1. Ryan

Chapter 1

I'm sitting in my favorite chair by the window that overlooks my vast backyard. It's a calm, sunny afternoon in Silver Spoon Falls—my first day off in weeks.

I'm halfway through the mystery novel I've been trying to read for months when my phone buzzes with an incoming call. I glance down and see my old friend Lorenzo's face flash across the screen. Fuck. It's been a hot minute since I talked to him. Reluctantly, I place my book on the side table and swipe to answer. "Hello."

"It's about time. I thought you were avoiding my call." Lorenzo's voice is unmistakable, rough around the edges mixed with a distinctive New York accent.

"I answered on the third ring," I reply, shaking my head at his impatience. I guess that's what you get when you become the mafia boss's right-hand man right out of college. When his uncle retired three years ago, Lorenzo took his place as the head of the Amante family.

"I need a favor, and I trust you more than anyone else," he says, his tone slightly urgent.

I'm betting I'll regret this. "Sure, anything. What's going on?" I respond, wondering what could cause Lorenzo to sound so serious.

"It's about Michela," he begins. My mind flashes to his little sister, who I haven't seen in years. The tiny dark-haired little imp ten years younger than us always tried to hang out with the older kids. Last I heard through the old neighborhood grapevine, she was busy with college, dreaming of becoming a teacher.

I grip the phone tighter. "What's up with Michela? Is she okay?" I ask, concern creeping into my voice.

"She's fine, more stubborn than ever." It's easy to picture my friend sitting at his antique oak desk with his feet up on the polished surface as he complains. "My little sister is the biggest pain in my ass. Without bothering to discuss it with me, she decided to take a goddamn job in Silver Spoon Falls," he grumbles. "I tried to talk her into staying here and letting me help her get a job in the family business, but trying to change her mind is goddamn impossible."

"I'm not shocked." I chuckle, picturing the little firecracker standing up to her protective, much older brother.

I haven't seen Michela in years, but my grandmother makes sure to bring her up every time we talk. She swears Michela has become the most beautiful, sweetest woman in New York. The sudden memories cause my heart to squeeze in my chest as I realize all I've missed since I moved away years ago and never looked back.

"Me neither. She's independent to a fault. She's not going to ask for help, even if she needs it," Lorenzo growls, and I can picture my old friend pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. "Would you keep an eye on her for me?"

"Of course, Lorenzo. You didn't even need to ask. I'll look out for her," I assure him. It's the least I can do for a friend who's always had my back. Plus, his little sister holds a special place in my heart.

"Thanks, man. I knew I could count on you," he says, sounding relieved. "She's flying into Houston tomorrow. She rented an apartment in a secure building in downtown Silver Spoon Falls and should be in town Friday. I sent a few guys down to keep an eye on her, but she lives to try my patience. Every time you turn around, she's giving the idiots the slip."

I chuckle to myself at the thought of big mafia thugs trying to keep up with the little firecracker. "No problem. I'll take care of her," I promise, realizing I'm going to have to cancel my plans to go to my fishing cabin in Midnight Falls this weekend.

After putting in extra hours at the club for a month straight, I could use a weekend off to unwind. Looks like I'll have to wait a while to get my weekend away.

We chat for a few more minutes before hanging up, and I find myself thinking about Michela. The last time I saw her, she was barely a teenager, full of dreams and energy but already fucking gorgeous, which drove her protective older brother nuts.

It killed me to move away from Lorenzo and his family, but I knew I couldn't stay since it would mean joining the family. While I love my friend and his connected family, I knew I wasn't cut out for that life.

Friday arrives quicker than I expected. I wake up early to deal with my work emails and then head to town to find Michela.

Lorenzo has been messaging me constantly, reminding me to check on his little sister, and I'm tempted to fuck with him a little. Probably not the best thing to do, but I've always loved to live dangerously.

When his latest text comes in, I can't help myself.

Lorenzo

Don't forget today is the day.

Me

Day for what?

Lorenzo

Don't fuck with me. Today isn't the day for it.

I know him well enough to know he's probably dealing with things I don't want to even attempt to imagine.

Me

I'm on my way to town to check on her now.

Lorenzo

Keep me updated.

Me

You're welcome.

He doesn't respond, but I didn't really expect him to. I grab my keys and head out to my truck. A little voice in the back of my mind warns me that my life will never be the same again, but I shake off the forewarning.

Walking down Main Street, I debate how I should introduce Michela to the town. Silver Spoon Falls isn't huge, but it's cozy and buzzing with life. A perfect place for a new venture. Of course, the stubborn, independent kitten might not want my help no matter what her brother thinks.

I spot a moving truck parked outside the modern building. It stands tall and gleaming against the skyline, a striking example of modern architecture. Its fa?ade is a sleek interplay of glass and steel, with expansive windows that reflect the ever-changing colors of the sky. The structure rises gracefully, each floor tiered slightly to create a sense of movement and rhythm. The glass panels are floor-to-ceiling, inviting abundant natural light into the interiors and offering panoramic views of the town.

A petite figure with flowing coffee-colored hair and a determined look on her face hurries about, directing the movers. It's Michela. Fucking hell. My heart squeezes in my chest as my cock wakes the fuck up. The beautiful girl I knew years ago has grown into a stunning, curvy woman. Sweat breaks out along my back as I realize I should've listened to the little voice of reason in the back of my mind that's been nagging.

I walk over, the nostalgia I should be feeling already replaced by intense hunger. "Hey, Michela!" I call out, my voice croaking. I clear my throat and start again. "A little birdy told me you were moving to town."

She turns, rolling her eyes as a smile breaks out across her pouty lips. "Little birdy?" She snorts. "You mean a big, grouchy hawk ready to pounce." She rushes over to hug me, and I get the fucking shock of my life. Her curves melt against my muscular frame, sending electricity blasting through my body.

"Welcome to Silver Spoon Falls!" I pull back, swallowing the hunger that's bound to get me killed if her brother ever finds out. "Need a hand?" Fuck. I have to get control of these crazy emotions before I do something stupid—like tying her little ass to my bed.

She groans and glances over her shoulder at the large truck parked in front of the building. "At this point, I'll take all the help I can get. Thank you!"

We spend the next few hours directing the movers, unloading boxes, and arranging furniture. The manual labor does very little to kill the unexpected hunger coursing through me. By the time we take a break for dinner, I know the little voice was right. I'll never be the same again.

One look at grown-up Michela, and I lost my heart and soul to her. It might get me killed, but I'm going to do whatever it takes to make Michela mine forever. Even if it means going up against her mob boss older brother.

Once we finish up for the day, Michela sits on one of the black and stainless-steel chairs we just unloaded. "I know you probably didn't have a choice in helping me since my brother is impossible to say no to, but I'd like to cook you dinner tonight to thank you. I'll have to use your kitchen if that's okay." She isn't shy at all, and I'm pretty sure the hunger shining from her gorgeous blue eyes means she's experiencing the same crazy feelings as me. "I haven't found the box with my kitchen supplies yet."

It's a fucking bad idea having the object of my intense desire in my home with a bed only feet away, but there's no way I can deny Michela anything.

"Why don't you take a quick shower and I'll order us some dinner." After the long day of manual labor, I refuse to let my gorgeous girl spend the evening cooking.

She stands up to her full five-foot-nothing height and glares at me as her adorable New York accent comes out in full force. "You don't want me to cook for you?"

"I'd love for you to cook for me, but not tonight. You've already put in a full day of work," I insist, watching as the anger evaporates from her gaze. I take this opportunity to make something clear to her. "And another thing, Lorenzo didn't twist my arm. I wanted to spend the day with you, even if it meant doing manual labor." Seeing Michela again has driven home just how much I've missed her. Only my feelings are no longer pure and platonic.

It's crazy, and I might get myself killed, but I'm not letting Michela get away now that I've realized how necessary she is to my survival.

"Okay." The dimple in her right cheek appears as she smiles at me. "I'll cook for you tomorrow then."

"Sounds like a date."

"Could we possibly have dinner at your house? I'm feeling claustrophobic from all the boxes stacked everywhere in here." She points around the large apartment.

"It's a date."