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"I thought the party was at the mansion. Are we meeting everyone somewhere else?" I keep my tone light, though apprehension niggles at me. Antonio isn't prone to getting lost.
"It is. I just thought we'd make a small detour first," he replies vaguely, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. "It's been too long since we spent real time alone together." His intense gaze smolders, kindling a fire low in my belly. I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly parched.
"Is that so?" I murmur coyly. I trail my free hand slowly up his thigh, feeling taut muscle flex beneath the expensive fabric.
Antonio's breath catches almost imperceptibly. He moves my hand to safer territory, but keeps our fingers entwined together. "Behave yourself, tesoro. We're almost there."
I sit back with a playful pout, curiosity building. What surprise does he have in store for me?
We turn onto a particularly charming tree-lined street flanking an emerald green park. Elegant brownstones stand shoulder to shoulder, wrought iron fences enclosing tiny flower gardens. It reminds me of a quainter, more peaceful time in the city's history.
Near the end of the street, the car glides to a stop before one of the stateliest townhomes. A historical plaque by the entryway declares it was originally built in 1892. Tall windows and a wrought-iron balcony give it an elegant, welcoming air.
I glance uncertainly at Antonio as he comes around to open my door. Has the party venue changed to this charming brownstone? But his expression gives nothing away as I exit and he offers me his hand. Mystified, I allow him to guide me up the front steps.
My heels click on polished marble tiles inside an airy foyer. A chandelier refracts rainbow prisms of light across the space. To the left, an archway opens onto an expansive kitchen with gleaming granite surfaces and professional-grade appliances. The space connects seamlessly to a cozy dining nook framed by tall windows overlooking the park.
I wander slowly through the rooms in awe, Antonio following a pace behind. Each area has been renovated to perfection while retaining old-world charm. Antique sconces and crown molding offset crisp white walls and warm hardwood floors. Bay windows flood the rooms with natural light. French doors open out onto a landscaped patio framed by roses in full fragrant bloom.
"It's beautiful," I breathe, turning in place to admire the elegant details from every angle. "Very historic. Are we attending the party here?"
The corners of Antonio's eyes crinkle with suppressed mirth.
Antonio smiles softly, squeezing my hand. "Welcome home, my love."
My eyes widen. "Wait, you don't mean...this is ours?" The idea sends my pulse skyrocketing. I glance around again with new understanding, imagining our lives unfolding together within these walls. Love and gratitude well up inside me, momentarily stealing my voice. When I turn back, Antonio is watching me intently, gauging my reaction.
"You always deserved your own home, filled only with beauty and light. We'll still stay at the mansion when business requires it, of course, but..." He gestures around us. "This can be our sanctuary, if you wish. Do you like it?" Hope and vulnerability shine through his composed facade. I fling my arms around his neck, tears springing to my eyes again.
"Like it? I absolutely love it!" I punctuate each word with an enthusiastic kiss until we're both laughing joyously. "It's absolutely perfect. I can't believe you did this for us."
Strong arms wind around my waist, lifting me effortlessly until my toes barely graze the floor.
Overwhelmed with emotion, I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him down into a passionate kiss conveying all the gratitude and love swelling inside me. When we come up for air, Antonio rests his forehead against mine.
"There's one more surprise," he murmurs.
He remains enigmatically silent, setting me back on the floor and nodding for me to continue exploring. Bewildered but amused now, I venture upstairs.
The bedroom is a true oasis, complete with an opulent en-suite bathroom and a sweet little balcony overlooking the park. Everything about the space feels comfortable, yet luxurious. I gaze out the balcony doors, imagining lazy mornings here, sipping coffee while admiring the tree-lined street down below. Somehow, this charming home feels more intimate and welcoming than Antonio's ornate mansion. A place to cultivate joy and connection rather than power.
Behind me, I hear the rustle of Antonio shifting his weight between feet. I turn with questions on my lips, only to have my voice freeze in my throat. There in the bedroom's arched doorway, powerful mafia boss Antonio Ricci kneels before me. The sight pierces me to the core. In his elegant hands rests a velvet ring box.
"Clara, from the moment I met you, you turned my world upside down." Antonio's voice is husky with emotion, his espresso eyes shining with devotion. "Before, my life was only duty and darkness, until you awoke something in me I thought lost forever - hope."
He pauses, gazing up at me with such naked vulnerability, I feel tears gathering in my own eyes. I press trembling fingertips to my lips, hanging on each word.
"I want to spend the rest of my days cherishing and protecting you, building a home and future together." Tenderly, reverently, Antonio opens the ring box to reveal an exquisite vintage diamond ring. The facets capture and refract rainbow starbursts across the room. His eyes never leaving my own, he asks the question that will change our fates forever.
"Clara Thomas, will you do me the profound honor of marrying me?"
"Yes!" The word bursts from my lips almost before he finishes speaking. "Yes, a hundred times yes!"
In an instant I'm on my knees too, throwing my arms around his sturdy neck. I capture his mouth in a searing kiss, pouring all the joy and passion swelling within me into this single perfect moment. Antonio's arms crush me close, the solid strength of him surrounding me like an aura of safety. I cling to him, dizzy with euphoria and disbelief that this powerful, cunning man who commands a vast criminal empire has laid himself bare, vowing to share his life fully with me out of love.
When we finally pull back, tears of happiness cling to my lashes. Antonio tenderly brushes them away before taking my left hand. With reverent care, he slides the exquisite diamond ring onto my trembling finger. A perfect fit. Of course it is. I hold my hand up, watching the gems throw off prismatic bursts of light. The visible proof of our love makes everything real at last.
"It was my mother's ring," Antonio explains, his voice a bit rough. "She saved one for each of us, to give to the woman who captured her son's heart completely." His lips curve as he presses a fervent kiss to the delicate fingers now adorned with this family heirloom.
