BENEATH THE CHANDELIER

Rocco didn’t reach for a weapon. He simply let go of Evelyn and stepped forward.

The sheer, overwhelming presence of Rocco Ventresca filling the aisle of the antique shop was terrifying. The four thugs behind Carmine visibly hesitated.

“You touch one piece of glass in this shop,” Rocco said, his voice deadly quiet, “and I will make sure you spend the rest of your short life eating through a straw.”

Carmine sneered, though his eyes betrayed fear. “You’re soft, Rocco. You don’t have the stomach for blood anymore.”

“I don’t need blood, Carmine.” Rocco held up the ledger. “I have this. You’re broke. You owe the Morretti family two million dollars. If I give them this ledger, they’ll see you have no assets to pay them back. They’ll handle you for me.”

Carmine’s face went pale.

“Leave,” Rocco commanded. “Leave the city. If I ever see you near my niece again, I won’t use lawyers.”

Carmine stared at the ledger, then at the massive men backing him. They were already stepping away, realizing the money was gone. Carmine dropped the crowbar. He spat on the floor and walked out.

The tension in the room snapped.

Frankie holstered his weapon. Rocco turned to Evelyn, his eyes softening instantly.

He crossed the room and took her face in his hands. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” she breathed.

Rocco didn’t wait anymore. He kissed her. It was desperate, deeply emotional, and full of everything he had kept locked away. Evelyn kissed him back, tangling her hands in his hair, feeling finally, wonderfully safe.

“I love you,” Rocco whispered against her lips. “I know it’s crazy. I know we met two days ago under a table. But I’m done hiding.”

Evelyn smiled, tears in her eyes. “I love you too.”

She turned to look for the little girl. “Mia, it’s okay, he’s gone—”

Evelyn froze.