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I was already aware they knew each other. Apparently, my mother was friends with his sister (or so I’ve been told) and they have mingled in the same crowds over the years at events. But watching the way my mother stiffens at Donatello’s presence, paired with her wary eyes, which travel to me then back to the man in front of her, has me wondering just howwell.
“Donatello, I wasn’t expecting to see you here,” my mother says.
“Well, it’s not every day that I get to see an old friend on the mainland, Gloria.” Donatello looks towards the three cars lining the tarmac before nodding his head at me. “Theo, a word, if you wouldn’t mind.” He turns and walks a few steps away from our group.
“Stay with her,” I say to Neo as I follow. He goes to open his mouth to argue, but I don’t wait for him to get a word out. “You know, if you wanted to chitchat, simply picking up the phone works wonders these days.” I smirk at Donatella.
“How’s the shoulder?”
“I’ve had worse.” I shrug the limb in question. It still fucking hurts like a motherfucker. I’m just not about to announce that to everyone.
“I thought I’d offer you a ride to the estate. I’ve had rooms made up in my home for you and your guests.”
“Why?” I tilt my head. Why would he want us to stay with him?
“T, you were ambushed on your way out of the country two days ago. Do you really think you should be out driving around?”
“I’m sure my men are just as good, if not better, than yours.”
“And you’re prepared to risk the safety and wellbeing of your new bride? For what? Your pride? Over not wanting to accept the aid I’m offering? Something very few people ever get from me, I might add.”
“Again, why? Why are you trying to help me?”
“We have common interests. Plus, your mother and I are old friends. There’s enough room on the chopper for you and three others. The rest can follow my men to the compound.” Donatello turns and walks away.
I nod my head to Neo, and he jogs forward. We walk back, side-by-side, my eyes firmly trained on Holly as I relay the new lodging plan. To say he’s pissed and apprehensive as fuck about the idea would be an understatement. But Donatello is right. I’d rather not put Holly (or my mother) at any unnecessary risk. “Dolcezza, ever been in a helicopter?” I ask, wrapping my arms around her.
“Nope.”
“Great, another one of your firsts I’ll have the pleasure of taking. Come on, we’re getting a ride with Donatello.”
“Are you sure that’s wise, Theo? We should go back to our estate,” my mother interjects.
“Ma, Donatello has opened his home to us. It would be rude, and extremely stupid, to refuse such agenerousoffer,” I say between clenched teeth. Why the hell is she suddenly questioning everything? She never used to question my father. Whatever he said was law, and you either followed suit, or you ended up in a shallow grave somewhere.
“Come on, we’re all just tired from the flight. Gloria, sit with me. You can point out all the landmarks as we fly over them.” Holly links her arm through my mother’s and waits for me to lead the way, while Neo walks off to update the rest of the men before joining us again.
“Wait, Sonnie isn’t coming?” Holly asks, watching him climb into one of the SUVs.
“No, he’s not,” I grumble. She is getting way too close to the fucking men who are supposed to be protecting her. They can’t do their job properly if they’re too busy being friendly with my fucking wife.
ChapterTwenty-Five
Ifeel like I’m in a dream, an amazing dream that I never want to wake up from. I’m literally flying over Italy in a helicopter. I can’t keep the smile from my lips as I watch the city and landscapes below us.
I grab T’s face in my hands and slam my mouth to his. “I love this. Oh my God, T, I can’t believe I’m flying over Italy. It’s stunning. Why didn’t you tell me it’s so beautiful? I mean, of course I knew it would be. But, wow. Just… wow. Look at this.” I point out the window.
I hear Neo’s chuckle over my headset, and that’s when I realize that everyone can hear my ramblings, not just Theo. I can feel my cheeks heating up.
“We are blessed with a beautiful country, bella. You should make sure to see as much as you can while you’re here,” Donatello says.
I smile politely at the older man. There’s something so familiar about him. The more I look, the more I see his resemblance to Theo. It’s his eyes; they’re the same. “How are you two related? Cousins, uncle?” I ask T, pointing between him and Donatello. Gloria chokes on the water she was drinking, while Donatello is quick to help her, rubbing his hands along her back.
“We’re not related, dolcezza. Donatello is the head of a different family.” Theo kisses my temple. I love that he never cares who is around us. He always finds a way to touch me, little kisses here and there. He’s not afraid to show anyone that I’m his. I’d be lying if I said I hated it.
“Oh, okay. You just look similar—that’s all.” I shrug it off and continue staring out the window.
* * *
