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“Who is watching the kids today?” I asked, looking around for Cecilia.
“Me,” she said shyly, a small blush creeping up her cheeks. I smirked as I realised how much that would have meant to her. For Cecilia to trust her enough to watch the children. “It is only for an hour or so. She went to the hospital to help bring Giovanni back and there's loads of staff and Marco around, so it’s not really just me but- “
I grabbed her hand in mine to calm her. She looked up at me with those big, blue eyes. “An hour or a day. It doesn’t matter. She is beginning to trust you.”
She nodded happily. I looked over at my two youngest cousins and groaned internally. That messed up my plans today. I was going to take Cami somewhere where we could be alone. Where I could be honest with her about everything.
I spoke to Gio last night on the phone. Together, we decided that we were going to come clean to Sal and Francesco. We had run out of time to find a better plan. I was going to marry Cami to keep the alliance and if they weren’t happy with it being because I am a Capo and not in line to be Boss, Gio would offer to step down. I knew it was a long shot. Sal will never go for it. He has underestimated me my entire life. He sees me as the impulsive, cheeky younger nephew who makes a joke out of everything. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. He had no idea that I studied hard in my spare time to learn about the ins and outs of business and constantly look into new deals or potential investments that would give the family more wealth and power. Gio had all that training from Sal and Toni himself. He was the chosen one. But I was cast aside like the no-good runt of the family. And I honestly didn’t care. It was how I liked it. I had the freedom to do what I wanted within my territory and Sal stayed out of my way. Gio and I would have open discussions in front of Toni or Sal about ideas for upcoming deals. A few weeks later, Toni would be taking all the credit. Most people would feel disheartened by it but it just amused me. I liked that none of them except Gio knew how smart I was or how much potential I had. I was the dark horse of the family and I liked it that way.
But now things are about to change. I was about to be thrust under their radar and not in a good way. But sometimes life will fuck you sideways and you just have to change positions and enjoy it. When life gives you lemons and all that bollox. I glanced back at Cami as she watched the children with a smile and my heart leapt in my chest. I wanted to do this right. I didn’t want her to think I was just doing this out of duty. Because I would marry her regardless. She deserved the fairy-tale and I know I look far from prince fucking charming but I was willing to try my best to give it to her.
“When Cecilia returns, meet me in the maze please. I’ll be there waiting, however long it takes.” I spoke quietly so the children didn’t hear and her eyes sparkled with excitement.
“Okay.”
I squeezed her hand before I stood up and left to get my plan in action. I would have given anything to just kiss her whenever I wanted but it would have to wait a little bit longer. Making my way down to the wine cellar, I pulled out a vintage champagne and grabbed two glasses. Hiding it in a duffel bag, I ransacked the fridge for strawberries and chocolates before I sneakily grabbed some throws from the private living room. Cecilia would have my balls if she knew I had taken them but seeing as she messed up my original plan of taking Cami to a private beach for the day, she owed me.
I made my way to the maze and after longer than I care to admit, I found my way to the middle. At least this place held some sentiment for us, so it wasn't a complete lost cause. I opened out the expensive, cashmere throws on the grass floor, before placing the Champagne in an ice bucket that I’d also sneaked out of the kitchen. Sitting down on the throws, I pulled the velvet box out of my pocket and leaned my elbows on my knees as I opened it in my hands. It was the perfect ring. A silver diamond band with a huge square solitaire. When I saw it, I instantly thought of her. I just hope she liked it. Snapping the box shut, I laid down on the ground and stared up at the clouds gliding across the bluest of skies that reminded me of her eyes. Now to wait.
∞∞∞
Camilla
“Liv! Gio!” Sani bounded over to the couple who walked through the front door hand in hand. I smiled at Olivia, who returned it warmly. I hoped we could be friends. I’ve never really had any true friends, not ones that weren’t interested in my family’s money or influence anyway. My eyes flickered up at Giovanni, standing next to her. I almost had to do a double take. He looked so different. For one, he was smiling. A genuine smile. He ruffled Sani’s hair as Sani started to ask him about what it was like to be shot and bombarding him with millions of questions. But it wasn’t just the smile. He was wearing casual clothes and his hair wasn't styled back like normal, giving him that intimidating appearance. He looked youthful today. And happy.
His dark eyes locked with mine as he sensed me studying him and he gave me a small nod and smile. I grinned back, hoping that this might be a fresh start for us too. If this is the way he looked when Liv was around, then I really hoped she would move in.
“Were the children okay? They didn’t give you any trouble?” Cecilia walked over to me and I shook my head.
“No, they were angels,” I smiled. She raised one eyebrow in surprise before smiling. “Well, thank you Camilla.”
“It was my pleasure. I don’t want to intrude on family time. If you'll excuse me, I am going to take a walk in the gardens.”
They all nodded as I turned to head out to the maze in the back garden.
“Cami! Wait a sec!” A voice behind me had me stop and turn. Olivia jogged up, her wavy brown hair flowing behind her. She was so effortlessly beautiful. “I just wanted to say, thank you.” I scrunched my face up in confusion and she smiled. “How do I put this… thank you for not being a bitch and trying to steal my man.”
I burst into a fit of giggles as she joined me. “You’re welcome.”
“I hope we can be friends. I think we are going to need each other with these men around,” she added, and my cheeks hurt from how wide I was smiling.
“I would love that, Olivia.”
“Please call me Liv,” she gave me a quick hug and then pulled back. “I’ll see you around the house I guess.”
“You are moving in?” I asked excitedly.
“Yes. It looks that way.” She waved as she took a few steps backwards before returning over to the Buccini family. I felt a weight lift off my shoulders as I made my way out onto the freshly cut back lawn. This family was so different from mine. I know they seemed ruthless and terrifying to begin with, but there was love between them all. So much love. It was the complete opposite to what my family was like. The only person I could vaguely tolerate was my nineteen-year-old brother, Enzo.
I really hoped I never had to go back to that place. That somehow all of this would work out for the best and I could stay. Suddenly, the realisation hit me. Olivia was moving in, which meant the alliance was off. After Giovanni’s near-death experience, he wasn't fucking about anymore. He wasn’t trying to hide his feelings for Olivia now. It was only a matter of time before I was sent back to my papi. I paused as I reached the entrance of the maze and leaned against the bush. I felt panic simmering to the surface and my heart was beating like crazy. I couldn’t go back. If they didn't kill me, I would be beaten. Then I would be passed around to my papi’s friends until he found another alliance that he would use me for. No. I would rather die.
I hunched over, grabbing my stomach as the pain of leaving all of this became real. Having to leave Max. I am going to run away. It was the only thing I could do. I couldn’t saddle Max with the burden of trying to protect me from the inevitable. With my mind made up, I stood up straight and walked into the maze to find him. I will leave tomorrow. I knew he would help me. He could get me away from here, some cash, a new passport maybe. As I reached the middle of the maze, I froze at the scene before me. There was Max on one knee holding a box, his smile was so breath-taking I think it actually stole the air right out of my lungs.
“Wh-what are you doing?” I whispered as I looked around at all the roses on the floor, the blankets, champagne and food. My eyes flickered back to him on one knee and I slammed my hand across my mouth.
“Camilla Aiani. I know we haven’t known each other for very long but from the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew. I knew you had become my whole life. I would go to the ends of the Earth for you without ever wanting anything in return. But I am going to ask for one thing… Just this once… And if your answer is yes…I will never ask for anything from you ever again because you will have given me everything I could ever want.”
My eyes watered as his piercing green eyes bore into my soul, making me feel every word like a sonnet written just for me. “Cami, will you marry me?”
