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Nonna looks at me intently, and I feel her razor-sharp stare penetrating through my defensive layers. I’m almost positive she knows everything about me from one lingering look and then she steps forward and, to my surprise, pulls me in for a hug.
“Mio bellissimo angelo, Benvenuto.”
I’m not sure what she even says, but Alessandro laughs softly and says, “I couldn’t have said that better myself.”
As she releases me, I whisper, “What did she say?”
He squeezes my hand. “She said, welcome home.”
He must sense my confusion, because he grips my hand a little tighter. “You can ask me anything, but not now. You’re to go with Nonna and Jasmine. We have business to discuss.”
“You’re leaving me.”
I’m worried about that, and he pulls me closer and whispers, “Not for long. I’ll be back as quick as I can. Don’t worry, you are safer here than anyone and Jasmine will be right by your side.”
Jasmine steps forward and reaches for my hand.
“Come, Winter. Nonna has arranged coffee, or something stronger if you prefer.”
As we follow Nonna to what I’m assuming will be the kitchen, I glance back and see Alessandro watching me leave with those dark, sexy eyes, glittering with something that should scare me but for some reason only makes me impatient for him to return.
CHAPTER15
ALESSANDRO
The fact Winter is in my family home is surprisingly comforting. When I first fell in love with her, this is the last place I wanted to bring her, but after everything that’s happened, it’s the only place I can be certain she’s safe. My home is everything you would expect from one that has spent centuries controlling crime. Riches steeped in history and old money that funds a new modern life.
As Angelo walks beside me, I can tell he’s deep in thought and so am I. Leaving Winter was hard because she is the only thing that occupies my thoughts and has done since she was taken. Now she’s back, I’m not certain of our future except for one thing. Hers is with me if I spend the rest of my life trying.
Angelo says in his deep voice, “Your home is impressive.”
“I suppose.”
I gaze around me dismissively because it’s a sight I’m used to, having grown up here for the best part of my life. When my father left, I stayed and was only given my freedom to attend Rockwell Academy, where I met my friends. I wonder if my grandfather regrets that decision now.
I can tell Angelo has something he wants to say because the silence is an unnatural one and so I guide him into a different room than the one we are heading for. As we walk into the living room, the heavy drapes conceal the magnificent gardens outside and the dim lamplight creates drama where it definitely isn’t needed.
I head across to the table by the window where a decanter of whiskey resides and pour us two glasses, nodding toward the couch.
“Whatever’s on your mind, say it before we meet with my grandfather.”
Angelo nods, taking the glass from my hand and facing me with a contemplative expression.
“It’s Winter.”
“I guessed as much.”
I face him with a brooding stare, and he surprises me by saying with a sigh. “I want her to stay here with you.”
“Why?” I’m surprised at that because Angelo is overly protective of his twin, and I always knew I would have a fight on my hands when he wanted to return home with her.
Sighing, he twists the tumbler of amber liquid in his hands and sighs heavily. “She needs stability. Our family home is different to the one that stood before it, and despite Jasmine’s assurances that she will look after her, I believe it’s a different sort of care she needs right now.”
“Say it and it will be arranged.”
His lips twist into a sardonic smile. “The type of care she needs is love, Alessandro.”
“Love.” I’m not sure I’m hearing him right, and he laughs softly. “I’ve seen the way she looks at you. Even with her memory on hold, she sees something in you that makes her happy. God knows why, but it’s obvious.”
