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Alessio grumbles under his breath, and his grip tightens around my waist.

I rise onto my toes and press a quick kiss to his lips. “Come on, big guy. We can’t keep everyone waiting.”

I try to step around him, but his hand catches my arm, pulling me back. His lips find mine again. Slower this time, deeper, making my pulse skip. When he pulls back, his breath ghosts against my ear.

“You look beautiful,” he whispers so low, like he isn’t sure he wants me to hear him.

I should crack a joke, push it off like it’s nothing, but those words land somewhere soft, somewhere I wasn’t ready for. A stupid smile spreads across my face, that won’t seem to budge.

We stand toe-to-toe, staring at each other. It’s quiet, but comfortable.Without saying another word, he laces our fingers and leads me toward the door.

Ready or not, here we go.

Alessio introduces me to his men. My head spins keeping track of the names and faces of those eager to meet me.

Their respect for him is obvious. The way they laugh, joke, and wait for his cues—he owns the room. It feels weirdly nice, like maybe I could picture myself in this world. Sure, they probably have FBI files thicker thantextbooks, but they seem genuinely decent, in their own criminal, mildly terrifying way.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Paola. She flashes me a proud smile that makes my chest squeeze before she turns to a caterer. “You absolute moron!” she snaps at the poor guy, who nearly drops a bottle of champagne. I try to catch the rest of her colorful threats, but Kota strolls up, interrupting me from being nosy.

“Looks like congratulations are in order,” he grins, pulling me into a quick side hug. “Didn’t think the Boss had it in him.”

I smirk. “What, charm and good taste?”

Kota laughs. “Nah, to bring someone around who isn’t scared of him. He’s normally... less friendly.”

“Oh, I’m terrified,” I deadpan. “I just hide it with sarcasm.”

“Bold strategy,” Kota smirks. “Most people just nod and pray.”

“Yeah, well,” I glance at Alessio, “I like to keep him on his toes.”

Kota grins wider. “I like you. You might actually survive.”

“Gee, thanks,”I say. “That’s comforting.”

Kota chuckles, giving my shoulder a light squeeze before stepping back. “Just saying, most people don’t joke around with him like that. You’ve got guts.”

“Or questionable survival instincts,” I quip, glancing at Alessio. “Probably both.”

Kota grins. “Yeah, definitely both.”

Before I can retort, Alonzo shows up with a drink in hand and a stupid smirk in place. “Didn’t think you’d last this long.”

“Funny.” I give him a bland smile. “I was just thinking how you light up a room.”

Kota snorts. “She’s quick. I like her.”

Alonzo raises a brow. “Careful. That mouth’s gonna get you in trouble.”

“Pretty sure that ship sailed the moment I met him.” I nod toward Alessio, who, despite pretending to focus on another conversation, is definitely listening.

Alessio walks over, slipping his arm around me. “Did I miss something?” His words are directed at the group, but his eyes lock on Alonzo.

“Nothing, Boss,” Alonzo mutters before turning on his heel, storming off like a kid denied candy.

Alessio’s thumb brushes against my hip, a silentI’ve got you.It sends a ripple through me that makes that stupid, cheesy smile come back.

Paola appears behind us. “Take your seats,” she says, waving a hand toward the table, looking over the staff like she’s ready to bark her next order. “Dinner will be served shortly.”