Epilogue
Two months later…
I lean back in my chair, watching Gia fidget with the edge of her dress as she checks her reflection in the hallway mirror for the third time in the last five minutes. Her eyes dart from the door to the clock, her nerves palpable even from across the room.
“Gia,” I call softly, a smirk tugging at my lips. “You look like you’re about to face a firing squad, not host a couple of guests.”
She shoots me a glare, but I can see the blush creeping up her neck. My smirk widens. “It’s just Adrian and Kenzo,” I continue, my voice laced with amusement. “Two of the most dangerous men in the country, and you’re worried about how they’ll think of you? They’ve already met you, remember?”
“I’m not worried about them,” she mutters, adjusting her dress again as though it will magically make her feel more at ease. “I just—” She stops herself and glances at me, eyes narrowing suspiciously. “Stop looking at me like that.”
I grin a little too wide, a little too knowingly. “Like what?” I tease. “Like I’m watching you unravel, inch by inch?” I lean forward, resting my elbows on the table, enjoying every second of her discomfort. “You’re adorable when you’re nervous, amore mio .”
Her eyes flick to the door again, and she sighs, her shoulders slumping. “I don’t want them to think I’m… not good enough. That I don’t belong. The only time we spent together was when I was your prisoner and then when we were going to war. And I’ve only spent a few hours with Vanya and only slightly more time than that with Evaline.”
I raise an eyebrow, standing and moving toward her slowly, each step deliberate. “I’m sorry,” I drawl, voice rich with amusement. “Did you say not good enough ?” I lean in, tilting her chin gently with my finger, forcing her to meet my eyes. “Gia, you are everything . You’re strong, you’re fierce, and they love you.”
She swallows hard but doesn’t break the gaze, her heartbeat quickening. “They love me?” she repeats, her voice barely a whisper.
“Of course they do.” I lean in even closer, my breath warm against her ear. “You, my dear, have nothing to prove.”
She shifts uncomfortably, clearly not convinced. “But they’re so… put together. And Vanya… she’s, well, she’s perfect, and she’s been doing this all her life. It’s their first dinner here, I just want it to go smoothly.”
I chuckle, pulling back just enough to study her. “Vanya is Vanya , but she’s not you. She never will be.” My eyes darken with something more than just teasing now. “No one could ever be you , Gia. ”
A silence settles between us, her nervousness starting to fade, replaced by the warmth of my words. She exhales slowly, then sighs, a reluctant smile curling on her lips. “Okay, okay. I’m not as worried as I was.”
“Good,” I say, stepping back with a satisfied look on my face. “Because as much as I enjoy watching you squirm, I’d rather see you shine. Now, relax. Everything is going to be great.”
Gia’s cheeks flush again, but she stands a little straighter now, her shoulders less tense. “You’re impossible,” she mutters, but there’s no real heat in her words, just quiet affection.
I grin. “And you’re perfect just as you are.”
“I’m so glad you think so.” She winks at me. “Because there are definitely going to be times I’ll need to remind you of that.”
Licking my lips, I eye her hungrily. “I’m sure there will be.”
She leans in, her chest pressing against mine, and stares up at me, her eyes glowing.
“I can be a very bad girl.”
Chuckling, I grip the back of her neck with my hand and bring my lips until they’re just a breadth away from hers. “And I know just how to deal with naughty little girls.”
“I’m sure you do.”
“I love you,” I whisper against her lips.
“I love you, too.”
Forever and always.