Page 334 of Rosetti Family New York

"You can." His grip tightens, fingers pressing into my skin. "You're stronger than anyone knows, even yourself. You survived without me before. You can do it again if you need to."

"I don't want to."

"Neither do I." His forehead touches mine, sharing breath in the close space between us. "But wanting doesn't change reality. And the reality is that loving me has put a target on your back that might never go away."

The truth settles between us, a heavy weight neither of us wants to bear. This isn't just about Friday night anymore, it's about accepting that our love exists in a world where devotion creates risk, where deep connections can be used by enemies.

"Show me the rest," I whisper, needing to see the full extent of his plans, how he's prepared for my survival without him.

He turns on his screens, not to show tactical data, but maps, escape routes through the city, safe houses in other countries, financial networks that could support me forever. Not plans for our mission, but a guide for my future if he's not there.

"Swiss accounts," he says, tracing digital paths while holding my hand. "Only you can access them with your biometrics. Enough money to live comfortably anywhere in the world for the rest of your life."

"And if you survive Friday but the family decides I'm too dangerous to keep around?"

"Then we disappear together." His smile is sharp and determined. "I've made backup plans for that too. New identities, resources they can't trace, places where even Rosetti influence can't reach."

The way he talks about leaving everything, family, empire, the life he's built, makes my ribs compress with emotions I can't quite handle.

"You'd give up everything," I say softly. "For me."

"I've already given up everything." His thumb gently traces my lower lip. "The moment I chose you over them, the moment I broke ties to keep you safe. There's nothing left to give up except time, and I'd rather spend whatever time we have together than be apart forever."

"And Friday night?" I ask. "Do you really think we can both leave there alive?"

His pause is brief, but I notice it. The moment of doubt quickly hidden, the fear he won't let himself fully feel.

"I think," he says cautiously, "that Chase has been planning this longer than we realize. He's turned what should be a celebration into something more dangerous. But I also think you're the smartest, deadliest woman I've ever known, and I can't believe the universe would let me find you again just to lose you."

"That's not strategy, Emilio. That's hope."

"Sometimes hope is all we have," he says, pulling me closer until I'm almost in his lap. "Sometimes you have to believe that love is stronger than whatever is trying to destroy it."

When he kisses me, it feels like a promise, not the usual intense hunger, but something softer and more precious. It's the kiss of a man scared this might be goodbye, pretending it's just a planning session.

"I love you," I whisper against his lips, the words heavy with meaning. "If Friday night goes wrong, if this is all we have, I love you enough that it's been worth it. Worth everything."

"I love you too," he replies, and for the first time since I've known him, his voice cracks with emotion he can't hide. "Enough to turn against my own family if they try to hurt you.Enough to plan for every future except the one where I stop protecting you."

His words break my resolve. I bury my face against his neck, breathing in cedar, sandalwood, and something uniquely him, memorizing the scent in case Friday night takes away the chance to do it again.

"Promise me something," I mumble against his skin.

"Anything."

"If it comes down to choosing between the mission and keeping us both alive, choose us." I pull back to meet his eyes, needing him to see how serious I am. "I don't care much about family acceptance or proving my worth. I care about having a future with you."

His smile is knife-sharp but warmed by something that looks dangerously like hope. "Already ahead of you there, sweetheart. I've been choosing you over everything else for three years. I'm not about to stop now."

25

Mara

The Plaza ballroom sparkles with wealth on Friday evening. Crystal chandeliers cast light on the marble floor, while champagne mixes with a darker, tense atmosphere. Half the guests wish the other half dead.

I walk through the crowd on Emilio's arm, my burgundy silk dress flowing around me. The dress hides a weapon at my thigh while still looking elegant. Emilio's hand rests possessively on my back, guiding me through the city's most dangerous gathering.

Chase has promised these people parts of the Rosetti empire. Conversations happen in many languages, but the message is clear: war is coming, and everyone wants a piece of the spoils. The family's ultimatum feels heavy on my shoulders: succeed tonight and gain acceptance, fail and face permanent consequences. No pressure at all.