Page 34 of Mine Again (Mafia Bride #2)

Chapter Thirty-Three

Isabella

T he wind lifts my hair, tangling it across my cheek. The sea crashes around us, yet it seems like the world holds its breath, waiting for me to answer.

I gape at Sebastian, too stunned to speak.

It’s quite possible my mouth is hanging open too.

Here I’ve been racking my brain, turning Mia’s suggestion over and over, trying to figure out how to make it a reality. And now he delivers it to me, gift-wrapped on a silver platter.

It cannot be that easy.

But somehow, with him standing here, it is.

Maybe all the bad luck I’ve had with relationships is finally over, and the universe is smiling on me for a change.

About time.

This is falling into place so smoothly it almost feels like fate.

Sebastian searches my face, taking my hands in his.

He mistakes my silence for reluctance. There’s some of that, though not for the reasons he probably assumes.

“Isa, I know this is fast. But somehow this feels right.” He rests his forehead against mine again, his breath warm on my skin .

“I told you about my family’s expectations. That pressure to settle down. But I’ve never met a woman I could see myself building something real with. Not until you.”

His thumb traces my cheekbone, his voice softening.

“I’ve never been so drawn to someone. With you, it’s easy. To talk. To be.”

He smiles, but the seriousness returns almost at once.

“What we have is perfect. I will not let some stranger your family deems worthy swoop in and take you from me.”

His palm cradles my face, his eyes steady and sure.

“I believe in us, and in what we have together. It’s enough for a start. The rest will come with time. Let’s do this our way. Let’s give ourselves room to grow, without our families’ demands pushing us into corners.”

It’s not a declaration of love.

But it matches what I’m feeling, which makes this all the more believable.

Sebastian truly seems to believe we can make this work. That we can build something lasting, that this could grow into love.

I blink up at him.

My mouth opens, then closes again.

I blink once more, trying to find my voice.

His fingers on my cheek seem to tighten, as if willing me to say yes.

This is it.

This is what I wanted.

My ticket out of the mafia’s grip. My chance at freedom.

So why am I not saying anything?

I know why.

Because, deep down, I always dreamed of marrying for love. But with my background and the world I live in, that was never likely. Luca and I had gotten lucky. Until we weren’t lucky anymore.

This is the best next step I can take.

I draw in a long, steadying breath. The salt air fills my lungs.

I lift my gaze to Sebastian. His eyes have turned the color of a stormy sea, dark and full of intent.

And I speak the words that will change my life forever.

“Okay. Let’s do this on our terms.”

My voice trembles at first, but the words gather strength as they leave my lips. The wind carries them out to sea, as if sealing the promise between us.

“Yes. I will marry you.”