Ruined in Vows (Marchetti Family #3)

38. Dante

Chapter 38

Dante

P ulling up to the big black steel gates, I sift through my memories for any recognition that I have been here before. My fists clench, frustration building inside me when I find none. Really, I should know by now that my memories will not just miraculously reappear and that every day is a work in progress, but still, I can’t help but think it will happen.

Nico and I talked a lot on the plane, him regaling even more stories of us growing up while I mostly listened. He also informed me about the doctor, who specializes in head injuries, he has contracted to work with me. Though I felt like a child with the way he was talking down at me, I couldn’t help but be grateful that he is as invested in my recovery as I am.

Despite everything being hard on me, I can tell it is just as hard on my best friend and his sister.

“Home,” Nico sighs from beside me, scrubbing a palm across his tired face.

We sit in the back of the blacked-out SUV with Matteo in the passenger seat and a man called Leo – who keeps looking at me in the rear-view mirror, like he has seen a ghost –driving. Apparently, I know Leo, and we were even good friends. Nico explained, I was with Leo at the club he owns the night I ‘died’.

“Yeah,” I murmur, despondently.

Truth is, and regardless of being cheesy as fuck, the only place that has felt like home since the moment I woke up, is Allegra. Before her, I was drifting. Floating around in confusion until I laid eyes on my angel. She tethered me to her soul, keeping me still and calm in a world where all I felt was uncertainty. She makes me feel that just maybe things are going to be okay. And the thought of holding her in my arms in a matter of minutes, is the only thing keeping me sane right now.

The gates slide open, allowing us entry. Leo starts up the long driveway. I take in the impressive, expansive grounds, lush gardens, big trees and I imagine that this was a wonderful place to grow up.

“That’s the tree you helped Allegra out of.” Nico jerks his head to a big tree near the perimeter. “You caught your finger on a broken branch.” His eyes drop to my finger.

Glancing down, I run my thumb over the old wound, mumbling out. “I hate that I don’t remember.”

“You will,” Nico says, his voice determined, just as the mansion comes into view.

Rounding the circular driveway, my gaze immediately goes to the woman rushing down the marble steps toward our vehicle. Warmth fills my chest, at the look of happiness on her beautiful face, but it soon turns cold when I’m reminded of what we still have to overcome.

Allegra comes to a halt at the bottom of the steps, bouncing from foot to foot and wringing her hands as she waits for me. She can’t see me through the blacked out windows, but I can see her. Every perfect inch.

Leo rolls the car to a stop, turning the ignition off in the next second.

“Ready?” Nico asks.

Turning to face him, I find his brow raised, a blank look masking his features.

“Yeah. More than ready.” I responded honestly.

He smirks, eyes flashing with mirth. “Let’s see if you’re still saying that after a week of my sister leading you around by the balls.”

Shaking my head, I roll my eyes. “I thought we already talked about this. You can’t say shit, Nic, when your wife does the same.”

He barks out a laugh. “You will soon see the difference between me and you. Now come on, let’s not keep them waiting.”

Without another word, he pushes the door open and climbs out. Matteo follows suit, while Leo holds back.

He glances over his shoulder at me, a smile curving his lips. “It's good to have you home, brother.”

I nod curtly. “Thanks, man.”

“You better go. Allegra is heading this way,” he chuckles.

I exhale a breath, a mix of emotions washing over me, but I push them all aside, ready to greet my principessa and shove the door open.

Allegra stands there, her blue eyes watery as she stares at me as if she can’t believe that I’m really here.

“Dante,” she chokes out.

Stepping onto the paved driveway, I pull her into my arms, peppering kisses all over her face.

“I missed you,” I tell her honestly, feeling it deep down in my soul.

She giggles. “I missed you, too. So much.”

Smiling, I look around at the estate. “So, this is home?”

Allegra nods, her voice a whisper when she speaks. “Yeah. This is also where we fell in love.”

Holding her tighter, I drop my forehead to hers, breathing her in. “I can’t wait to hear more of our story.”

She grins. “I look forward to telling you about it. But first, Mamma, Ocean, and I made breakfast.”

Laughing, I glance up, finding Nico, his wife, son, and Allegra’s mamma, who wears a soft smile, with teary eyes and a hand to her chest, watching us. I should feel intimidated by their interest but somehow it feels right.

“Come on then, let’s get this over with.”

Allegra swats at my chest. “It won’t be that bad. Everyone is just happy that you’re alive and home. If at any point it gets too much or you feel overwhelmed, tell me and I will excuse us. It doesn’t have to be a big deal. Our family won’t make it one if that’s what you want,” she murmurs, concern evident on her face.

Sliding my thumb across her lips, I keep my eyes locked on her striking blues. “It’s not that, baby. I want to enjoy breakfast with your family. It's just…” I trail off wondering how I can phrase my next words without sounding like a pussy. “I don’t know. I just don’t want to feel like an animal at a zoo with everyone watching me closely.”

Her face softens in understanding. “You won’t. I promise. And if you do, we will leave.” She presses her lips to mine. Fire ignites in my body at the touch. I want to stay like this forever, but a throat clears, cock blocking me and breaking our moment.

“Remember that’s my sister,” Nico drawls, pinning me with a look.

I chuckle, shaking my head and taking my woman’s hand in mine.

“Come on. Let's eat, then I want some alone time with you.”