Chapter 11 - NO LONGER PRETENDING
Three months later, the Belladonna estate was quiet, secure, and fully mine. I stood on the balcony overlooking the blooming gardens, no longer a terrified event planner, but the undisputed queen of Boston’s underworld. Adrian stepped up behind me, wrapping his scarred arms around my waist, just as he had on that very first morning. This time, I didn't freeze. I leaned back into his solid warmth. He slipped a massive, flawless diamond onto my left hand—replacing the decoy ring with a genuine promise. "No more fake engagements," he murmured against my skin. "Marry me for real, Elena." I turned, looking into the pale gray eyes of the mafia boss who had accidentally stolen my life, only to give me everything. "Yes," I whispered.
