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“For good,” he agreed, tightening his jaw.
“We were just talking about Rocco staying for a while,” Papa said.
I raised my chin, looking at him. “Is it my decision, too?” I asked.
“As in all things, of course,” my father responded. Rocco looked at me, his brow furrowed.
“Then I think it’s a good idea,” I said.
Rocco looked shocked at what I’d said. “You do?”
“I do,” I said. “I think Matteo deserves to have both his parents in the home with him, at least while everything calms down.”
“I agree,” Papa said.
Rocco looked between us both. “Thank you for your hospitality,” he said quietly, and stood up and left the room.
“Close the door,carissima,” Papa said, and I did as he asked.
“Is there some business we need to discuss?” I asked.
He nodded, then paused. “You know, Romeo is leaving everything to Rocco.”
My eyes widened. “He’s breaking the cycle? Giving his empire to someone non-Sicilian?”
Papa shrugged. “I’m doing the same by giving my empire to you,caramissa,”he said, and I frowned, thinking he was actually right.
“So Rocco’s going to becapo,” I said slowly.
“He is,” Papa agreed. “And given that we have Matteo to protect, I think we should make a deal to unite with the Gallos.”
“I thought that was what we were trying to avoid,” I said, but my father shook his head.
“No, I’ve wanted a truce with Enzo for a long time. I just wouldn’t let you be used as a tool in that,carissima.”
“We’re going to be merging with the Gallo family?” I asked.
“Just as allies,” he said. “I’m going to talk to Enzo at the end of the week. Hopefully, given that Rocco is like a son to him, he’ll agree.”
“Why are you doing all this?” I asked. My father hadn’t made this many changes in years.
“To protect you and your son, Allegra. Do you know what it was like for me when you both were taken? It was like my whole world had been pulled out from under me. Having Rocco and Enzo looking out for you both will make an old man feel better,” he explained.
“Thank you, Papa,” I said, going around the desk to hug him. “I appreciate all you do for me and Matteo.”
“No need for thank-yous,” my father said easily. “Just protect your boy. And maybe confront your feelings for Rocco.”
“What…what feelings for Rocco?” I asked.
“Carissima, the walls are thin in that room. I could hear you and him fooling around.”
I blushed, embarrassed. “Sorry, Papa.”
He chuckled. “Never be sorry for being young, Allegra. I want that for you.” He paused. “But I wanted to know how you felt about him staying.”
“I want Matteo to know his father,” I said.
“I know that, but how doyoufeel, Allegra?” my father asked, looking into my eyes.
