smile. "Thank you."
"Now, get out of my office," the older man grumbles. "Before I change my mind about all of this."
I don't hesitate to take his order, and Ryder offers me his hand to help me off the chair. I accept it gratefully and curtsy before Bruno before we leave the room, our hands clinging together.
"I can't believe this happened," I whisper, shaking my head with disbelief. "I never thought we'd get to –"
I don't get to finish my sentence. Before the door's even shut, Ryder pushes me back against the wall and his lips find mine in a punishing kiss. He kisses me differently now, like he isn't holding back at all. I love every second of it, melting into his embrace and allowing him to own every inch of my body. It's all for him, all his. I belong to Ryder now and even though there was no doubt in my mind that I loved him before, it's just become even more clear how I truly feel.
