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“But how did you deal with being separated from him all the time?”
She tucked her legs beneath her and pressed her red glossed lips together. “It wasn’t easy. But I knew what I was getting myself into when I met Salvatore. I saw the wedding band on his finger. I was young and naive. He spoiled me rotten and treated me like a queen. When I was with him, nothing else mattered. It still doesn’t. Even after thirty years as his mistress, I would do it again. I have no regrets.”
I leaned back against the cushion. “You’re more than his mistress.”
A grin stretched the corners of her mouth, lighting up her eyes. “I know, baby. We don’t need to marry for me to know I’m the love of your father’s life. Great loves don’t die. They thrive even in the darkness. If you care for Ava, you can find a way to make it work.”
“She’s not like you.” I ran a hand through my hair and groaned. “Ava didn’t go into this thinking she would have to share me with another woman.”
“Vittoria will be your wife in name. Same as Giulia was to your father. In his heart and mind, he was mine.”
“Giulia had the twins five years after he met you. Dad wasn’t faithful to either of you.”
“Men have needs.” Mom kicked her long legs out in front of her, crossing her ankles on the coffee table. “He fucked her sometimes. I didn’t care. We had an agreement. And after the twins were born, he didn’t touch her again.” She cradled the side of my face in her hand. “Your father loves you. But he needed more children with Giulia to expand his empire. He cared too much about his legacy.”
“I know.”
“You’re his son. A Luciano. I’m so proud of you, Nico.” She smiled. “Your father did a good job raising you.”
“So did you.” I held her hand on the couch. “I missed you.”
I was almost thirty years old and still needed my mom. It sounded pathetic.
Whatever.
She was my rock and had been for my entire life. Whenever I couldn’t deal with my brothers or the mistreatment at home, she always knew what to say.
“Where’s Dad?”
She tipped her head toward the back of the apartment. “Sleeping. I wore him out.”
“Ma,” I groaned. “Please.”
“You’re old enough to know what I do with your father.” She chuckled and got up from the couch, beckoning me with her finger. “Come, I ordered your favorite dessert from the bakery.”
I sat on a stool in the kitchen as she removed a plate of chocolate chip cannoli from the refrigerator. “Something is off with Dad and this engagement. I can tell you’re putting on a strong front for me. But I need advice.”
She put two cannoli on a plate and slid them in front of me. “Your dad has been acting a little strange.” Mom glanced over her shoulder, checking for my father. “I asked Salvatore what he wants to do for our anniversary, and he forgot the date.”
I lifted the pastry and took a bite. “That’s odd.”
“I know.” She sat in the chair beside me and lowered her voice. “I’m worried about him.”
“Why didn’t you say something sooner?”
“I didn’t notice until last night when we were in bed.” She reached across the island and grabbed a cannoli from the plate. “He sounded fine over the phone. But I haven’t had much time to talk to him lately. I’ve been so busy with my dance crew.”
I finished off the second pastry, speaking between bites. “Do you think there’s something wrong with Dad?”
Mom shrugged. “I hope not.” She put her hand on my knee. “Keep an eye on your father.”
I bobbed my head. “Of course, Ma.”
ChapterSeven
AVA
Iwoke up with a headache and blood soaking my shorts. So I got out of bed and stripped off the sheets, adding them to the laundry basket.
