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I think of my mother, of the sacrifices she’s made to lead the Esposito Family. Of the crew who stood by me, even when I pushed them away. Walking away from them wouldn’t be easy. But some things are worth fighting for, and with things better these days between the Espositos and the Castellanis…
“Maybe Icouldswitch,” I say. But the words ring hollow.
“No.”
“Leo Bernardi managed it,” I counter. “He left his Family behind, joined the Castellanis to be with Julian.”
Max smiles wistfully. “A rare exception, with an awful lot of extenuating circumstances. And not an event I see Sandro wanting to occur again anytime soon. Besides, I’d never ask you to break your vows for me.”
I sigh, frustrated by the web of oaths and traditions we’re caught in. Max reaches out and cups my cheek with a gentle hand.
“I don’t have all the answers,” he says softly. “But I know one thing: I love you, and I’m not going to waste any more time we could have together.”
My heart gives a little jump at his words. He’s right. We already lost too much time to secrets and misunderstandings. I lace my fingers through his and bring his hand to my lips, pressing a kiss to his knuckles.
“I want that too,” I assure him. “So I guess the next move is sitting down with my Maestra and your Don. Making them understand.”
“We’ll be honest. Lay everything on the table. They may not like it...”
“But they’ll respect us for coming to them directly,” I finish. Maestra always values integrity, even from her rivals. It’s one reason our Families have coexisted in a fragile peace for so long.
“And if not,” Max murmurs, his lips very close to mine, “I have one last card to play.”
I pull back. “What? What card?”
He just grins. “Ah, that’s one I’ll keep close to my chest. If I don’t need it, I don’t want to waste it.” He leans in for a lingering kiss, and I try to put it out of my mind, this last-ditch strategy of his. It’s probably Castellani business. But I trust Max; if and when I need to know, he’ll tell me.
Tomorrow we’ll call the meeting. Tonight still belongs to us.
I run my fingers through Max’s salt-and-pepper hair as we trade lazy, unhurried kisses. Our earlier frantic passion fades into a glowing ember, keeping us wrapped in its warmth.
“We should get some rest,” Max murmurs against my lips after a while. “That arm needs time to heal, and I’m not twenty-eight anymore. The spirit is willing, but the flesh…” He groans. “God. The flesh needs sleep.”
I tighten my hold around his waist. “We can sleep. But make sure you keep hold of me. Promise?” I need the reassurance of his body next to mine, his steady beating heart a soothing timekeeper as I drift off.
“Like you even have to ask.”
I lay down facing him, my head on the pillow next to him, lulled by the rise and fall of his breathing. He rubs gentle circles on my back. I feel safe here. Cherished in a way I’ve never experienced before.
“I love you, Bricker,” he whispers. “Completely. Deeply. Forever.”
I cling to him tighter. “I love you, too,” I tell him.
And I’ll do whatever it takes to hold onto him. To fight for the future I want with Max, no matter who tries to stand in our way. Even my own mother.
But somehow…
Somehow I think she’ll approve.
* * *
We stand outside the ornate double doors of Maestra’s salon the next day, steeling ourselves for the confrontation ahead. I adjust my collar for the tenth time, trying to ignore the anxious flutter in my stomach. Max places a steadying hand on my back.
“It’ll be okay,” he says quietly. “Remember, we’re in this together.”
I give him a small, grateful smile. Having him by my side keeps me from losing my nerve completely. And hell, if I can face down trigger-happy rival crews itching to kill me, I can do this.
Max straightens his tie and smooths back his hair. I take a moment just to look at him—so goddamn handsome and elegant in his tailored suit, just like the very first time I saw him, saw him and wanted him—and the sight bolsters my confidence.
