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Angelo took a deep breath and blew it out. “I know I wasn’t here when you needed me, but I’m here now. Let me help.”
Kayla watched all of this in utter amazement. She never would have guessed her boss was capable of such a wide range of emotions. So then why did he strive at the office for such an unflappable persona? What was she missing?
Kayla was about to introduce herself to Marianna, when the young woman stared up at Angelo and said, “And I wish you weren’t here now. Not like this. Not with all of the fighting.” When Angelo’s brows rose and his mouth opened but nothing came out, Marianna added, “I don’t want to play referee.” Her hand moved protectively to her still-flat stomach. “It isn’t good for the baby.”
Angelo and Nico looked at each other as though neither had considered how their fighting would stress their sister—their pregnant sister.
Marianna moved to look at both of her brothers. “I’m fully capable of taking care of myself.”
Nico rolled his eyes. Angelo crossed his arms but refrained from saying anything.
“I hope you’ll both give me some space.”
Angelo’s brows rose. “But first, we want to know the name of the father.”
“That’s none of your business.”
Nico stepped forward. “It is our business if he thinks he’s going to get our sister pregnant and then just walk away.”
Marianna’s face filled with color.
Angelo pressed his hands to his sides. “We deserve the right to speak to this guy. He needs to know that we expect him to step up and do his part—”
“And I expect you both to mind your own business.” Marianna started for the house.
Enough was enough. The time had come to make a hasty exit. It was obvious that Marianna was in over her head and that her brothers were only making the situation worse.
When Angelo turned to follow his sister, Kayla moved swiftly in front of him. “I’m not feeling so good.” It wasn’t totally a lie—her stomach was in knots watching the Amatucci siblings squabble. “Could you take me to the hotel?”
Angelo’s worried gaze moved from her to his sister to her. “Sure.” He turned to Nico. “We need to talk more.”
“I figured as much.”
“I’ll be back after we get settled.”
Nico shrugged. “I’ll be here. I can’t speak for Marianna.”
“I don’t think she needs anyone to speak for her. She certainly does have a mind of her own. Even if it gets her in trouble.”
“She always was strong-willed. I think she’s a lot like Mama.”
“Agreed.”
At last the two had something they agreed on—their little sister’s character. And now that things were on a good note, it was definitely time to say goodbye.
Kayla cleared her throat, hoping to gain Angelo’s attention. When he didn’t turn her way, she proceeded to say, “Angelo, are you ready to go?”
She’d have rather had a tour of the vineyard and stretched her legs, but not under these strained circumstances. She couldn’t help but wonder if it was the situation with their sister that had them at odds or if they had a history of not getting along.
Angelo glanced her way. “It was a long trip. I suppose you would like to lie down for a bit.”
“That would be nice.” She turned to Nico, who was still eyeing his brother with obvious agitation. “It was so nice to meet you. I hope that we’ll see each other again.”
“I suppose that’ll depend on my brother and whether he trusts you with me—”
“Nico. Enough.” Angelo’s voice held an obvious note of warning. “We’ll be staying at the Hotel Villa Bellezza. If Marianna cools down, phone me.”
Angelo quietly followed her to the car and opened the door for her. “I’m sorry you had to witness that.”<
