She pulls me to her, holding me tightly. “Nobody would ever want to hurt you. You’re funny. You’re perfect. And you’ve hurt no one in your life.” She glances around us, making sure nobody is listening and says, “But I will findout who knocked you over, and if I find out it was intentional, they’ll pay.”
I smile. “I like you.”
Her face lights up as she gives me a beautiful grin. “Thank you, but you love me, Amara, and I love you.”
I take her hand. “Let’s get dinner.”
“Ah, there you are,” Dominic says when we reach the bottom of the staircase a few minutes later. “Dinner is being served.”
We’re ushered into the formal dining room where everyone is already seated around the long, polished table set with fine china and glittering crystal glassware.
Throughout the starter, I glance at the other people around the table, wishing I knew them better.
“These prawns and Moreton Bay bugs are the best,” Milly says.
She is right; the food is delicious. The next course is served, and I just sit and listen to everyone chatter about their day. But Mom rises from her chair, makes her apologies before disappearing into the kitchen.
“Are you okay?” Lia whispers, rubbing her palm over the back of my hand.
“Sorry.” I’m too busy listening to Mom demanding more champagne, telling the staff off because her guests have empty glasses.
Her heels click sharply on the marble floor as she returns to the table just as dessert is being served.
More footsteps as servers walk around the table filling glasses.
Dom stops one server and whispers something. She nods and leaves the room.
Dominic rises from his seat, looks around the table, and says, “I’d like to make a family announcement.”
Dominic looks at me before he clears his throat and says, “I’m officially handing over my position in the Syndicate to Dante. I’ve had a long, hard think about everything you did to gain my approval for this position, and you’re not only ready, but you are also going to be an outstanding leader.”
I stare at Dom in shock, my mouth slightly open.
The announcement seems to hang in the air, heavy with meaning I can’t fully grasp. But it’s enough of a shock that everyone around the table has gone still. Their expressions are one of surprise or perhaps something else. Maybe it’s relief or concern. I’m just not sure which person feels what.
Dante breaks the silence, his fork clattering against his plate. “I... I never thought this day would come.” His voice cracks slightly. “I always assumed you’d run the Syndicate until...”
He doesn’t finish the sentence, but everyone knows what he means. Until death. As is expected, I assume.
Dom’s eyes crinkle at the corners as he smiles at his son. “You’ve earned it. I’m proud of you—of the familyyou, Rafe, Cade, and Lia have formed.” He raises his glass higher. “To the future of the de Luca family.”
The table erupts in congratulations, glasses clinking.
But Mom’s face tightens, her knuckles white around her champagne flute. This clearly wasn’t the announcement she was expecting. I’m just not sure why it bothers her so much.
Lia catches my eye and smiles.
“You really have three boyfriends?” I murmur. The words tumble out before I can stop them.
“It’s definitely out now,” she says, leaning toward me.
“Three?”
She doesn’t seem offended. Instead, her smile widens, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “How could I choose?”
I smile back, warmth unfurling in my chest. A memory, perhaps? The feeling of sisterly connection that precedes my amnesia.
I glance at Dom and catch him looking at me. He lifts his flute slightly in my direction, a private toast that makes my heart skip. Then he turns back to the table, resuming his role as the gracious host.
