The Forbidden Mountain Man
Page 10
Except him reaching out and pulling me into a hug.
His arms wrapped around me, pulling me in close. I gasped as he rocked me side to side. “My Stephenie. You make your papa proud, you know that? Proud.” He drew back enough to see me, holding my upper arms in his hands as he studied me with bright eyes. “Everyone said you would betray the Rossis, but I said you wouldn’t do that. And look at you, saving the family as well as the Capones and bringing pride back to Little Italy.” He looked around him at my siblings as they watched us and drew me against his side.
My father turned toward Carter, holding out his hand opposite the side I was on. “Carter Johnson. You’ve been looking out for my family for so long and now, you saved my daughter. What can I do to repay you?”
“She’s all I’ll ever want, sir.” Carter offered me a side-smile and I realized I didn’t like being that far from him. I straightened from the position of being hunched against The Rossi’s side and I moved to stand beside the man I loved.
My father took it in stride and waved his arms around at the group gathering together. “We will meet at my house for gnocchi and sausage. We have much to discuss.” He led the way from the courtroom, and I clutched Carter’s hand in mine. I didn’t want to leave his side for as long as I could.
Carter glanced at me. “I guess we’re going to your father’s first.” He grinned to let me know he didn’t mind.
I smiled back. “Get used to it, Carter. You’re going to be a Rossi and all the rules change.” Nothing more than what was expected when you loved a Rossi family member.
Epilogue
Adele
Being around the Rossis was like being in an Italian mess of the Brady Bunch. No one clashed or fought but they bustled around the kitchen, hollered jokes across the room, and shared their dishes like the food flowed like wine.
Adele Rossi moved among her sisters and brothers, desperately trying to look happy and involved while inside she hungered for something more.
She scooted closer to her brother, Allesandro, sitting at the counter at the island in the middle of it all. They both watched Stephenie as she ruled the kitchen with organized grace.
The Rossi sat between Adele and Allesandro, basking in the presence of his children. The rare delight on his face could only be revealed because of his relief in the results of the day as well as finding out that his daughter was alive and well.
They were all relieved and even more so to find that the family lawyer wasn’t involved either.
“Do you think we need to be worried about Stephenie?” Allesandro’s concerned murmur reached Adele across the granite countertop. She glanced sharply at her father whose delight turned to careful neutrality.
He nodded, thrumming his fingers on the counter as he murmured in response. “Don’t put anything past Mason Bianchi. He’s out for revenge something fierce. His stint in prison won’t be long enough to guarantee their protection.” He nodded at Stephenie and Carter who snuck a kiss that wasn’t all that sneaky.
“Matteo is stepping into place as underboss while Mason is gone. If he can prove himself more stable, maybe The Bianchi will consider reassigning the succession.” Adele paid attention to what happened around Little Italy. It was her job as The Rossi’s daughter to know what elements were in play so she would be prepared for any social or business situation that came up.
Her father glanced at her and then to Angelo who had just walked in. Patting her shoulder with a large hand, The Rossi studied Adele with his eyes narrowed and a plea in his eyes for patience. “We have something in mind, Adele, to help that along, but it will take sacrifice on your part.”
Allesandro stood, swallowing, regret deep in his eyes as he studied his sister’s face. He jerked his head toward Angelo and then motioned for Carter to follow him from the room.
“Come on, Adele. Let’s discuss it before you get too worried.” Her father knew her and she knew him. She was a control freak who needed to know exactly what was going to happen and what the outcome was going to be, or she froze in indecision.
“Okay, Papa.” She slid from the seat, catching Angelo discussing Carter taking Stephenie from Little Italy for a while to ensure her safety and his.
Was that what it was coming down to? Running from the Bianchis? If Adele needed to, she could face them. She wasn’t afraid.
What was there to be afraid of from across town?
Adele’s loneliness made her braver than most. She had nothing to lose so therefore, nothing could harm her.
Or so she thought.
I’m so happy for Stephenie and Carter! There is more coming for the Rossi family. Check out book 4– The Forbidden Husband and find out what happens as Adele discovers she doesn’t need permission from anyone to find happiness.
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A Sweet Seattle Mafia Romance series
The Forbidden Step-Brother
The Forbidden Prince
The Forbidden Mountain Man
The Forbidden Husband
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And more!
Contemporary Romance
ClickandWed.com series
With This Click, I Thee Wed (book 1)
IDo.com (book 2)
DIY Vows (book 3)
eHoneymoon (book 4)
Keyword: I Do (book 5)
Let US-B Wed (book 6)
The Right Click (book 7)
Downshift series
Downshift (book 1)
Full Throttle (book 2)
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Copyright © 2019 Bonnie R. Paulson
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This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to any person, living or dead, any place, events or occurrences, is purely coincidental. The characters and story lines are created from the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
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The Forbidden Mountain Man
Chapter 1
Stephenie
Chapter 2
Carter
Chapter 3
Stephenie
Chapter 4
Carter
Chapter 5
Stephenie
Chapter 6
Carter
Chapter 7
Stephenie
~~~
Chapter 8
Carter
~~~
Chapter 9
Stephenie
Chapter 10
Carter
Chapter 11
Stephenie
Chapter 12
Carter
Chapter 13
Stephenie
Chapter 14
Carter
Chapter 15
Stephenie
Chapter 16
Carter
Chapter 17
Stephenie
Chapter 18
Carter
Chapter 19
Stephenie
Epilogue
Adele
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