Page 141 of Obsessed by My Ex's Mafia Uncle

She’s leaning back now, glass of wine in hand, her gaze moving between the three of us like she’s watching something unfold in real time.

“Look at you,” she continues, gesturing vaguely in my direction. “Holding a child, mediating between mother and daughter…”

She takes a sip.

“Proper family man.” She adds.

Enzo snorts into his glass.

I ignore him.

“Tell me something.” Atelia’s eyes dim slightly, her tone shifting to make it intentional now. “Are we going all the way with this?”

“All the way?” I glance at her.

“Mmh.” She nods. “You know, the full package of wife, kids, and domestic bliss.” She gestures toward the table, the pool, the entire scene like it’s evidence. “Is that where this is heading?”

“Yes,” I answer without missing a beat, my gaze tilting to Christine.

It’s almost as if the answer has been waiting for the question.

Christine chokes, her hand coming up to her chest as she coughs slightly, eyes darting like she’s suddenly surrounded by something she didn’t agree to.

“What?” She breathes, looking between us like she’s trying to find the exit to a room that just closed in.

“Wow.” Enzo bursts out laughing.

Atelia just smiles, satisfied.

I don’t take it back, because the second the word leaves my mouth it feels right. I know now that I don’t just want to be in her life. I don’t just want access. I want more.

I want something permanent.

Something that doesn’t leave room for distance or doubt or walking away.

I want to marry her.

And the thought doesn’t scare me the way it should.

It doesn’t feel rushed.

It feels… Obvious, like something I’ve been circling from the very day I set my eyes on her without naming.

Until now.

But then, just as quickly, something else follows.

How the hell do I keep her alive?