I shivered at the expression on his face. So cold and cruel. So beautiful. Nino in his black tux and blood red bowtie was a breathtaking sight on his own, but together we looked perfect, like we were meant to be together. It was a ridiculous thought, a romantic notion I would never utter aloud because Nino wouldn’t understand.
“Come now, we don’t want to be late,” he murmured, but his eyes traveled over my neckline once more, and the desire in his expression tightened my core.
Remo was already waiting in the lobby of the hotel when Nino and I arrived. Remo, too, was dressed in a tuxedo, but he wore a black bowtie. I’d never seen him this dressed up, not even at my wedding.
His eyes took their time assessing me. Then he smirked. “I bet a few people will be hit with unpleasant memories when they see your dress.”
I wrung my hands as the rented limousine dropped us off in front of my old home. Nino wrapped his arm around my waist, his hand resting possessively on my hip.
I took a deep breath.
“Hold your head high,” Nino reminded me quietly.
Remo looked at us curiously. “Don’t let any of those fuckers put you down because your father was a traitor. Don’t let them put you down for any other shit either. You are a Falcone now. If one of them doesn’t show respect, tell me or Nino and we’ll handle them.”
“Thanks,” I said with a small smile.
Remo gave a quick nod. I wasn’t quite as terrified of him as I had been before, and he tried not to scare me too much. Maybe we’d come to an understanding eventually.
The door to the mansion swung open. Aunt Egidia and Uncle Felix came into view. Their eyes widened when they settled on me.
Nino squeezed my hip, and I raised my head, forcing a smile.
Kiara Falcone. Someone new. Not the girl who hid in the corners.
When we arrived in front of them, there was a moment of awkward silence, then I said quickly, “Happy birthday, Uncle Felix.” I kissed his cheek and his expression softened.
“Thank you, Kiara. You look incredible.”
“You do,” Aunt Egidia agreed. “What a strong color.”
I gave her a quick hug as well then stepped back so Nino and Remo could greet her and my uncle. Nino handed the expensive limited-edition scotch to my uncle, who visibly relaxed. It became apparent very quickly that neither Egidia nor Felix enjoyed being around Nino and Remo.
We followed them inside. The house had been decorated with fresh flowers, and the living room was filled with guests and so was the garden. A buffet had been set up in the adjoining dining room, and waiters walked around with trays loaded with champagne and appetizers. The moment Nino and I entered the room, all eyes turned to us, and most people didn’t manage to hide their surprise seeing me dressed like this.
Giulia motioned for me to join her and Cassio. I glanced at Nino, who released my waist. “Remo and I will go talk to Luca. Why don’t you head over to your stepsister?”
I nodded and quickly made my way over to her. She wrapped me in a tight embrace then pulled back and scanned my outfit, a proud expression on her face. “Finally, you’re showing off your curves. You look absolutely stunning.”
I smiled then nodded at Cassio. He made no move to touch me. He had always been careful not to do so unless absolutely necessary. Giulia and I had never discussed this, but I was fairly sure she had talked to him about what happened to me years ago. He was her husband, so it was only natural to share intimate details.
“How are things in Las Vegas?” he asked, but from the tension in his expression, I could tell that Giulia must have given him a hard time because she’d been worrying about me.
I gripped my stepsister’s hand and squeezed. “I’m doing well. You don’t have to worry anymore.”
Her eyes darted over to Nino, who was listening to something Luca had to say. “You can tell me if something’s wrong, Kiara. We can help you.”
I laughed. “Giulia, I don’t need your help. I’m now a Falcone. I’m well protected.”
She regarded me with surprise then exchanged a look with her husband. “Wow. What did they do to you?”
I glanced toward Nino, and as if he could feel my eyes on him, he turned, meeting my gaze. My lips pulled into a smile. “He taught me my worth.”
Giulia touched my bare shoulder, her lips parting. “You like him?”
I couldn’t look away from Nino. “I like him,” I said quietly, and my body warmed at my admittance. Deep down, I realized that perhaps I did more than just like him.
Giulia grabbed my hand and led me outside into a secluded part of the garden. “Kiara, how is this possible?”