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I wonder if we’re going to Artie’s hotel, but when we make a detour into Queens, I have no idea what to expect.
“It’s good to see you with a smile, finally,” Donny says.
“Well, you really outdid yourself this time. We collecting? I think I’m ready to start making rounds with you again.”
“Something like that.” He jumps out of the car at a valet lot in front of a restaurant called Bruschetta in Whitestone.
He takes my hand, and we head into a dimly lit restaurant packed to the gills. The host nods at Donny, as do all the waiters hustling past.
“Right this way, boss.” The host grabs two menus, and the patrons part like the sea as we pass the bar. Everyone’s enjoying themselves. I could use a drink.
I tug on Donny’s arm and motion to the bar for a pitstop, but he only squeezes my hand and drags me along. My brow furrows when we pass the restaurant section, and my heart sinks a little when we start walking up a set of cast-iron stairs, away from the noise. Maybe this is a collection after all.
The host opens a glass door and waits patiently for us to finish up the stairs, and for the second time today, my jaw drops.
Flower petals line the floor, leading all the way to a single table set at the center of the restaurant roof on a windless spring evening. Candles are placed all around into the shape of a heart, and I almost die inside.
The waiter laughs slyly as he places both menus on the table. “I think you did a nice job, boss. Look at her.”
Donny grins while whipping off his leather jacket and placing it around my shoulders. He kisses my cheek and pulls out my chair.
“I’ll give you two some time.” The waiter bows out.
I go to sit, but Donny holds me in place. I look up at him, and he’s gazing into the distance at the skyline.
“It’s beautiful here, isn’t it?”
“Mmm… And just how many girls have you done this for?” I hold back a cheeky laugh.
“You’d be the first, rabbit.” He looks at me, and my heart skips. His one giant arm around my back might as well be a blanket of support. “You changed me. And I’m not just saying that because you saved my life. Hey. Hey.”
He catches my face by the chin when I look away.
“I mean it. Before you, I would only think about the next grab… the next kill, anything to strengthen my empire. Now, I think of more. You’re my reason to preserve it, Ellie. I want to give you everything. You understand me?”
“Yeah, I hear the words, but you’re acting weird as hell,” I say, scanning his face.
He looks down at his feet, then back up to me. “Me and your father shared a few words before I removed the headphones earlier.”
“Oh yeah? Something bad?” I tilt my head, trying to decipher why he’s being so… off.
“I asked him for something. Something big…”
Donny bows down to one knee, and when I realize what’s happening, my whole body begins to quiver with joy. I don’t think I can take any more surprises today.
“Ellie Rabbit Rigiano—”
I laugh at that one and cover my mouth just as fast.
“This past year has been a rollercoaster to hell and back. We both have scars to prove it. But ever since I saw you strut into my kitchen with that black dress on, declaring yourself the sexiest prisoner I’ve ever captured, I knew you were the woman for me. Your dad gave me his blessing today, and now there’s only one more person I need a yes from. Ellie… will you marry me?”
Chapter 22
Ellie
Donny slides the most gorgeous emerald-cut diamond ring I’ve ever seen on my finger. He looks slick as intended, but there’s a slight tremble to his hands, and I know it isn’t the weather. That nervousness makes my knees weak. He’s never nervous.
All this – my father’s blessing, his approval, setting up this special moment – he truly wants forever with me, not just a promise for it.
