“He’s fighting for a chance to be with you,” Luigi called out. “If there’s even the smallest part of you that wants that too, then stay.”
But I was already walking into the bedroom and closing the door. Luigi was a good friend, but he was asking the impossible. Setting the wad of cash and my driver’s license on the bathroom vanity, I tugged my shirt over my head. The plastic said Magnolia Rae Bennet.
I didn’t feel like that same small-town girl anymore.
I lifted my gaze to face myself in the mirror.
Staring back at me was a woman who wanted to be a mafia princess. In order to do that, I would have to let go of a piece of my foundation. I would have to learn to trust, and if there was anyone who seemed like he wouldn’t make me regret that decision, it was Dominico Grimaldi.
“I want to trust you, but I’m so scared,” I whispered to the idea of the monster.
Chapter 27 – Rae
“Main house or Theo’s place?” Luigi asked as he turned onto the Grimaldi estate.
At the mention of my uncle, my knees began to bounce. By now, Theo would have read my note. It was late in the evening, and he’d had all day to stew about me leaving.
I did not expect a warm welcome. But that was part of the cost to stay and fight. To make matters worse, part of me still wasn’t on board with that plan.
“Theo’s,” I breathed.
Luigi deposited me at the door. He didn’t help with my suitcase, but he leaned out the window to say, “Anytime y’all want to eat some good old American grub, call me.”
I slammed his trunk. “Your accent is still terrible.”
“I’ll work on that.” He shot me a wink and peeled out the service drive.
I trudged into the kitchen of the servant’s cottage.
Where my uncle was sitting at the kitchen table, nursing a tumbler of bourbon. I smelt the oaky goodness before my brain registered that he was holding my letter.
Our eyes met across the room, and my gut twisted tight.
“Uncle Theo, I—”
What did I say? How did I explain the tear-stained paper? My sudden reappearance? If there was ever a time for prayer, this would be it.
“Magnolia,” he breathed and sat straighter. “I’m glad you’re back.”
My heart seized up. “You are?”
Uncle Theo smiled sadly. He rose and opened his arms. “Come here.”
The hours of much-needed sleep weren’t enough to keep the emotions at bay. Moisture flooded my vision, and I sniffed loudly. I was at a loss how to handle his strange behavior. Thankfully, instinct took over, and my feet moved of their ownaccord. His arms wrapped tightly around me, pulling me in for a hard, meaningful hug.
“Sweet child, hush,” he murmured into my hair. “There’s no need for that.”
“But—but—there is,” I choked out.
Theo shook his head. “Your letter said enough.”
“Oh, Lord,” I moaned.
“Sit down.” He pushed me gently into the seat next to his. I let him. “Your mom bailed when things got tough. I don’t need to know what you aren’t telling me.”
I blinked away the tears. He wasn’t mad? How was that possible!
“But you always have a place here, Magnolia. Always.” He threw back his drink. “I just hope you’ll hear me, because the saints know she never did.”
