CHAPTER 15
Do Our Part
Val
I sitat the foot of the bed, rubbing lotion into my skin as I’m once again lost in thought. I can’t stop thinking about Roni’s question about Sammy’s friends. As I try to think of which of the other kids he allows to hang around him, other than Jordan’s little cousins, I come up empty.
The two of them and Jordan are always getting into trouble together when she’s around. From time to time, I’ve seen him with the Black cousins, but Jordan is the only one I can say is a friend of his.
Their boys tend to hang together in their own little clique, their girls are the same. I haven’t noticed Sammy around his own cousins much. Not for long. As this all sets in, I have to ask myself a real question.
Do I really want this life for my sons? Sammy can see his enemies coming for him. My boys can’t. Uri and I can teach them all we know, but do I really want that?
There is a harsh reality to being a Donati. We stand on the front lines. Weakness isn’t something we can afford.
“What are you thinking so hard about?” Uri asks as he comes from the bathroom with a towel around his waist.
I look up and blink my thoughts away. As I focus, I take my husband in. At forty-five, Uri is still fine as fuck.
He’s keeping up with me to this day. At thirty-two, I have thought of asking for one more baby. I love our four, but they’re all growing up so fast.
I shake my head clear. “Do you ever question our sons following in your footsteps?”
“Depends on if you mean as hitters or as don.”
I groan. “That’s worse than what I was thinking.”
“What are you thinking?”
“I don’t know. Sammy already has a lot on his plate. He can see what’s coming and we’ll all prepare him. What about Inzo and Nori? We can prepare them all we want, but we don’t know who will come for them.
“We’re placing targets on their backs. This doesn’t concern you?”
He stands before me then dips his head to kiss my forehead. The gesture is calming as he pours his love into it.
“Bella, I watched my father’s life be cut short in front of me. You watched the same with your mother and sister. Do you truly believe I haven’t already begun to prepare our sons and daughters for whatever may come?”
I gasp. “Are you serious?”
“Okay, not Eva yet, of course, but the others are already learning. Like Sammy, they too will be ready. Concern?” He scoffs. “I do not think anyone in their right mind would see those targets and aim for them. If our boys chose to walk away, I will allow it, but if they want to fill my shoes, they will be more than ready.”
I sigh. Uri sits beside me and places a hand on my thigh. I turn to him, and he leans in to peck my lips.
My belly still fills with butterflies from his touch. I love him more than I ever thought I could. The way he protects our family only causes me to fall for him more and more with each day.
“I think we all partied a little too much for a children’s party.” He chuckles as he gives my thigh a squeeze.
“Sammy was happy at the end and that’s all that matters.”
“Yes, I can’t help wondering what his vision was about.”
“I thought it was about that bitch.”
He nods. “It was, but he wouldn’t or couldn’t say what exactly he saw.”
“This is all so crazy.”
“I have no doubt as to whether or not I will help. I’m just wondering how. I want to give my little mate all the support he needs,” he murmurs as if in thought.
