Page 43 of Diavolo

"That, too," he admitted, "but I wanted to make you mine even before knowing you were a Graviano. From the moment we met, you have embodied everything I want in a woman."

"I'm flattered," Elyse drawled. "But, sadly, you don't possess a single quality I want in a man."

"I may not be your first choice," Alessandro disputed, "but I am not abadchoice. Give me a chance to win you over. To show you what it would be like to be my queen."

"I don't need to be your queen," Elyse sniffed elegantly. "I'm already a goddamn surgeon."

The corner of his mouth quipped up. "Your resume is, indeed, impressive, but..."

She frowned and prompted, "What?"

A shrewd gleam glinted in Alessandro's eyes. "You have overlooked one important detail.Cosa Nostra. They will never let you go. However, by marrying me, you might have a chance to escape."

Elyse's eyebrows rose. Had Alessandro actually been listening to her earlier? Hesitantly, she challenged, "If I wanted to distance myself fromCosa Nostra, why would I marry into the very organization that put my father in a coma?"

"BecauseIam Cosa Nostra. Who better to free you from wicked men than another wicked man?"

He was beginning to sound more and more like a devil on her shoulder. Elyse protested, "Mr. Vitale..."

"I know their ways because they aremyways. I wield power over them.Influence. You will never fight alone again. Let me be your sword and shield."

"You mean," she muttered darkly, "my ax and hammer?"

Poor, handless Mikey flashed across her mind.

"Everything you need, I will give you," he promised. "Anyone who hurts you—dies."

Another stirring declaration. Pity that she didn't quite agree. "If ever I fall for a man, Mr. Vitale, I'd want us to rely on each other.As equals. Anyone who's willing to go to hell and back for me deserves the same kind of love in return."

"Is that what you believe?"

"Yes."

Alessandro sat down beside her on the edge of the mattress. He reached over to brush a strand of hair from Elyse's face. His touch was gentle, and, in a way, it felt more intimate than anything that had transpired between them. Elyse felt her heart skip a beat. In a hoarse voice, he whispered, "I would very much like to share life's burdens with you,angelo, along with its blessings."

"Then don't force me to marry you," she begged. "Give me a choice, and let me decide."

Remorse shone in his eyes. "I wish I could give you more time,but we must marry. The sooner, the better."

Elyse frowned. "Why?"

"Do not ask questions I cannot answer."

"You're starting to piss me off all over again."

He sighed. "I do not wish to upset you. I am trying to protect you."

"I thought we were going to share life's burdens and blessings with each other?As equals."

He smiled and let her jab slide right over him. "Are you warming up to the idea of becoming my wife?"

She wrinkled her nose at him. "Don't get your hopes up."

"I think I will start calling you—Signora Vitale. It carries a nice ring to it,no?"

Annoyed, Elyse tried to dismiss him, "I've heard enough of what you want to say."

A slow, sobering lull dragged between them. His gaze darkened with an intensity that struck Elyse to the core. It brimmed with surety and discernment. When Alessandro finally spoke again, his voice commanded her full attention, "You can try to run from me,angelo, but you cannot outrun yourself. You are a Graviano. Your mother is Gianna Graviano. Your grandfather is Benedetto Graviano. You belong in our world whether or not you wish it to be true. Benedetto knows aboutyou now, and I know your grandfather all too well. You will be forced to marry for your family's honor—no matter what—so you might as well marry me."