Page 37 of When We Fall: Part Two

“I…” She looked at me, then to Matteo for a moment before looking back at me. She licked her lips before clearing her throat.

“Yes.” Her answer shook, but that was all I needed to hear.

I could do this. The hard part was over.

“Seal it with a kiss,” Matteo said.

Fucking damnit.

I leaned in and cradled her face. She stared back at me with pretty, confused blue eyes before I closed the distance between us and kissed her like her life depended on it… because it did.

She didn’t kiss me back.

That was fine. This counted as far as I was concerned because at least she wasn’t punching me.

“I don’t have a ring,” I mumbled, pulling away from her. “Sorry.”

She said nothing, opting to give me a smile which didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Alessio, you and Klaus let the appropriate channels know that my son and heir will be taking a bride.” Matteo stood.

Alessio nodded wordlessly and left the room.

Matteo strode forward as I helped Bianca to stand. I stepped aside for him, so he was face-to-face with her.

“Alessandro just saved your life,” he said to her. “You should be on your knees thanking him for his sacrifice. I expect you’ll fulfill your duties to him.”

She stared back at him, her bottom lip trembling.

“The wedding will happen in only weeks. I expect it’ll be a happy union.”

“What about my babies?” she demanded, her voice strong. “They’ll be born by then.”

“That will be up to your husband to decide.” Matteo nodded at me. “Take her back to her room. You’re dismissed.”

Matteo went back to his chair and sat. I didn’t hesitate. I grabbed Bianca’s hand and led her out of his office.

“What the hell is going on?—”

“Shh. The walls have ears,” I muttered, hanging a left at the top of the third-floor stairs instead of going right, which would have taken us to her room.

She snapped her mouth closed and entered my room with me. I knew my room was secure. I’d made sure of it.

I closed the door behind me and breathed out.

“Carmine is coming. He will kill you. He’ll probably kill me, too, but at least I’ll have a chance to try to save us. I have it ona pretty good suspicion that Matteo won’t let me die, so you and the babies should be safe. For now.”

“So that was real? We have to get married?”

“Yes,” I muttered.

“What about Rosalie?”

“What about her? She’s not my girl, nor will she ever be.” I moved past her and went to the bar in the room and poured a drink. I slammed it back and poured another.

She walked over to the bar, perched on the stool, and stared at me. She really was beautiful. Gorgeous. Dom and the kings were lucky to have her. I’d do what I had to do to ensure she stayed alive.

“You’re my girl now,” I said, placing the glass back on the top of the bar. “That means you’ll act like it.”