Chapter 10 - THE DIAMOND NECKLACE
Six months later.
The air in Tuscany was warm, carrying the scent of crushed grapes and olive trees.
The villa overlooked a sprawling vineyard, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun.
I stood on the balcony, holding a glass of red wine, wearing a flowing silk evening gown. Inside, the villa was alive with music.
My mother was laughing with Uncle Arthur. Lily was running around the courtyard, chasing fireflies, safe and wildly happy.
Footsteps sounded behind me on the stone balcony.
Dante wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, pulling my back against his chest.
“Are you hiding from the party?” he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to my neck.
“Just taking it all in,” I smiled, leaning into his warmth.
The syndicate was completely legitimate now. The Marchettis were rotting in federal prison. And the Russo family had finally found peace.
Dante turned me around to face him.
He reached into his jacket pocket.
He didn’t pull out a key, or a ticket, or a photograph.
He pulled out a small black velvet box.
He opened it.
Inside was a breathtaking diamond necklace, glittering in the sunset.
“Dante,” I gasped. “It’s too much.”
“Nothing is too much for you,” he said softly.
He lifted the necklace and secured it around my neck. The cool diamonds rested against my collarbone.
Then, he didn’t step back.
He cupped my face, his dark eyes filled with a love so deep it took my breath away.
“I knew the moment you dropped that silver tray,” Dante whispered. “I looked at you, and I knew I would burn the world down to keep you safe.”
I smiled, tears pricking my eyes.
“You did burn it down,” I said.
“And we built a better one,” he replied.
May you like
He leaned down, and as the sun dipped below the Tuscan hills, Dante Russo kissed me.
No secrets. No shadows. Just us.
