We reach the nursery just in time to see Dante pause in the doorway. There’s a beat of eerie silence, then his face drops.
“Absolutely not,” he growls, pointing toward his son. “That thing has claimed enough victims.”
“Stop it,” Arabella says. “He looks adorable.”
“He … he looks like—” Dante pauses, staring at his son while trying to find the right words without starting a war, “—like a very expensive antique lampshade. Not the future Don of the Mancini Cosa Nostra.”
Romeo and I crack up at his ridiculous analogy, as Lucia chimes in, “It’s family tradition.”
“It’s your husband’s family tradition, not mine.”
Lucia’s eyes narrow. “My husband is part of yourFamiglia, is he not?”
She has a point; he can’t really argue that.
“Remove it now!” Dante grumbles.
“No!” Arabella and Lucia say in unison.
“My son is not leaving this house in a fu … fudging dress.”
“He’s my son too,” Arabella counters as her hands move to her hips.
“Bellezza, (Beauty),” he pleads, and the tone of his voice almost has me feeling sorry for the poor bastard. This is the side of the Don his men never get to see.
“You might as well quit while you’re ahead,” Romeo says with a smirk. “Believe me, you don’t stand a chance. In case you forgot, I’m married to the other Rossi sister.”
Dante twists his body in our direction as his narrowed gaze lands on Romeo before flickering to me.
Man, he’s pissed.
“I wouldn’t be laughing if I were you,” he growls, stabbing his finger towards me. “Isn’t your wife pregnant? Doesn’t that make your kid next in line?”
My eyes dart to Emily as her hand skims over her small baby bump, and my face drops. I’m suddenly not finding this so funny anymore.
Chapter 52
Dominic
Three and a half months later …
Ithought Dante’s home in Australia was over the top, but his mansion in Italy is on another level entirely. It’s a damn castle.
Dante, Romeo, and I landed in Sicily last night. I hated leaving my girls behind, especially with Emily pregnant, but this was an opportunity too good to pass up.
Dante recently learned there’s a rat in the Italian branch of hisFamiglia, so we’re here to find it and take care of it.
Emily, Lil’ Peach, Lucia, and Gabe are staying at the Mancini residence with Arabella and her two kids, surrounded by a small army of guards until we get back. At least I know they’re safe.
“What time are we meeting up with Roberto?” I ask Dante over breakfast.
“One.”
“I’ve got an errand to run this morning. Mind if I borrow one of the cars?”
“What kind of errand?”
“My father lives about an hour from here. I figured I’d visit while I’m in the country.”
