All Chapters of SUBSTITUTE BRIDE FOR THE MAFIA DON: Chapter 61 - Chapter 70

Dahlia’s POVIt had been a week since the attack, and every day since then felt like I was slowly finding my footing again. The memory of that afternoon still came back to me sometimes—especially when things got too quiet—but now, instead of freezing in fear, I used that memory as motivation. I refused to ever feel that helpless again. That’s why I threw myself into my self-defense training with Bjorn.The first few days were rough. My body wasn’t used to all that movement. Every muscle ached, every stretch burned, and my arms shook every time I tried to block or punch. I’d go to bed sore and exhausted, but no matter how much it hurt, I showed up again the next day. Bjorn wasn’t the type to go easy on anyone. He was this tall, serious man with broad shoulders and a voice that could make you straighten up even when you were half-dead from training. But he was good at what he did. He didn’t just bark orders—he explained why each move mattered, why I had to react fast, why I had to trust

Dahlia’s POVAndrea had been living with us for almost a week now, and somehow, her presence had changed the whole atmosphere in the house. The place didn’t feel as quiet or heavy anymore. There was laughter echoing down the halls now—hers and mine. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed having someone to talk to, someone who wasn’t constantly serious or thinking about security and responsibilities.Andrea was so full of life. She talked fast, laughed loud, and had this way of pulling me out of my own head without even trying. She was effortlessly beautiful too—her long dark hair always shining, her smile easy and bright. Even though she was Luca’s cousin, she felt more like a best friend to me. We spent almost every moment together since she arrived.Sometimes we would sit in the garden with tea and pastries, gossiping about random things like the way the guards never smiled or how Luca always looked like he was in a photoshoot even when he was just reading emails. Other times, she wou

Dahlia’s POVIn my mind, I could see him reaching out, his fingers brushing a strand of hair away from my face. His touch would be warm, gentle at first, but his gaze would say something else—something deeper. I imagined him tilting my chin up so I had no choice but to look at him. My heart would be pounding so hard I’d swear he could hear it.Then, without a single word, he’d lean down and kiss me. It wouldn’t be soft. It would be hungry, like he’d been holding back for too long. His lips would move against mine with a rough kind of passion that made my knees weak. I’d feel the desk pressing against my lower back as he pushed me gently but firmly against it, his hands sliding to my waist, pulling me closer until there was no space left between us.The kiss would deepen, slow at first, then hotter. I’d feel his breath against my lips, his hand sliding up my back, his fingers curling in my hair. My hands would move without thinking, grabbing onto his shirt, feeling the warmth of his ski

Dahlia’s POVI just stood there staring at the words. My chest tightened a little, and my heart started beating faster. I ran my thumb lightly over the ink, wondering if he had written it himself. It felt… personal. Too personal.Andrea clutched her chest dramatically. “Oh, that’s it. He’s definitely into you. He called you princess!” she squealed, practically bouncing on her heels.I quickly hid the card back inside the bouquet, trying to calm my racing heart. “It’s probably just a nickname,” I mumbled, but even I didn’t sound convincing.Andrea grinned knowingly, that mischievous sparkle in her eyes making me instantly suspicious. “Sure, Dee. Keep lying to yourself,” she said with a playful smirk, bumping her shoulder into mine. I laughed nervously, pretending not to understand what she meant, though deep down, I did. My chest was still fluttering from the note in my hands — Happy birthday, princess. Those three words kept echoing in my head like a sweet song I couldn’t stop replayin

Luca’s POVThe call came late—just after midnight. Dahlia had finally fallen asleep beside me, her breathing soft and steady. The moonlight slipped through the curtains, brushing her face, and for a second I just stared at her. She looked too peaceful for my world. Too untouched. I didn’t belong next to something that innocent.Then my phone buzzed on the nightstand. Dante.My stomach tightened immediately. Dante never called unless it was important. I grabbed the phone before it could ring again.“Talk,” I said quietly.“We found him,” he said. “Pedro’s hiding out in a mansion on the north side, near the hills. Big place. Looks like he’s been there a while.”That was all I needed to hear.I ended the call without another word and got up from the bed. The floor was cold under my feet. I moved quietly, not wanting to wake her. She shifted a little, mumbling something in her sleep, and I froze until she settled again. I took one last look at her, tucked beneath the sheets like she belon