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“And now?”

“Now I’m not so sure. Do you know what started the feud between my grandfather and the Scarlesis?”

She shook her head.

“He stole his partner’s betrothed.”

Her eyes widened. “That was your grandmother?”

“It was. All for love. So be warned.”

“Warned?”

“That I’ll never give you up.”

“Good, because I wouldn’t let you. You’re mine now, Vito D’Ascensio.” She rested her head on his shoulder. “So you think your grandfather wanted you to find love?”

“I think it was more that he wanted me to find my real self. I always believed I knew the sort of man I wanted to be—a good man like my father.”

“You are a good man.” She sounded almost angry. He liked that.

“Maybe I am. But that’s not who I want to be, not really. I want to be the sort of man who goes after what he wants, who doesn’t let anything stand in his way. And I think that’s whatNonnowanted for me as well, because only then could I really fall in love.”

“Aw, I bet he loved your grandmother so much.”

“He wasn’t one to talk of his feelings, but I’d like to think so.”

They watched as the sun set, turning the sea to red and gold, and the air cooled. As Vito took the boat back to shore, the moon rose, reflecting silver in the darkening sea.

“So,” he said as he lifted her onto the sand, “finally, my fantasy bride is my fantasy wife and back where she belongs.”

She took his hand as they headed toward the villa. “I guess some fantasies really do come true—if we want them enough.”