Chapter 10 - The King’s Promise
Six months later.
The Seattle spring had arrived, washing the city in brilliant sunlight, blooming cherry blossoms, and blue skies over Puget Sound.
The Mercer Island estate had been completely restored, grander and more secure than ever before. But it was no longer a cold, sterile fortress of stone and iron.
It was a home.
Bright flowers filled the stone planters on the terrace. A custom wooden playground set stood near the edge of the manicured lawn. The sound of children's laughter echoed across the water.
I stood near the edge of the stone patio, wearing a simple, elegant white summer dress. My right ankle was completely healed, stepping firmly on the warm flagstones without a trace of pain.
From the lawn below, Emma was running in circles, wearing a little pink sunhat, blowing bubbles into the air while Mrs. Chen sat nearby under a sun umbrella, knitting happily.
A pair of strong, warm arms wrapped gently around my waist from behind.
Luca pulled me back against his chest, resting his chin comfortably on my shoulder. He wore a crisp white linen shirt, his dark hair neatly styled, looking regal, relaxed, and deeply at peace.
"What are you thinking about, my love?" Luca whispered against my ear, his raspy voice sending a thrilling warmth through my body.
I turned around in his arms, wrapping my hands around his neck, looking up into those dark brown eyes that had once terrified me in a greasy diner booth.
"I was thinking about Marino's Diner," I murmured softly, a sweet smile touching my lips. "I was thinking about sixty-three dollars, a broken coffee pot, and a scary man in a black suit who carried me out into the rain."
Luca chuckled—a deep, rich sound that vibrated through his chest. He reached down, taking my left hand in his, tracing the thick, sparkling diamond ring resting on my ring finger.
"I told you that night it was an investment," Luca whispered, his eyes burning with endless devotion.
"And was it a good investment, Don Castellano?" I teased softly.
"It was the only investment that ever mattered," Luca answered softly, leaning down to press his lips against mine in a deep, tender kiss that tasted of sunshine, ocean air, and forever.
Down on the grass, Emma giggled, popping a bubble with her finger as she called out to us.
"Mama! Look! The prince is kissing you again!"
May you like
Luca pulled back slightly, looking down at our daughter with a warm, joyful smile, then back at me.
"And he's never going to stop," Luca promised.
