EPILOGUE

My heart was beating so fast I was even afraid it would burst out of my chest. I put my hand over my mouth. He doesn't want to. No, right?

"I...I uhh I know it's early," he said. He was definitely nervous. Domenico swallowed hard before continuing. "You're the love of my life, Cayetana. So much has happened between us, so much shit I've done. And you still forgave me. You still have a chance against us. Because we love each other. Because we belong together. That may be totally hasty, but I've never felt so sure about a decision," he said. Tears welled up in my eyes.

"I don't want to waste any more time. Just like with this house. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Cayetana. I want you to be my wife and the mother of my children. I want you to be the woman who will help me supports you in everything. I want to be the man who supports you in everything. I want to be there for you when you are down. I want you by my side for the rest of my life, amore mio."

Domenico took a deep breath. "Cayetana Fernández, will you marry me?" he asked me with hope in his eyes. I moistened my dry lips and wiped my eyes with the back of my hand.

Domenico looked at me expectantly. I didn't think about it any longer and started nodding as wide tears of joy rolled down my cheeks. "Yes?" Domenico questioned as if it were the most important thing in his life. "Yeah," I laughed, not stopping to shake my head. Why should we waste any more time? Relieved, smiling, he took my hand and stuck the bling on me. Then he got up and picked me up.

I gave a startled squeak before he kissed me longingly. So surreal. His lips met mine passionately over and over again and we deepened and deepened the kiss. I wrapped my legs tightly around his waist.

Domenico 4 HOURS LATER

I don't think I've ever been so nervous. I fiddled with my suit nervously. It's almost time. I'm about to marry the love of my life. Me, Cayetanas and my family and all the guests were already at the church. Now only my girl was missing.

My eyes darted over all the people. Your family and mine are in the front row. Adriano grinned at me. He did that because he knew exactly how nervous I was. Fuck. That never happens to me otherwise. Probably because I don't get married every day either.

I flinched slightly when someone put an arm around me. "Dude, you're getting married!" Mateo laughed. I looked at him. "Yes I do," I said nervously. "Mierda, I think this is the first time in our friendship that I've seen you nervous," he said, amused. I just shrugged.

"I'm so excited, it's not normal anymore," I whispered, afraid someone else would hear. "Really what? You don't look at you at all," he said wryly. I rolled my eyes, shaking my head. "Maybe I should have chosen Adriano as my best man after all," I teased.

"When are your wedding bells ringing?" I asked him, nodding slightly in Ivy's direction to change the subject. I had to distract myself . Mateo shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know yet. I have to explain to her somehow what I do for a living," he said. He sounded a little desperate. "What you still haven't done?" I asked him. He actually wanted to tell her for a long time. Mateo shook his head. I put my hand on his shoulder encouragingly. "You can do it buddy," I said.

I looked at my watch. Where is she? I turned away from Mateo and ran to Alejandro. "Do you know where they are?" I asked him. "Adriana just wrote to me that they're about to leave. I nodded in understanding. Ale's mouth twitched up. "I never thought I'd see you nervous," he said amused. I just smiled ironically.

"But hey," he said, putting his hand on my shoulder. "You're part of the family now," he said. I nodded. I would never have expected that. That moment made me think back to the night I was at the theme park with Cayetana and I asked for his blessing.

-FLASHBACK-

I was a bit nervous waiting for Alejandro to finally arrive. What will he say? What if he's against it? Merda, I mustn't think so much. Right at that moment I saw his car from afar. He stopped in front of me before getting out and standing next to me. "You wanted to talk to me?" he asked confused. "Sì," I mumbled while rubbing my mouth nervously. It's all right, Domenico, that's bound to go wrong.

"Um, getting straight to the point," I said, not wanting to keep him in suspense. "As you know, your father is not a particularly big fan of mine," I said. Alejandro laughed. "No, definitely not," he said, laughing. "Please don't interrupt me," I said, wanting to get this over with. "Lo siento," he said, looking at me seriously again. "Well, like I said, your dad isn't my biggest fan." I took a short break. "That's why I wanted to ask for your blessings," I asked him. Alejandro widened his eyes and looked at me in surprise.

"Sorry what?" he asked as if he had misheard. "I want to ask Cayetana to marry me, so I want your blessing," I said. He looked at me in surprise.

"You think she would say yes?" he replied, ignoring my request. "Let that be my concern. Will you give me your blessing? Please, Alejandro." Alejandro seemed to consider. I don't think he expected it when I called him and asked if we could meet up for a moment.

"Are you serious about asking for her hand?" he asked. I nodded. Nothing more than that. Among other things, I don't want to waste any more time with her. Just thinking about the past few weeks. It may be early, but I was sure.

He took a deep breath. "Okay," he said. "Okay?" I questioned. He nodded. "Cayetana is happy with you. That's why I give you my blessing," he said. "Grazie," I said relieved. "But I'll tell you one thing, Domenico. If you hurt her just once more, we're not just enemies again..." He stopped and took a menacing step closer. "...But you will also wish that you never met me," he continued and I nodded again.

-FLASHBACK END-

Cayetana

I took a deep breath as the car stopped. Adriana grabbed my hand. "Calm down," she said, smiling. "It's all going to be perfect," she assured me. "She's right, my darling," said my dad from the other side and also looked at me with a smile.

I looked at both of them in turn. My lower lip started to tremble. "Don't!" she said warningly. I had to laugh. "Think of your make-up. Domenico will ruin that tonight," she said with a grin. "Adriana," said my father. Her eyes darted to him. "Lo siento," she said, then looked back at me. "Come on. Your future husband is already waiting," she said and opened the car door. The three of us got out together and walked toward the church.

Before we entered the church, we nodded to the two security men and then went in. In the foyer, Adriana stopped. She handed me my bouquet. "Okay wait here. I'll go in and let you know the bride is here. When the music starts, can you guys come in, okay?" I nodded while clutching the bouquet tightly. Before leaving, she smiled at me again. "I'm so happy for you," she said with a smile before leaving.

My papa turned his face to me. "Me too," he said. "Maybe Domenico isn't the son-in-law I was expecting, but I see how happy he makes you, mi hija," he smiled. "I wish you all the luck in the world," he said. "Dad," I murmured on the verge of tears and hugged. "Gracias," I murmured into the crook of his neck, trying to hold back the tears.

That stupid gut feeling just wouldn't go away. But that was certainly due to the excitement.

Suddenly music played. "Our sign, mi pequeña," he smiled and held out his arm. Smiling excitedly, I linked my arm with him and we walked towards the door that separated me from my future husband.

My father opened it and immediately I saw him. Domenico. The way he stood there and eyed me. A universe wide smile spread across my lips as I slowly walked towards my husband-to-be. Domenico also smiled. I bet he's just as excited as me.

I got closer and closer to him. I finally had my happy ending.

Suddenly I heard something in the background. It sounded like someone was storming the door. The smile immediately disappeared from Domenico's face and before I could turn around I heard a deafening bang and an indescribable pain went through my stomach. From then on, everything just happened in slow motion. I look down at myself while out of the corner of my eye I saw my brothers rush past me.

Panicked, my gaze landed on my dress, which was turning red bit by bit. "Cayetana?" I heard my father's worried voice fade away. He jerked my arm. My legs suddenly felt so limp. I dropped the bouquet and put my hand on my stomach to stop the bleeding. None, instead I looked at my bloodstained hand. "CAYETANA!" I heard Domenico scream before he stood in front of me and put his arms around me. My eyes flickered before black dots entered my vision.

Concern filled his eyes and I saw a few tears running down his cheeks. "Amore mio," he pleaded as his trembling hands cupped my cheeks. "D-domenico," I croaked before everything went black.

UP NEXT: AMORE MIO: UNTIL DEATH

Domenico pushed me against the wall, making me gasp into the kiss. "Maybe you weren't entirely wrong," he breathed against my lips, grinning. I laughed as he walked towards the bed with me in his arms.

-

I traced circles on his bare skin with my finger. "Cayetana De Santis," he said dreamily. I grinned and lifted my head to look at him questioningly. "What about Domenico Fernández?" I asked with a grin. "Absolutely not," he said, tucking his fingers firmly into my hips. "I want my girl to have my name too," he said. "Yeah, we'll see," I grinned cheekily. Domenico just shook his head with a grin.

"What do you think our family will think of this?" I asked him, resting my head back on his chest. "Well, mine thought it was good that I wanted to get married," he said. "Wait? What?" I said confused, raising my head. "Your family knows?" I asked him. "Sì, how do you think I could have done all this otherwise?" he asked, laughing. "Adriano helped me with all the roses."

"What do you think yours will say?" he asked. I just shrugged. "I don't know. They're not against our relationship, but I don't know if they find it rushed," I murmured. Amazing how the tide has turned.

Even if Domenico's and my story didn't start well or honestly, it's all the better now. He loves me. I love him. He wants a future with me. And I want one with him. For some, home is just a word, but for others, it's a person. A person who makes you feel comfortable and safe. A person who knows your quirks and loves you for who you are. A person where you can just be who you are. Same for me. Domenico is my home.

Nothing and nobody can separate us anymore.

2 MONTHS LATER

"No!" I tried to be serious. Domenico sighed desperately or annoyed. I couldn't tell. "Amore mio, that's complete nonsense. Please stay," he begged me. "We're getting married tomorrow," I informed him. "I know and I don't want my fiancee not staying in the same house as me the night before the wedding," he said.

I had planned to go to my family and stay the night there because my wedding dress and everything else is already there. Especially since it's bad luck to sleep in the same bed with the groom the night before the wedding.

But part of me didn't want to leave either. "Mi Amor, that brings bad luck!" I argued. "That's bullshit and we both know that," he said, walking towards me. He came up behind me. "Aren't you going to stay here, mia bella?" he whispered in my ear. Shortly thereafter, I felt a lip on my neck.

I closed my eyes and a soft moan escaped my throat. He wants to manipulate me with sex. Such a rascal! "Domenico," I said warningly. But instead of stopping, he continued kissing my neck and sucking on my skin. He placed his hands on my waist and pulled me closer to him.

"Stay, baby," he breathed against my neck. My sane voice tells me to stand my ground and go, but the treacherous side tells me to stay. What's going to happen tomorrow?

I turned and pressed my lips to his only to part them briefly afterwards. "I hate you," I mumbled. "I love you too," he grinned and kissed me again. He wrapped his big hands around my ass and lifted me up. I wrapped my arms and legs around him and let him carry me to the bed.

He gently laid me down on the bed before he went to do the laundry for me like a teenager who had gone berserk. "Tomorrow we'll be husband and wife," he murmured as he pulled my pants down my legs. "If I say no at the altar, then no," I said teasingly. Domenico stopped moving. "Don't you dare," he growled, making me giggle.

I sat up impatiently and unbuttoned his shirt, which immediately landed on the floor. I put my hand on his chest and let it slide down bit by bit until I reached his middle. Slowly teasing, I undid his belt and then slipped his pants off his legs. Sitting up straight, I noticed the fat bulge in his boxers.

Domenico stepped a little closer and slipped his hand behind my back. With a quick hand movement he undid my bra and threw it through our bedroom. I gasped in surprise as he pushed me onto the bed.

He ran his finger down me until he reached my middle. He grabbed the hem of my panties and pulled them off my legs. "Open your legs for me, amore mio," he whispered. I followed his command and spread my legs.

Shortly thereafter I felt his warm breath on my soaking wet middle. He ran his tongue between my labia, licking and sucking on my clit at the same time. "Domenico," I moaned, grabbing his hair as he pushed two fingers into me. Groaning, I laid my head on the pillow.

Domenico drove me insane with his tongue. Just like he always did. "Fuck," I gasped, gripping his hair tighter as I raced towards my climax. I arched my back and moaned his name over and over again.

The wave of orgasm hit me so suddenly I almost screamed. "Oh my god," I gasped, my legs shaking like a leaf. Grinning dirty, Domenico crawled over me. "Did I mention I love making your legs shake?" he asked. "Asshole," I mumbled, grinning as I closed my eyes.

"Na na na. We don't mean to be insulting here, Madame," he growled. I opened my eyes again, grinning. "What else huh?" I said laying mine on his chest and letting it slide further down. "Then unfortunately I feel compelled to screw these insults back on your head as quickly as possible."

-

Breathing heavily, I got off him and flopped onto my side of the bed. "Fuck," I gasped, pulling the covers over us. I rolled onto my side only to find a grinning Domenico. "I can't wait for you to finally become my wife tomorrow," he grinned. I had to laugh. "Since when are you his softie, huh?" I asked, giggling. "Only with you." I snuggled up to him with a smile.

Domenico ran his hand through my hair. "Are you excited about next week?" I asked him. Next week he will take over his father's business and thus lead an influential Italian mafia. "To be honest, yes. Just a little, then," he replied, tracing soothing circles on my scalp. "I mean, I already know everything and I know what I have to do, but being the boss is new," he said. "And I'm scared too," he admitted.

I looked up at him questioningly. "What's the fear?" I asked, confused. "For you. If I take over the business, it will certainly be dangerous. I don't want anything to happen to you," he said. A slight smile formed on my lips. "You don't need to worry about me. I'm used to it all. After all, I've been the daughter of a mafia boss for 22 years," I said. "Despite it."

I lowered my head back onto his chest. I took a deep breath before closing my eyes and grinning. I think of our future together. It's still a bit surreal sometimes, but I've never been happier. Domenico and I moved into the property almost two weeks after he proposed.

And when I think about it when we told my family about it. Their reactions were actually quite okay.

-FLASHBACK-

I tapped nervously on the floor of the car over and over again. Laughing, Domenico caressed my thigh. "Calm down," he laughed. I looked at him in desperation. "Not exactly easy when you're on your way to your parents to promise them that you're moving out and getting married. And the ex-enemy as well," I said blankly. "They won't rip your head off," Domenico said while driving through the gate. "And besides, I'm here," he said reassuringly. I snorted.

Domenico parked the car and we went in. I swallowed hard as we entered the foyer. I turned my gaze to Rodrigo. "Do you know where my parents are?" I asked him.

"Her father is in his office and her mother is in the living room," he informed me. "Gracias," I murmured before we went in search of everyone.

When we all drummed together and sat together in the dining room, the words stuck in my throat. It was weird sitting at a table with my family and Domenico. "You don't want to tell us that you're pregnant, mi hija, do you?" my mother asked in panic. My gaze shot to her immediately. "Oh god no," I reassured her. She breathed a sigh of relief, too. "Dios," she murmured relieved. "What is it then?" Ramón asks curiously. My eyes went to my father who gave me a knowing look. He had a small smile on his face. Wait? What?

"So...um," I started. "We have two pieces of news," I continued. "Um number one... we're moving in together," I said. One thing already done. I think the wedding will be a tick harder. They all made a surprised face. This is good right? "Then at least you won't bother us anymore," laughed Ramón. I looked at him indignantly. He raised his hands defensively. "So what?" he laughed dirty. I shook my head. Well, at least not a bad reaction. "And what's the second piece of news?" my dad wanted to know, grinning.

He knew it. Certainly. At least I assume he can imagine it. "We are going to marry." My gaze shot to Domenico. He just shrugged his shoulders. "What? You're taking too long," he said, while I could clearly see that the corners of his mouth twitched up. "You're doing what?" Sebastián asked surprised. I just laughed desperately. "I can't imagine Cayetana as a wife," chimes in Alejandro with a grin. Why wasn't he surprised? "Why not what?" I asked, shocked. I would be a perfect wife. I think so. "You can't cook," he grinned. Asshole. "Can you cook, hermano?" I asked the counter question.

"Si." Lie. "How now and when did you get engaged?" Antonia asked in surprise. "Earlier," I said, putting my hand on the table so they could see my ring. Alejandro whistled appreciatively. "Fancy thing," said Ramón. I had to smile. "Mierda," Antonia said in amazement and grabbed my hand. A laugh escaped my throat. "Okay, that came as a bit of a surprise," said Valentín. "Don't you think it's too fast?" I asked skeptically. My mom just shrugged. "If you think it feels right, then I don't find it too fast. Especially since you love each other, don't you?" She asked and narrowed her eyes at Domenico.

I knew straight away what they wanted to say to him. Domenico started nodding. "Yes, we do," he said seriously. Okay, now it's getting a little awkward. "Good," she said calmly. "You know what happens if you break her heart again," Alejandro told him with a grin. "How could I forget that," said Domenico ironically.

-FLASHBACK END-

"What are you thinking about?" Domenico asked while ruffling my hair. "About the day we told my parents we were getting married and moving in together," I said. "That was really funny," he said. "No it wasn't. I'm still mad at you for just saying we're getting married," I said snotty. He laughed. "You always beat around the bush, darling," he said. "Nevertheless. You just fell in with the door like that," I said. He laughed again. "It's better to peel off the band-aid quickly rather than slowly and piece by piece." Okay, somehow he was right about that.

-

When the alarm clock rang the next morning, I literally jumped out of bed. Today is the day. I stormed into our closet and put on some clothes, not even knowing if it was my shirt or Domenico's. I wanted to hurry up and not bump into Domenico if possible. But I won't be able to do that because I have to go through the bedroom to get out and he'll probably be awake too. Damn. It's bad enough that I broke my word and stayed here. Fully dressed, I walked out of the closet and didn't even notice Domenico, who had sat up. I walked to my bedside table in quick steps and pulled my phone from the charging cable. Domenico laughed.

"What about my good morning kiss?" he asked mock sadly as I was about to leave the room. I turned around briefly. "You'll get that later, after I've given you the yes word," I explained. "If I should do that," I added sweetly.

Grinning, Domenico pointed to my shirt. "First, that's mine, and second, it's the wrong way around," he informed me. I looked down at myself and studied the label. I shrugged nonchalantly. "I don't care. Bye cocoa, see you later," I said and left the room as quickly as possible. "I love you," I called out before storming down the stairs.

I went straight to Paolo. "Could you please take me to my family's house?" I ask him. Somehow I just felt stupid because I asked our employee. I mean, actually, I don't even have to ask him. "Sì, Miss Fernández," he said, turning to Marcello. "Will you let Luca know that I'm driving Miss Fernández so that he can take my place?" Marcello nodded and took his cell phone out of his jacket. "Come on," he said, motioning for me to follow him.

When we got to my old home I got out and Paolo drove again. Behind me I could already hear Adriana screaming like crazy. Grinning, I turned around and opened my arms. She almost jumped me. "You're getting married today!" she shrieked. I had to laugh. "Yes Adri, but you have to shout it in my ear", I laughed before I saw my Alejandro coming out of the house.

He walked up to us with a grin and hugged me too. "I can't believe it. My little sister is getting married," he grinned. "Well, someone in the family has to go first," I laughed.

The three of us went in. "The stylist is already here," Alejandro informed me. "Perfect. I'd say put the dress on first thing, right?" I said. Adriana nodded. "After that, the make-up and finally your hair. It's going to be great," she said, putting an arm around me as I walked. "Your shirt is the wrong way around, by the way," she informed me. I had to giggle. "I know that's one of Domenico's, too. When the alarm clock rang, I literally fled the house," I said before we went up the stairs.

"I still can't believe you stayed with him," she said. "It's bad luck," I said. I snorted. "I know, but oh well." I had to grin. "Domenico was very convincing," I said with a grin on my face.

"By that she means sex," interjected Alejandro. My eyes darted to him as my cheeks flushed. "Ale!" I hissed, making him laugh. "But he's right, isn't he?" Adriana wanted to know. I sighed. "You know what? Leave me alone," I laughed lightly.

"Okay," Adriana began. "Let's not talk about it anymore, because we have better things to do now," she said, putting her hands on my shoulders. "Mi amor, you go now!" she said and pulled me into my old room. Adriana and I giggled after slamming the door in Ale's face.

I turned to my bed and smirked, examining my wedding dress. When Adriana, Mamá and I were looking for a wedding dress for myself, I fell in love with this one right away. It was wonderful. "And are you nervous? Today is your big day," she said, grinning. "I'm a bit excited," I confessed, while tears welled up in my eyes shortly afterwards. "I'm getting married," I said on the verge of tears, waving my hands in front of my eyes to keep from crying. The thought of later, how I will walk up to Domenico in this dress, made me very emotional. Today will be the best day of my life.

Adriana made a warning face before pointing a finger at me. "Don't you start crying now, Tana. Otherwise I'll have to too," she warned me. I laughed while a tear rolled down my cheek. "I'm just so happy," I explained. "I know," she smiled. "But you deserve it. You deserve all the happiness in the world. And now please stop crying. We'll make you pretty now, although I'm pretty sure Domenico would also get married in a potato sack." I laughed.

Then I took my dress and disappeared into the bathroom. A strange feeling spread in my stomach. Oh, just the excitement.