Page 126 of Secret Baby for my Off-Limits Fiancé
I feel it then, the familiar pull, the magnetic force that has always existed between us. It’s in the way my pulse speeds up, the way warmth spreads through me just from the way he looks at me.
God, how does he always manage to do this to me?
Even after everything, even with all the heartbreak, Valentino Marchetti still has the power to make my knees weak with just a look.
I swallow hard, suddenly feeling too warm despite the evening breeze.
“How did you know I was coming?”
“Your mom told me you were finally taking a break.”
“But I didn’t tell my mom I was coming here.”
He shrugs. “I just know you.”
His lips curve into a knowing smirk, as if he can read every thought racing through my head.
“I thought we should celebrate.” He holds out a glass. “Your shop is finally ready. And we finally have something to look forward to.”
The deep timbre of his voice slides over my skin like silk, sending a delicious shiver down my spine.
I take a slow, steadying breath, forcing myself to keep my composure as I step closer.
“You know,” I murmur, reaching for the glass. “You’re awfully overdressed for this.”
He chuckles, low and rich. “Would you rather I take it off?”
The teasing glint in his eyes makes my stomach flip, and I hate how easy it is for him to unravel me.
I shake my head, feigning exasperation, but my eyes betray me as they trail down the length of him once more. Damn him for looking this good.
Valentino Marchetti was always trouble. And tonight, dressed in this suit, holding a glass of wine with that devastating smirk?
He’s absolutely lethal.
I look past him at the shop, noticing for the first time how perfect it looks. The windows sparkle, the sign above the door is freshly painted, and inside, everything is exactly as I’d envisioned.
“Valentino, I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything. I just wanted to make sure everything was ready for you when this was all over. I settled the bill, paid for the furnishings. It’s all taken care of.”
I blink back sudden tears. His gesture is so thoughtful, so kind.
“Valentino…” I whisper, my voice trembling. “You didn’t have to do all this.”
“Yes, I did. Because I love you.”
My breath catches.
He takes a step closer, his fingers brushing over mine before he fully laces them together.
“I love you, Layla Gallo. I’ve loved you since the day I met you, and I never stopped. Not once.”
Emotion swells in my chest, too big, too overwhelming. “Valentino, I—”
“I don’t care about the past anymore. I don’t care about the mistakes. I just want this. Us. You. Vincent. I want our family. If you’ll have me.”
Tears spill down my cheeks, and this time, I don’t fight them. I don’t fight any of it.
