The Don and His Mafia Princess: Book Two of The Costanzo Series - Standalone

CHAPTER 29

It's been a few days since Aurora's birthday. I haven't left Sicily, lost in thought, my heart torn about whether I should forgive Stefano. Getting that heartfelt apology and tender kiss from him was everything I had dreamt of for so long. But now, faced with the reality of it, I find myself utterly confused about how to respond. Is his gesture, his words, enough for me to finally forgive him and take a chance on building something real together? Honestly, I don't have a clue.

As I lie in bed, my mind swirling with conflicting emotions, a sudden knock at the door jolts me from my reverie. Climbing out of bed, I pad over and open it, my eyes widening in surprise to see Stefano standing there. I thought he had said he would give me time and space to process everything, so why is he here now? And is that... fur on his shoulder?

"Can I..." he begins, but his words are abruptly cut off by a loud, explosive sneeze that makes me jump. That's when my gaze falls to the pet carrier at his feet. Why does he have that?

"Stefano, what—" I begin, but I'm interrupted by a familiar meow that sends a jolt of recognition through me. My eyes widen in disbelief. "Is that...?"

He nods, sniffling, his green eyes watery. "It's Fiona. Your cat. I flew her in from Miami."

Speechless, I reach out with shaking hands as he passes me the carrier. Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I open the cage, and Fiona leaps out, rubbing against my legs with an indignant meow, clearly unhappy about her long journey. But the warmth of her soft fur against my skin, the comforting weight of her presence, fills me with comfort I didn't realize I'd been missing so desperately.

"Can I come in?" Stefano asks, his voice nasally and strained as he struggles to breathe. "I need to talk to you."

Concern floods through me as I watch him fight against his allergic reaction, his face reddening and eyes watering. "Stefano, you're allergic to cats. You shouldn't be here like this," I say softly, my heart clenching.

He nods miserably, but his jaw is set with determination. "I know, but I need to tell you something important. And I couldn't think of a better time than now."

Realization dawns on me then, the pieces clicking into place. He has flown Fiona here, despite his severe allergies, because he knows how much it would mean to me. He is using her presence to show me the depth of his feelings, to prove he is serious about us.

"Stefano," I breathe, overwhelmed with emotion. "You flew my cat across the ocean, knowing you're deathly allergic to her, just so you could talk to me?"

"I'd do anything for you, Andrea," he says thickly, his voice heavy with feeling and congestion. His emerald eyes meet mine, blazing with an intensity that makes my knees weak. "I know we have a lot to work through, and there's no excuse for how I've acted. But I want to make you a promise..."

He steps into the room, closing the distance between us. But before he can continue, another explosive sneeze racks his body, making him double over.

My heart twists with worry as I watch him gasp for air, his allergies clearly overwhelming him. "Stefano, you need to get out of here. Your allergies—" I start to protest, my concern for his well-being overshadowing the deep emotion his gesture has stirred in me.

"No," he insists stubbornly, straightening up and taking a step back from Fiona and me, even as he wheezes and coughs. "Not until you hear me out. Not until you forgive me."

Sighing, I scoop Fiona up and carry her to the bathroom, closing the door to give Stefano some relief from the allergens. When I return, he is still struggling to breathe, but the determination in his eyes hasn't wavered.