The Mafia's Fragile Rose

Chapter 15

Adrian's POV

We lay in comfortable silence for a while, her head on my chest, my fingers tracing patterns along her bare shoulder. The morning light had shifted, painting the room in warmer tones. I could feel her breathing slowly, her body relaxing completely against mine for the first time since she'd woken.

But my mind was already moving ahead, planning. She'd given me something precious, something that couldn't be undone. Now I needed to show her what that meant. What she meant to me.

"Aria," I said softly, feeling her stir against me.

"Mmm?"

I want to take you somewhere. Today."

She lifted her head to look at me, those brown eyes still soft from sleep and satisfaction. "Where?"

I smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's a surprise." Do you trust me?"

The question hung between us, loaded with more meaning than just a simple trip. Her eyes searched mine, and I could see the exact moment she made her choice.

"Yes," she whispered.

"Good." I pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Don't worry about work." I'll handle it.

She was quiet for a long moment, internal war playing out across her expressive face. Finally, she nodded.

"Okay. But I need to go home first. To change, to get some things...

"Already taken care of." I gestured toward the walk-in closet. "I had some things brought over while you were sleeping."

Her eyes widened. "You... what?" When?"

"I made a few calls. Don't worry, nothing too personal. Just clothes, basics. Things you'll need."

She stared at me, processing. "How did you even know my size?"

I smirked. "I'm very observant."

A flush crept up her neck, and I could see her remembering exactly how observant I'd been the night before. How thoroughly I'd learned every curve of her body.

"This is crazy," she murmured, but there was wonder in her voice now instead of just fear.

"The best things usually are," I sat up, pulling her with me. "Go look." See if anything appeals to you.

She padded toward the closet, sheet wrapped around her like armor. I watched her go, admiring the view, already planning our day. Already imagining how she'd look when she saw what I had in store for her.

When she emerged twenty minutes later, I felt my breath catch. The sundress was a perfect pale blue that brought out her eyes, flowing but fitted enough to show her figure. Simple but elegant. Beautiful.

"You look incredible," I said, rising to meet her.

"I feel like I'm playing dress-up," she admitted, smoothing the fabric nervously. "This dress probably costs more than I make in a month."

It's yours now. Everything there is yours. I stepped closer, watching her pulse flutter at her throat. "You're mine, Aria." That means I will take care of you. All of you."

The possessiveness in my voice made her shiver, but she didn't pull away.

"Where are we going?" she asked again.

I smiled, offering her my arm. "Somewhere beautiful." Somewhere worthy of you."

As we headed toward the door, I felt something shift in my chest. This wasn't just about showing her my world anymore. It was about creating our world. Together.

And I was surprised to discover how much I wanted that.

More than I'd wanted anything in a very long time.