I felt stupid and regretful as those words came out of my mouth. But what other decent way was there to ask my brother how his sex life is going?
Lucio smiled, calm and hopeful. “We’re still waiting. It’s a process, but I’m not worried. If it’s meant to be, it will happen.”
I admired his calm demeanor. “You’re always so peaceful. How do you manage that?”
He laughed, a warm sound. “I prefer silence and simplicity. I have more than enough to be grateful for. I’ve lost, but I’ve gained more. I do lose my shit, but I let it go quickly.”
I sighed. “I wish I could be more like you.”
Lucio grinned. “We have the same face. No need for the same personality.”
We both laughed, the tension of the day easing. The conversation shifted to recent events, and I shared Azzaria’s surprising news about Arnoldo.
Lucio’s eyes widened. “Arnoldo? Reyes? Lawyer? Our best friend?”
“That’s exactly how Dillon and I reacted,” I said with a wry smile. “It was like being hit with a ton of bricks.”
Lucio leaned back. “Well, we’ll know soon enough. Arnoldo can’t keep a secret.”
As the evening wore on, we talked about family and life. Eventually, I glanced at my Rolex. “I should get going,” I said. “Early morning ahead and some things to wrap up.”
Lucio gave me a hug. “Take care of yourself. And remember, we’ve got each other’s backs,fratello.”
“I know,” I smiled. “Thanks for everything, Luc.”
Chapter Forty-seven
NINA
Present Day
ITALY
“Do you actually want a jet?” Ronan asked, catching me completely off guard.
Yesterday, during my flight back home, I marveled at the comfort and luxury, which was an experience unlike any I’d ever had. In jest, I’d told the flight attendant I needed a jet. Little did I know she would relay my words to Ronan, and now we were on the phone talking about jets.
How great.
“No, Ronan,” I sighed. “It was a joke.”
“If you ever need one—”
“I willnotneed one,” I interjected. “I’m fine flying commercial.”
“It’s your world,” he countered. “If you want a jet, I’ll get you a jet.”
“Ronan Emanuel Romano,” I said sharply.
“Nina Chiara Moretti,” he mimicked in the same tone.
We spent the next ten minutes volleying back and forth over this jet argument until he finally relented.
“Fine, no jet. But make a promise?”
“I have to know what the promise is first,” I replied, wary.
“If you’re ever planning on traveling, tell me first so you can use my jet,” Ronan said smoothly over the phone.
