Page 108 of Pietro

"That's our life, Nora. That's how we survive."

"No, that's how you slowly die." Her eyes bore into mine. "You're not the wrong brother, Pietro. You're the one who stepped up when everything fell apart. You're the one holding this family together while carrying guilt that isn't even yours."

Something cracks in my chest. Before I can think, I grab her face and crush my mouth to hers. She makes a surprised sound but doesn't pull away. Her lips are soft, warm, real.

When we break apart, we're both breathing hard.

"You make me feel..." I struggle for the words. "Human. You make me feel human when I forget I am."

She touches my face, her thumb tracing my jaw. "Because you are human, Pietro. Not just a Don, not just a soldier. A man who's allowed to hurt."

The tenderness in her voice nearly undoes me.

"What happened to Lucrezia?" she asks softly. "After the wedding?"

A laugh escapes me, surprising us both. "She married Daniel."

Nora's eyes widen. "What?"

"We were all furious at first, but..." I shrug. "Daniel saved Bruno's life. Killed both Russians. Proved his loyalty wasn't just to Lucrezia."

"And now?"

"She's pregnant."

A smile spreads across Nora's face, bright and genuine. "Good for them."

She's right. It was the right thing. Lucrezia and Daniel were in love, real love, not some strategic alliance. They chose each other despite everything.

But I won't say that out loud. Can't admit that their happiness makes sense while our world demands cold calculation.

"Damiano still wants our alliance," I say instead. "The marriage was supposed to seal it, but now..."

"Now you have to find another way."

"Or another bride for someone." The words come out bitter.

Nora's hand drops from my face. "Is that what you want?"

"What we want doesn't matter."

"It should."

I look at her, this woman who sees too much, understands too much. Who makes me want things I can't have.

"We should go inside. Lorenzo and Nico are waiting."

She studies me for a long moment, then nods. "This conversation isn't over."

"It never is with you."

"Get used to it." She opens her door. "Someone needs to remind you you're allowed to be human."

I follow her out of the car, watching her walk toward the restaurant with that defiant tilt to her chin.

NORA

The moment we step into Arancini, heaven wraps around me. Garlic and basil dance with a rich aroma of truffle. Fresh bread cooling somewhere nearby. The kind of smells that make you forget you're walking into a mob meeting.