I made love to her slowly. This wasn’t about getting off, about being consumed by desire and lust, this was something to show us everything was okay. A few days ago I’d thought I would lose her forever and now she was mine.

Between soft moans she told me she loved me. I kissed her lips. I’d never been the overly emotional type but I never got tired of her saying those words. “I love you too,” I said quietly. It still felt strange to admit it to someone.

When we lay in each other’s arms afterward, I felt a deep, all-encompassing peace I’d never felt before.

***

I woke at sunrise but Lily wasn’t there. I jerked upright, reaching for my gun on the nightstand, as usual expecting the worst. But Lily was there at the window, looking out. I didn’t have floor to ceiling windows like Luca’s penthouse, but they weren’t exactly small. But Lily had grown up as the daughter of a Consigliere. She’d had the best of everything all her life.

I swung my legs out of bed and walked toward her.

“It’s not as grand as you’re used to. Your family’s townhouse and Aria’s penthouse are much bigger than my apartment. You’re going to be the wife of a mere soldier.”

Lily jumped slightly, then she peered over her shoulder at me.

“Do you really think I care about things like that? When I lived in a huge house and had more money than I could possibly spend I was never happy, but when I’m with you I am.”

“Still, this will be a big change for you,” I said. I wasn’t exactly poor but she wouldn’t be able to afford as much as she had done before.

Lily turned to me fully and touched my cheeks. “I want only you, Romero. I don’t care about money.” She motioned around. “And this is a gorgeous place. Most people would be happy to live here. I love it.”

That was why I knew Lily was the one.

The sun finally peeked over the surrounding skyscrapers. “Look,” I said, pointing out toward the city.

Lily turned around in my arms, her back pressed against my chest, as we watched the sunrise. I wanted to enjoy this moment of peace and quiet, because I knew there wouldn’t be many more moments like that today. The Famiglia was at war with the Outfit now.

“I’m worried about Fabi. I wished there was a way to find out if he’s alright. What if Dante and Father didn’t believe his story? I could never forgive myself if something happened to him because of me.”

“I’ll figure out a way to get information, but I’m sure he’s fine. He’s your father’s only son. Even if your father is unhappy with him, Fabi won’t be punished too hard.”

“He’s married to a young woman now. He could produce a new heir,” she said bitterly.

“Let me call Luca and see if he knows anything,” I told her and untangled myself from her. Luca would probably be awake already, if he’d gone to bed at all.

Luca picked up after the second call. “Did you kill another Outfit member?” It was mostly said in a joking way, but I could hear the strain in his voice.

“No. Have you heard anything? Did Dante try to contact you?”

“He didn’t. He only sent me an email through one of his men that our cooperation is terminated.”

“He didn’t even contact you himself, or at least through his Consigliere?” I asked. That was a blatant show of disrespect and showed how bad the situation really was.

“I don’t think Scuderi is very keen on talking to me right now,” Luca said wryly.

Lily came up to me, an anxious look on her face.

“I suppose not,” I said. “Listen Luca, Lily is really worried about her brother. Do you have any way of finding out if he’s okay?”

“Aria has been trying to get in contact with Valentina but so far she hasn’t had any luck. She’ll try again later. You and Lily should come over anyway. We have a lot to discuss and the women can spend time together.”

“Alright. We’ll be there soon.” I hung up.

“And?” Lily asked hopefully.

“Luca doesn’t have any information about your brother yet, but he and Aria are trying to contact Valentina.”

“Do you really think Val will react to Aria’s calls? She’s Dante’s wife and now that there’s war between New York and Chicago, she’d risk a lot by getting into contact with Aria.”

Romero touched my cheek. “We’ll find out about your brother, Lily, I promise.”

We showered quickly before we headed for Aria’s apartment. When we stepped into the penthouse, Gianna and Matteo were already there despite it being only seven in the morning. The scent of freshly made coffee greeted me and Danishes waited on the kitchen counter. My sisters were standing and talking and I steered toward them while Romero walked up to Luca and Matteo who sat on the stools at the kitchen island.

Aria put her arm around me. “How are you Lily?”

“Okay. I didn’t sleep much but I’m just happy to be here with you and Romero.”

“Of course, you are,” Gianna said. “I’m so glad Romero got rid of that sick bastard Benito.”

An image of Benito’s blood covered body popped into my head but I pushed it aside. I didn’t want to think of him anymore. He wasn’t part of my life anymore.

Aria handed me a cup of coffee. “Here, you look like you need it. And you should eat something.”

“Mother hen mode active,” Gianna teased but then she too fixed me with a worried look. “And? How was your first night with Romero?”

“Gianna,” Aria warned. “Lily has gone through a lot.”

“It’s okay. I loved spending the night in Romero’s arms without being afraid of getting caught. For the first time we could watch the sunset together.”

“I’m so glad you are happy,” Aria said.

I nodded. “But I can’t stop worrying about Fabi. I want to know if he’s okay.”

“I’ve left two voicemails on Val’s phone. I really hope she’ll call me back.”

“Even if she does,” Matteo said. “We don’t know her motives. She might be doing it on Dante’s orders and be looking for information.”

“Val wouldn’t do that,” Aria said uncertainly.

“She’s the wife of the Boss. The Outfit is with where her loyalties lie. You are part of the Famiglia and that makes you the enemy,” Luca said.

I glanced at Romero. All this because I loved a man I wasn’t supposed to love, and because I wanted to be with him. Was I a selfish bitch? Romero met my gaze. I wished I could say I wouldn’t do it again but looking at him now, I knew I’d stab Benito again to save myself from a horrible marriage and be with the guy I was supposed to spend my life with.

I was a selfish bitch.

“Hey,” Aria said gently. “Don’t look so sad.”

I turned back to her. “You and Val got along so well. I know you talked on the phone often and now you can’t because of the mess I caused.”

“You are my sister Lily, and seeing you happy and having you in New York with us is more important than my friendship with Val. And maybe Luca can negotiate another truce with Dante. Dante is a pragmatic man.”