Part 15:

He held out his hand, his lined face shifting into something almost warm. Welcome to the family, Selene Moretti. His grip was surprisingly strong. His eyes cut to Aleandro. My nephew made a smart choice. Entertaining one, two. Giani stood at the window with his back to everyone, shoulders tight, not saying a word. Around them, voices started picking up.

Not angry, just excited, like men who’ just spotted an angle they’d missed. It’s completely legal. Nothing the EU can freeze. This actually works. Aleandro’s voice cut clean through the noise. Johnny. Every head turned toward the man at the window. As head of the Lombardi family, we need your sign off.

Aleandro’s tone stayed level, controlled. Give us your answer and let me walk out of here with my wife. Giani turned slow, and Seline’s hand squeezed Aleandro’s involuntarily as this dangerous man crossed the room toward them with deliberate steps. He stopped right in front of Aleandro, eyes hard. You went against my orders. Alessandro stepped forward, closing the gap between them, his voice dropping low.

I didn’t go against you. I grabbed the girl, fell for her, married her, and fixed our problem. In that order, Giani stared at him for what felt like forever, and Seline couldn’t breathe while these two men sized each other up with years of family hanging between them. Then Giani’s mouth curved, not quite a smile, but close, and he pulled Aleandro into one of those rough embraces that looked like it might turn into a fight, but didn’t. Then, congrats, cousin.

Giani’s voice carried across the room. On the marriage and the solution. When they broke apart, Aleandro nodded to the room. With your permission, I’m taking my wife on our honeymoon. His hand tightened around Seline’s. I sent the implementation plan to everyone’s phones. We start tomorrow. He turned. Seline’s hand locked in his, and they walked toward the exit at a pace that looked casual, but felt like barely controlled escape.

Voices rose behind them as they hit the stairs. Arguments, questions, excited planning. But Aleandro kept moving, kept holding her hand, kept putting distance between them and that room full of dangerous men. They didn’t speak until the Mercedes pulled away from the villa. And even then, Aleandro just brought her hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles like she’d just saved his life.

“You were incredible,” he said against her skin. Seline let out a shaky breath, adrenaline finally catching up, and leaned into him when his arm came around her shoulders. They had walked into the lion’s den, and somehow they’d walked back out alive. The Mercedes pulled up to the diplomatic residence in Monaco. 3 hours after they’d left Sicily and Richard Davenport stood waiting at the entrance like he’d been watching for their arrival.

The second Selene stepped out of the car, she broke into a run, and Richard caught her in his arms with the kind of desperate relief only a parent who’d thought they might lose their child could understand. “Dad.” Her voice broke against his shoulder. “You’re safe.” Richard’s arms tightened around her.

“Thank God you’re safe.” When they finally pulled apart, Richard turned to Aleandro and extended his hand, his grip firm despite the conflict clear in his expression. “Thank you for protecting her and for He paused, jaw working. For saving her again.” Aleandro inclined his head respectfully as he accepted the handshake. “Sir.

” Richard’s hand dropped and his face hardened into something that looked more like the diplomat Seline knew. controlled, strategic, already calculating his next move. But now I need to ask you to stay away from us, from her permanently. Seline’s throat went tight, her eyes darting between her father and Aleandro, and she felt Alessandro’s jaw clench even though he didn’t move.

“Richard,” Aleandro said quietly, his voice carrying weight despite the calm delivery. That’s not really possible because Seline and I are married. Richard’s expression went blank with shock. You did what? Dad. Seline stepped forward, her hand finding Alessandro’s. It was necessary. Part of the plan to keep us both safe. Then get it anulled.

Richard’s voice came sharp, brooking no argument. Immediately. Aleandro cleared his throat, and something in the sound made both of them look at him. That’s not possible either. Not yet. For her safety, for the appearance that keeps threats away, Seline needs to stay my wife.

At least for now, he paused, his hand tightening around Selen’s. She’s part of the family now. Leaving isn’t as simple as signing papers. But when the time comes, his voice roughened slightly. If she wants a divorce, she can have one. Richard’s face flushed with anger, barely held in check. How dare you put my daughter in this position, Aleandro? trap her in a marriage she didn’t choose. Dad.

Selene cut him off, her voice firm in a way that made both men stop and look at her. I love him. The words fell into silence like stones into still water. Richard stared at her like she just announced she was moving to Mars. Seline, you saw his world. You were kidnapped, forced into marriage. This man is dangerous. You can’t possibly think I’m going to stand by and let.

I’m not asking for permission, Selene said, and her voice stayed steady even though her heart was racing. I’m making a choice, she took a breath, meeting her father’s eyes directly. You’re dangerous, too, Dad. You’ve spent my whole life trying to protect me because your work makes you a target. I’ve lived with threats and security and the knowledge that people might use me to get to you.

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