28. Jasmine

Chapter twenty-eight

Jasmine

I wake up to the sound of rain tapping against the windowpane. Zane's arms are still wrapped around me, his breath warm on my neck. Despite the storm outside, I feel a sense of calm wash over me. I hadn't planned to dose while we snuggled in bed. Though it must not have been for long as Zane was still awake.

"Are you okay?" Zane asks, sensing my awakening.

"I am," I replied, turning to face him. "I was just thinking about everything you told me." I curl up in Zane's embrace, the warmth of his body soothing me. His heart beating against my ear is a comfort I never knew I needed. But as I lie here, my thoughts drift to Zane's sons and grandson. There are no women —no wives, no mothers, no daughters. It is just us. What happened to all the women in this family? And if I stay, will it happen to me, too?

"Zane," I whisper, breaking the silence. "Can you tell me about your family? Your mother, wife, and Alex's mom?"

Zane's hand rubbed small circles on my back. "My mother was a fighter. She was the strongest woman I've ever met, and it wasn't just me who toed the line when she was around, all the other kids did too. She lived a happy life, but early-onset dementia took its toll on her mind. Ten years ago, she passed away peacefully in her sleep."

I listened intently, feeling sad for someone I had never met.

"Remember, I'm a lot older than you. Mum was seventy-three, and Dad passed at seventy-eight."

"I'm sorry to bring this up for you." However sad it is, I am reassured by the natural and peaceful nature of their deaths. Old age is achievable in the mafia.

Zane plants a kiss on my worried brow.

"Isabella, my wife," Zane continues, his voice tightening with emotion. "She was my childhood sweetheart. We were supposed to grow old together, but cancer took her too soon. I did everything possible to save her, but it wasn't enough. I didn't think I'd ever find someone else, I didn't think I deserved anyone after being so lucky with her. But I feel different with you, like you were made for me."

I feel a lump form in my throat, imagining the pain he must have gone through.

"Alex's mom," Zane finishes softly. "It's a complicated story, I've mentioned some of it before. Let's just say she made some bad choices and ended up on the wrong side of the family. Marcus had to put his boy's mother in the ground to show Edward that he was ready to commit to the cartel. My son had to make a difficult decision, and he became the capo because of it. I don't think Marcus regrets it. He'd love to give Alex a mother but he just can't trust women after what she did to him and his boy. I hope your presence could change that."

I couldn't imagine having to make that kind of choice, to choose between family and loyalty. As I look at Zane, I realise these men are more complex than I had initially thought. They had loved and lost, just like anyone else, but it wasn't being in the mafia that had torn the women they lived from their lives. I'm relieved to hear this, as hard as it is for him.

"Thank you for telling me," I said, snuggling closer to him.

"I'll do anything for you," he replied, his arms tightening around me. "I'll always protect you."

"You've been through so much, but you're still here. You're still fighting." I give his hand a squeeze.

He squeezes me back, and I feel a sense of comfort wash over me. In this world of danger and uncertainty, I know I have someone who will protect me, no matter what.

I look at him, taking in his strong jawline, piercing eyes and his rugged handsomeness that belies the danger he carries with him. In this moment, I know that I can trust him.

"Thank you," I whisper, feeling a sense of gratitude wash over me. "I don't know how I would have survived if you hadn't arrived when you did."

Zane smiles a hint of mischief in his gaze. "Well, lucky for you, you won't have to find out because I'm not going anywhere."

I laugh, for the first time in a long time. I feel safe, even in a family of mafia criminals.

I feel grateful as we lie here listening to the rain. Zane has become more than just a protector; he's someone I can imagine spending the rest of my life with. A confidant, someone I can trust with my life.

As I drift back to sleep, I know that no matter what happens next, I will face it with him by my side.