Chapter 52
~Elle~
The ache in my lower back, which had seemed harmless this morning, has sharpened into something undeniable.
Each wave of pain grows stronger, closer together, demanding my full attention.
I bite back the urge to cry out, clinging to composure.
There’s no mistaking it now—these are labor pains.
My heart races with a mix of fear and exhilaration. Our child is ready to arrive.
I hadn’t told Dominic earlier. He would have panicked, canceled the council meeting, and stayed glued to my side.
But after his uncle’s betrayal and Brio Leone’s treachery, his presence there was essential.
Tonight’s dinner, too, was the culmination of weeks of planning.
I couldn’t let my overprotective husband abandon it all because of me. Not yet.
The guests are mingling, laughter and conversation filling the larger dining room where Anna’s careful arrangements shine.
Round tables, warm light, a sense of ease—thankfully, nothing like the chaos of that infamous gathering when Catalina was cast out.
This evening feels calmer, almost celebratory.
If only my body would cooperate. I pray I can endure until the last guest departs, when I’ll finally tell Dominic the truth.
I glance around the dining room. Some guests are seated, savoring their meals, while others cluster in lively groups, laughter spilling across the space.
Just minutes ago, Anna chased me out of the kitchen with her spatula.
Well—“chased” might be generous. What I managed was more of a waddle than a run.
Determined to be useful, I drift toward the dessert table, checking that nothing needs replenishing. Everything looks perfect. And since I’m here, I allow myself a small indulgence before pausing to rub my aching lower back.
The evening has unfolded beautifully. My gaze travels across the room, landing on Dominic.
Even from a distance, the sight of him in his dinner suit makes my breath catch.
We nearly kept our guests waiting earlier, thanks to how devastatingly handsome he looked stepping out of the dressing room.
Now he stands surrounded by his capos, commanding the space with quiet authority.
As if sensing my eyes on him, Dominic turns. Adriano is speaking, but Dominic doesn’t hear a word. His focus is entirely on me. That smile—disarming, intimate—reminds me just how lucky I am. Mischief sparks. I reach for my phone, already plotting how to tease him.
I can’t wait to be alone again—to finish what we started earlier, husband. Just the sight of you in that suit has me aching with desire.
I press send. Dominic doesn’t break eye contact as he slips his phone from his breast pocket.
One glance at the screen, and then his gaze locks with mine.
His face flushes, a faint blush coloring his cheeks.
My breath catches as he drags his thumb slowly across his lower lip, a gesture that leaves my mouth dry.
Without a word, he steps away from his men. Dante calls after him, but Dominic doesn’t respond. His stride is purposeful, closing the distance between us. Dante follows his line of sight, grins knowingly, and turns back to Adriano’s conversation.
I should probably have my head examined. Who would imagine arousal could flare between contractions? Yet here I am, caught in the intensity of my husband’s gaze—focused entirely on me, as if no one else exists.
“Elle?” Serafina’s voice startles me. She’s suddenly at my side. I hadn’t noticed her approach. “Why is your husband looking at you like that?”
Still watching Dominic, I murmur, “Don’t know what you mean.” Her expression mirrors Dante’s grin. “Hmm… if you say so. But from the look of it, that man wants to devour you.”
I’m spared from answering when Dominic stops in front of me. His hand brushes my bare shoulder, sending a shiver down my spine.
“You’re asking for trouble, Angel,” he says, voice low and rough. His thumb lingers against my skin. “Cold, Angel?” he teases, though he knows exactly what his touch does to me.
Serafina’s eyes flick between Dominic and me.
She shakes her head, about to leave, when a sudden gasp escapes my lips.
Warm fluid rushes down my thigh beneath the lavender satin dress.
Shock freezes me. For a heartbeat, my mind refuses to register what’s happened—until the pain grips me, sharp and undeniable. A cry tears free.
“Angel, what’s wrong?” Dominic’s voice is urgent as I clutch his hand, unable to speak through the contraction. My gaze drops to the puddle forming at my feet.
“Her water broke, Dominic,” Serafina says quickly. “The baby is coming.”
Her words barely reach me. Dominic’s shout cuts through the room. “Dante!” In an instant, I’m lifted into his arms. Panic etches his usually stoic face, and I cringe at the thought of his dinner suit soaking through.
“What’s going on, Dom? Is Elle okay?” Dante calls, already moving.
“We need to get to the hospital—it’s time,” Dominic answers, his voice tight. Dante races ahead to bring the car around. Guests have fallen silent, all eyes on us. Serafina hurries off, promising to grab my hospital bag—the one she helped me pack yesterday.
Pain loosens its grip just enough for me to speak. I reach for Dominic’s face, trying to steady him. “We’re finally going to meet our baby.”
His eyes soften, but his voice breaks. “I should be reassuring you, Angel. I can’t stand seeing you in pain. I wouldn’t survive if anything happened to either of you.”
“Nothing will happen,” I whisper firmly.
He presses a kiss to my forehead, tightening his hold as Dante pulls the black SUV to a stop at the mansion’s front steps. Dominic carries me inside, Serafina rushing out with my bag. Her husband follows close behind. “We’ll be right behind you,” she promises, sliding the bag into the trunk.