Epilogue

The sun is setting over the Tuscan hills, painting the sky in shades of gold and amber. I lean against the railing of the villa’s balcony, a glass cradled in my hand as I take in the breathtaking view.

It’s been years since that fateful day, years of healing, laughter, tears and love beyond measure. Maty’s business is thriving, her matchmaking skills in high demand among the elite and the loveless.

And me? I’m still the local capo of the DeLuca family , still the mafia king ruling over my small empire with an iron fist. But I’m also a husband now, a father to the two most beautiful children ever to draw breath.

Our daughter has her mother’s soulful dark eyes, but she’s a perfect blend of both our features. And our son…he’s the spitting image of Maty, right down to the stubborn jut of his chin and the mischievous curl of his smile.

They’re my whole fucking world, the three of them. And I would burn cities, move mountains to keep them safe and happy.

“Hey, handsome.”

I turn at the sound of my wife’s voice, a slow smile spreading across my face. She’s a vision in a simple sundress, her dark curls tumbling around her shoulders and her skin glowing like every time she’s heavy with one of our babies.

That’s right. In a few short months, we’ll be adding a new little prince or princess to our family. And I couldn’t be fucking happier.

I set my glass aside, opening my arms in invitation. Maty comes willingly, folding herself into my embrace with a happy sigh. I bury my nose in her hair, breathing deep of the jasmine and honey scent that never fails to center me.

“I love you,” I murmur, the words well-worn on my tongue by now.

She tilts her head back to smile up at me, her eyes sparkling with mischief, her fingers dancing along the tattoos on my neck.

I narrow my gaze in mock warning. “Woman, you tread on dangerous ground,” I growl, nipping playfully at her earlobe.

She laughs, the sound bright and carefree.

My arms tighten around her.

Her smile softens, turns infinitely tender. She reaches up to draw my forehead down to hers.

I close my eyes, letting the feel of her wash over me. This. This is what I fought for, what I would kill and die for without a second’s hesitation.

My family. My future. My happily ever after, hard-won and precious.

And I know I am, without a doubt, the luckiest bastard to ever draw breath.

The End.

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