When She Loves (The Fallen, #4)(75)

Maybe he senses my frustration, because he pulls me into him and distracts me with a kiss. When we break apart, both breathless, he tucks a strand of hair behind my ear and says, “Fine. You can throw your party.”

Excitement blooms inside my chest, overriding the disappointment. “Thank you.”

He smiles again and presses his forehead to mine. “Anything for you, tesoro.”

I wrap my arms around him and press my cheek to his chest.

Anything? Or just the crumbs you’re willing to offer?





I spend the next week calling Vale and Gemma, making arrangements for their travel and figuring out the logistics of the party. The theme is tropical paradise, and since I have no idea if I’ll be able to do this again next year, I decide to go all out.

On Wednesday, they deliver dozens of mini palm trees. When Rafaele comes home that evening, he nearly trips over one. On Thursday, the bamboo bars arrive. On Friday, while Rafaele and I are having breakfast, the staff start bringing in the alcohol I ordered.

His brows climb up his forehead. “Tesoro, are you trying to get the whole state of New York drunk?”

I give him a wicked grin. “Don’t think you can keep up with me?”

His eyes darken, and he shakes his head, but he can’t hide the amused smile on his face.

On the day of the event, I’m so excited that I practically bounce off the walls. The staff are still adding some last touches to the décor, but the ballroom already looks like Party City exploded inside of it. The mini palm trees are arranged around the perimeter, fruit decorations hang off the ceiling, there’s a giant champagne tower on a gold table with a pineapple base, and bartenders are ready to serve every sugary drink you can imagine from behind the bamboo bars.

Rafaele and Nero are chatting in the corner while holding piña-colada-filled coconuts in their hands. They accepted the drinks from me without too much grumbling, but apparently, I took it a step too far with the matching tropical-patterned button-up shirts, because they categorically refused to put them on.

Around three p.m., my sisters finally arrive. Gemma’s bump is just starting to show and she’s glowing. Vale looks more tanned than the last time I saw her, and her hair is longer than mine, reaching past her waist. I run toward them and envelop them in a hug. “You’re here!”

We squeeze each other and jump around in a circle like a bunch of lunatics. Mari stands to the side, watching us shyly, until we pull her into our big group hug.

Damiano, Ras, and Giorgio greet Rafaele and Nero with as much warmth as an icy breeze on a cold winter morning. My sisters and Mari pause our conversation to regard them for a few seconds.

“We all told them to behave, right?” Gemma asks.

“Oh, yeah.” Vale tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “I told Dem I’ll murder him if him or Ras ruin your birthday.”

Mari shrugs. “Gio won’t do anything. He’s always well-behaved.”

Vale arches a brow. “I’m pretty sure I saw him looking at everyone’s home addresses and credit card statements on the flight over. He’s researched the entire guest list to death, hasn’t he? Memorized everyone’s social security numbers? Dug up old family secrets?”

Mari winces. “You know how he is. He doesn’t go anywhere unprepared.”

“Rafe will probably just glare at them the entire night,” I say, noting the frigid look on my husband’s face. He must feel my attention on him, because he glances my way, and a bit of warmth slips into his expression.

“C’mon,” I say, wrapping my arms around Vale and Mari. “Let’s grab a drink.”

Soon, the party is in full swing. I introduce my sisters and Mari to Sandro and Tiny and bring them around to the kitchen to say hi to Luca. Then I take them on a tour of the gardens, excitedly pointing out all the flowers that recently bloomed.

I catch Vale giving me a curious look. “What?”

“Nothing. You just…seem happy,” Vale comments.

Gemma nods in agreement. “You do. How are things with you and Rafaele?”

“He’s growing on me,” I say.

“So you like him?” Mari asks.

Like him? It’s progressed far beyond that. I let out a sigh and glance between my sisters. I can’t believe I’m about to confess that I’ve thoroughly fallen for my husband.

“Cleo!” A voice calling my name grabs my attention. It’s Loretta. She’s standing with an older couple in tow. I vaguely recognize them from the wedding. They must be her parents.

“Give me one sec,” I say to my sisters before I walk over to Loretta.

“Happy birthday, darling,” Loretta says. “You look beautiful. Doesn’t she, Ma?”

Her mother gives me a tight-lipped smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. “The skirt is a bit short, but what do I know.”

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. I may have won over Loretta, but I guess her parents are a different matter. Whatever. I don’t care. It’s my birthday and my family is here. I’m not going to let this lady ruin my mood.

Loretta frowns. “Ma, don’t be rude. I told you Cleo’s really helping me with the shop. Why do you have to insult her?”

Surprise bursts through me. I wasn’t expecting Loretta to come to my defense.