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“Now who’s coming up with fantasy? I believe Charlize. I saw her with Arron before she died, and she told me the truth. She said she didn’t want Romy to know about Arron. She was going to raise him on her own because she didn’t like the lifestyle you all live.”
Ezio scoffed. “Ah, you mean living in a mansion and having every need met? Yes, that would be terrible, wouldn’t it? Seems you’re pretty gullible or a skillful actress.”
“You know what you can kiss, Ezio.”
“Hey, whoa now.” Shakarri raised a finger. “Don’t disrespect my husband.”
“But he can disrespect me?”
“He’s out of line too.” She looked at her husband. “Ezio, lay off. We’ll know the truth in three or four days. Can’t you not harass her until then?”
His eyes narrowed. “Not when I see Romy fawning over the kid the way he is. The damage could be done by the time the test results are in.”
Sonya slammed a fist on the table. “I’ve had enough of you. I was blackmailed into coming here, and the only reason I’m still at this table is I’m not going to make Arron go hungry because of you! You don’t like me. Fine. I don’t like you either. Stay out of my face, and I’ll stay out of yours. Romy’s a grown man and can look out for his own heart.”
Ezio scraped his chair back and stood. Dread washed over Sonya. When she was angry, she tended to say whatever she wanted. Maybe she had gone too far. If he threw her and Arron out, it wasn’t a big deal because she kept most of her stuff at her apartment, and nobody was making her let go of the lease. She would have a backup plan. Yet, she wasn’t going to pretend Ezio didn’t scare her a little.
“You can—” he began.
Romy stood as well, making his brother pause in whatever he’d been about to say. He unlocked Arron from his chair and lifted him into his arms. Ezio’s eyes almost bugged out of his head.
“Sonya, come with me,” Romy ordered and at her expression, he amended it. “Please. Clara, the plates.”
Romy marched toward the door.
Ezio called after him. “Romy, where are you going?”
Romy paused. “I apologize. I shouldn’t force my decisions onto all of you. We’ll have our meals in the larger dining room from now on.”
Larger? Wasn’t the one they were in pretty big?
“That’s not necessary,” Ezio said.
“It is for peace. I’m taking a risk, and I probably look like a fool, but I’d rather do so than the alternative.” He shrugged. “Unless you’re saying she and the baby can’t stay here. I can find another home for them.”
“Don’t be ridiculous! This mansion is equally all of ours even if my name is on the deed. Family is most important, above all else.”
“Exactly.”
The brothers stared at each other for a few minutes in silence. Ezio blew out an exasperated breath. “Do whatever you want, Romy. I don’t give you orders other than for work.”
Romy offered a half smile. “Ah, you recall who’s older, huh?”
“I never forgot.”
Romy swung around and left the dining room. Arron whined and fought him, trying to get to Sonya. She moved as fast as she could to keep up with Romy’s long legs. “It’s okay, button. Mamma’s here. Shh, Daddy’s not going to hurt you.”
“Papà,” he corrected.
“Are you sure you want to start teaching him to call you that?” Her tone dripped with sarcasm.
“Three days won’t convince him.” He paused and turned back to her, a concerned expression on his face. “Will it?”
She laughed. “To be honest, I’m not sure. I told you he’s a little genius.”
Romy got an odd look on his face.
“What?”
