Chapter 9 - UNCONDITIONALLY YOURS
Two weeks later, the sun finally broke through the gray Baltimore clouds, bathing the Castellano estate in warm golden light.
Rosie stood in the expansive green yard behind the mansion, throwing a rubber ball across the lawn. Titan sprinted after it with incredible speed, his tail wagging happily as he retrieved the ball and trotted back, dropping it right at Rosie's feet. His wound had fully healed, leaving only a faint line hidden beneath his shiny coat.
Footsteps sounded behind her on the grass. Rosie turned her right ear toward the sound, a soft smile spreading across her face as she saw Dante walking toward her. He had shed his usual suit jacket, wearing only a dark dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows.
"He looks like a completely different dog," Dante said, watching Titan roll over on the grass.
"He just needed someone to understand him," Rosie replied softly, looking up at Dante. "He needed a home."
"So did I," Dante murmured, taking a step closer to her.
Rosie looked at him, surprised. "The great Dante Castellano needed a home?"
"This house was just concrete, steel, and business before you arrived," Dante said, his voice deep and filled with sincere emotion. He reached out, taking both of her hands into his. "I spent my whole life building power so no one could ever hurt me or control me. But when I saw you in that basement, standing up for a broken animal with no fear in your eyes... I realized I was living in a cage of my own making."
Rosie felt her throat tighten with emotion. "Dante..."
"I claimed you in front of my enemies because I wanted to keep you safe," Dante continued, his dark eyes shining with intense warmth. "But the truth is, Rosalind... I became the man who couldn't let you go. Not because of power. But because I fell completely in love with you."
Rosie's heart leaped in her chest. The quiet, fierce mafia boss who ruled the city with an iron fist was standing before her, completely vulnerable, offering her his heart.
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"I love you too, Dante," Rosie whispered, tears of happiness brimming in her eyes. "I loved you from the moment you stood up for me when nobody else would."
Dante smiled—a bright, beautiful smile that transformed his harsh features into pure warmth. He pulled her flush against his chest and kissed her deeply under the afternoon sun, while Titan barked playfully around their feet.
