Page 113 of The Mafia King's Reign
I tilt her chin up just a little more.
"You think I want perfect?" I murmur. "I want you. Your mouth. Your attitude. The way you fight me like you think you might win."
A faint smirk touches my lips.
"You don't get replaced, Valentina." My thumb traces her bottom lip. "You get claimed."
I lean in, stopping just short of her mouth. She leans in and kisses me.
And for a moment… it all feels simple.
Normal.
Real.
Like we're actually building something instead of just playing roles.
"Thank you," she says softly. "For the tea. For listening. For not being a complete asshole about all of this."
I pull her against me, one arm around her waist, and we just sit there a little while longer, until I decide to walk her back to her room.
"See you later, in my bed?" I ask before walking away.
"Do I have a choice?"
"You always have a choice,Tesoro." My smile is sheepish.
"See you later, Salvatore."
I wait up for her, and when she climbs into my bed, I make love to her. Slowly, deeply. Every moan, every scream, every time she digs her nails into my back and arches beneath me, it's all mine. All ours.
And when she falls asleep in my arms afterward, her body curved into mine, her breathing soft and even, I know one thing for certain,
I'm never letting her go.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Valentina
The wedding planner's studio is housed in a converted brownstone. Exposed brick, crystal chandeliers, and champagne that probably costs more than my old monthly rent. Elena Costa is a whirlwind of efficiency in head-to-toe black, her silver hair swept into an elegant chignon.
"Mr. Vitale," she greets smoothly. "And the lovely bride. Please, sit."
My mother and sister are already seated on one of the cream-colored sofas, champagne flutes in hand.
Mama looks beautiful in her Sunday dress. Sofia is practically bouncing with excitement, her phone already out to document everything.
"Val!" Sofia jumps up to hug me. "Oh my God, this place is insane. Did you see the flower wall? And the cake samples?"
"Yes, I saw. This place is pretty incredible." I hug her tight, breathing in her familiar light floral perfume. I've missed her so much.
"Cara." Mama rises more slowly, her eyes moving between me and Salvatore. She takes my hands, searching my face. "You look... different."
"Different how?"
"I'm not sure yet." She squeezes my hands. "We'll talk."
Salvatore steps forward. "Mrs. Marino. It's good to see you again."
