Page 70 of Unrestricted

"Oh, that's wonderful."

Adriano looks at me with the same concern he does every time his cousin's name comes up. He thinks I'm still carrying feelings for him but the truth is I never really loved Gabriele. If I had I would have made different choices four years ago. It's something I reflect on often.

Though I wish Gabriele hadn't suffered the way he did I can't help being selfish and thinking I'd do exactly the same as before. The path I took led me to Adriano and that's all that matters. I’ve told him that a thousand times but I’m not sure he believes me.

"Got you a present." He sets his wine glass down and gets up from his seat. There’s a shift in his expression that makes me wary. He’s up to something and I’m not sure how I’ll feel about it.

He comes around to the side of the table and gets down on one knee. There’s a red velvet ring box in his hand. Anticipation prickles through my veins as I realize what’s about to happen and how much I want it.”Marry me."

It's not exactly a question.

"Yes. Of course." My response holds as little sentiment as his proposal but neither of us is big on sappy declarations. We laid our feelings bare once and for us that was enough.

He nods once. Taking my hand, he slides the ring onto my finger and I admire it for a moment. He chose well. The ringis a gold band with a diamond at the centre and several tiny sapphires set around it.

"If I'd known it was this special an occasion I'd have made a nicer dinner,” I tell him.

"If you'd known I was going to propose you might have caught the next flight out of Rome."

“No Adriano, I’m done running.”

I throw my arms around his neck and kiss his cheek. I’m right where I belong.