AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Someone is here!” Sofia says, noticing the soldiers letting in a sedan at the gate, and I already know it is Lucas.
“Are you ready, bambolina?” Nico asks, his eyes searching mine.
I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous. I have seen and spoken to Lucas at length since we arrived in Europe weeks ago. I now know all about how he and my mother met, fell in love, and had an affair while they were both married to other people. Lucas was in an arranged marriage, as the son of the French mafia dom. Not able to step out of line, he had to leave me with my mom to raise me with Brian Cole in New York.
Unfortunately for my mother, when I was born, Brian knew I wasn’t his after catching her writing love poems to Lucas. Her letters ceasing to arrive to him was the first red flag for Lucas that something wasn't right, and then he heard about the car accident. Like me, he didn’t question it and thought I would be well looked after with Brian. Lucas had no idea how lonely my upbringing was, even though he thought about reaching out multiple times.
Dragonfly was able to recoup some of the funds Brian Cole stole from them. A deal he made with Hugo, clearly taking advantage of his inexperience at the time. Hugo was able to track Brian in New York, saw me at the funeral, and grabbed me as leverage, having no idea I was actually his blood. His father never spoke about his love child, or the true love of his life. He thought it was all in his past. Brian’s life was relatively short-lived after he arrived in France. Lucas and his men took him to the farm, which I now know is codefor, they took his last breath and burned him in the fields of roses that he sells for an eye-watering amount from Le Rose Fleur florist in New York city. Apparently, it is great fertilizer…
Now, as Nico and I stand and walk together out the front door, ready to greet our guests, I feel a sense of calm. Nico’s hand slides around my back, offering me comfort, even though I can feel the anger rolling off him in waves.
Sebastian and the boys stayed a few days after the incident, ensuring the business side of things was dealt with, and then they flew home. Nico wanted us to stay a while, to have a break from the New York grind and for me to meet his family. We have been hiding in this magnificent Italian compound every day since. With my morning sickness now all nearly abated, New York is beckoning both of us, so we know we need to get back soon.
Not to mention, Ivy and Cat both calling me daily to beg me to come home now they know a little one is going to be in our lives.
I watch Lucas step out of the car, and the bright sun shines on him, his face lighting up as he sees me, and mine reflects his happiness. We have formed a close bond over the weeks, and it is getting stronger with each visit.
“Who is that?” Sofia whispers in awe from beside me, and I hear Nico growl. Hugo steps out of the other side of the car, and my eyes flick to him. It is the first time I have seen him since he kidnapped me from New York, and his visit is why I am so nervous today. Hugo looks dashing, smartly dressed in a black, well-fitted suit, no longer looking angry and menacing, but like he stepped off the cover of a magazine.
Nico’s grip around my waist gets tighter, and I feel his muscles tense. But Hugo isn’t looking at me; his eyes rest solely on Sofia. Nico is too uptight to notice, but I whip my head to the side and see Sofia staring right at him. Her brown hair flowing down her shoulders gives me a full view of the longing look she is giving him. The two of them eye each other, and I feel my stomach drop.
I am not sure if we will ever be able to move past what Hugo did to me, but considering he is my brother, I need to try.
“Nico, good to see you,” Lucas says, coming up to us and shaking Nico’s hand.
“Likewise,” Nico says very diplomatically.
“Darling,” Lucas says, his hands cupping my arms and pulling me in for a kiss on either cheek. “Looking more and more radiant each time I see you.”
“Thank you, Lucas. This is Sofia, Nico’s sister.” The two shake hands as my eyes flick to Hugo, who is standing back near the car.
“Hugo!” Lucas barks, and Hugo steps forward.
“Nico,” Hugo says, extending his hand to shake as he stands shoulder to shoulder with his father.
Nico watches him for a beat, giving him a look I have never seen before and never want to be on the receiving end of. I nudge Nico with my elbow, reminding him to play nice.
“Hugo,” Nico grits out, his teeth clenching so hard I can hear them. He swiftly extends his hand and the two men shake, Nico dominating the exchange.
“Emilia,” Hugo says, his face showing a mix of emotions as he looks at me.
“Hi, Hugo, nice to see you in slightly less violent circumstances,” I say, acknowledging the elephant in the room.
“Thank you for seeing me. I wanted the chance to talk.” I look at my younger brother with interest. As hard as it is for me to meet with him, it must be equally hard for him.
“Yes, well, if you hit me again, I won’t be responsible for what you will receive in return,” I sass him, and Nico growls, clearly not liking the reminder. Hugo nods, taking it on the chin, as his eyes flick to Sofia.
“Hugo, this is Sofia, Nico’s sister.” I introduce the two and watch with interest as they both drink each other in. Hugo extending his hand and Sofia taking it. My eyes widen a little when I see a faint pink stain her cheeks. Lucas and Nico are too busy watching Hugo, so they don’t notice.
I clear my throat, and they snap out of their exchange.
“Let’s go inside,” I offer, and let Sofia lead the two men in as Nico and I hang back.
“You okay, bambolina?” Nico asks, his eyes flicking from me to the backs of the men and then to me again.
“Fine. But I am the least of your worries today, I think,” I state, and his brow furrows.
“What’s going on?” he asks, looking immediately concerned.
