Page 136 of Alessio

“Corrado?”

His mother’s hand came up to rest on his arm, letting him know how stiff and quiet he had gone after she delivered her news. He forced a smile on his face, not wanting to worry his mother, and shook his head.

“I’m fine, Ma,” he said softly.

Cara frowned. “Are you?”

No.

Still, if Ginevra wanted time and space, well, it was hers to have.

“It will be.”

She sighed. “Let me see you out, then.”

“Sure, Ma.”

Outside, on the front steps of the mansion entrance, Corrado kissed his mother on the cheek to say goodbye before leaving her to approach Alessio standing under the maple tree with Bene. One look from Corrado, and Bene gave Alessio a shrug before he darted off to join their mother.

“What’s wrong?” Alessio asked.

He just knew.

Because of course, he did.

Corrado’s life took a nosedive.

Fast.

“Nothing,” he lied.

Alessio arched a brow. “Really?”

“Yeah, just some news.”

“And?”

“Ginevra is on her way back to New York today.”

Alessio stiffened all over, but returned with, “So, you catch a flight, and meet her.”

“Why?”

The two of them stared at one another, saying nothing.

“If that’s where she wants to be, Les,” Corrado said.

“You know nothing she wants. You didn’t ask. Neither did I, Corrado, not really. She asked for time, not for us to fuck off.”

“You have a flight to catch, don’t you?”

“Corrado.” Alessio’s phone buzzed in his pocket, and he scowled. “She’s supposed to be with us.”

“Answer your phone.”

Alessio continued ignoring it.

“Cor—”