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“Enough about business. Tell me about this woman you brought with you.” He suddenly had a grin on his face. I’d told him during the last trip that I’d never open my heart again.
I sat back, taking a sip of my drink, the indulgence exactly what I needed. “I don’t know her. She may be a pawn or a red herring. I’ve yet to determine if either is the case.”
“But you have feelings for her. Yes?”
The question was more difficult to answer than I wanted. “Perhaps, but as you know, allowing another weakness into my life would prove to be detrimental.”
“Valentin. I’m going to give you a piece of advice. While you’ve been gone from Italy and your extended family for a long time, you’re still the same young man I remembered, the reason I chose you as my child’s godfather. I know you were close to being broken with your tremendous loss, but you regrouped. Look at you now. You are strong, more so than your father, capable of separating the two worlds. The way you talked about Danielle was something I will never forget.”
I bristled as I always did when anyone dared to mention her name, but with a man like Giovanni, I was aware he meant well. “Things have changed. The promise I made to myself I intend on keeping.”
“That would make you a fool, which is not what I expect of you. You need a personal life in order to maintain your ability to become a great leader. Often, you father seemed to forget the importance, kowtowing to his love of increased power, sacrificing not only his needs but those of his family. I can’t tell you how many arguments we’ve gotten into over the subject.” He laughed softly, although there was a bitter tone in the sound.
My thoughts drifted to how my father had changed over the years, the very love of power Giovanni had mentioned exactly the reason for his unconscionable decisions. “I’m afraid I’m too old to change my ways, Giovanni.”
“Nonsense. You’re never too old. You had passion even after your loss, a hunger that burned brightly. When Bella was born, everything in my life changed and I was fifty-two years old at the time. For Carmella to be able to have a child at forty-five was a true miracle, especially after she’d had two miscarriages. The gift I was given I didn’t take lightly. Family complete with children are the most important aspects of any man’s life. I hope that’s something you will remember. If this woman is special to you, then ensure that she knows it every minute of the day you’re able to. It’s not just about expressing words of love. It’s about showing her that she is the sunlight in your world. Trust me, Valentin. That’s the only way you’ll ever be happy.”
“Salute, my friend. I’m thankful to have you in my life.” As I lifted my glass, I allowed my thoughts to drift to Cassidy. I’d already brought her into my brutal world, which is something I hoped I wouldn’t regret.
“Salute, my son. Now, allow me to make some calls. I know Carmella is planning a festive dinner for your return. I do hope you and your lovely woman will join us.”
“Of course. I’d be honored.” I finished off my drink, giving him a respectful nod before placing the glass on the table and standing. There was much business to attend to, including speaking with Niccolo as well as my father. Whether or not the Russians were involved was vital at this point. I couldn’t risk starting a war that would end in additional bloodshed, especially given my sister’s marriage to Sevastian Kozlov.
“I do want to keep your visit a private matter, Valentin. I do not need a visit in the middle of the night from a member of the Adamos family. I have far too much to lose.”
I’d inadvertently placed my friend in harm’s way, which was not my intention. My anger at my father only continued to increase. Why hadn’t he told me about the past? “I assure you that only my brother will know where we are.”
“Good enough. Now, go. There is much to see.”
As I walked out of the room, closing the door behind me, I did what I could to curtail my rage, reminding myself that somehow Cassidy was also in danger. Or was she? I would find out soon enough. I’d know if she attempted to lie to me and if she did, I’d have no recourse but to cease the connection we shared.
And that would destroy a part of me I’d long since thought had died.
As I moved onto the driveway near the fountain, gazing out at the beautiful rolling hills, I thought about what Giovanni had said and glanced toward the waning sun.
I had been happy for a short time in my life. As much as I wanted to feel the kind of intense love I’d once had, I couldn’t allow it again.
The pain was too great.
The loss too significant.
But as I turned away, the wrenching sensations I’d felt a long time ago erupted deep inside.
I had to get Cassidy out of my system before it was too late.
