Chapter 15 - THE REST OF OUR LIVES — THE END
The sun set over the Amalfi coast, painting the Mediterranean in brilliant shades of gold and amethyst.
We stood on the balcony of a cliffside villa overlooking the sparkling water.
The antique watch ticked steadily on the mahogany table inside.
Thirteen years behind us. The rest of our lives ahead.
Alessandro came up behind me, wrapping his arms securely around my waist.
He rested his chin on my shoulder, breathing in the scent of jasmine and sea air.
“Penny for your thoughts, Mrs. Vitale?” he murmured against my neck.
I covered his hands with mine, feeling the cold metal of his wedding band.
“I was just thinking about the note I left in the bridal suite,” I said.
“The 72-hour rule?” he chuckled softly.
“It was harsh.”
“It was necessary,” I corrected him with a smile.
“It taught the most feared mafia boss in Rome a very important lesson.”
“And what lesson was that?”
“Never keep your bride waiting,” I whispered, turning around to face my husband.
He pulled me closer, kissing me under the starlit Italian sky.
The empire was secure.
The enemies were gone.
May you like
And the rest of our lives had finally begun.
THE END
