AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’ve told you I’d take back the position if it’s too much for you.” He’s always trying to rub in the fact he does all the work.
Massimo’s jaw clenches. “No. I’ve got it handled.”
He knows I could take back the position of Don in a heartbeat, but it’s been good for him. He’s grown up. Become the man I always knew he could be. And Paisley is partly to thank for that. She has made him a better man.
I told him he could bring her tonight, but I think he wanted to shield her from the chaos that’s likely to ensue.
“And you are married, is that right?” Erin asks.
Massimo nods. “Yes, Paisley couldn’t make it tonight.”
“That’s a shame.” Erin takes a swig of wine. “Do you have children?”
I wince, and so does Massimo, as it’s a difficult subject for him and his wife. They’ve been trying but haven’t had any luck.
“Not yet,” he says, meeting my gaze with annoyance.
I should have told her not to ask him about kids.
We all fall quiet until Massimo stands. “I’m going to head back home.”
I can tell he’s agitated, so I don’t try to stop him.
“Thanks for coming,” I say, standing too. “Let me know if you need anything.”
Massimo nods and then leaves without another word.
Luca and Leo continue cracking jokes, but everyone else is quiet, including Ella.
Erin speaks quietly to me. “Was mentioning kids a bad idea?”
I nod. “Massimo and his wife have been trying to get pregnant for a while. They’re on their fourth attempt at IVF.”
“Oh, shit.” She places a hand over her mouth. “Sorry.”
I shrug. “He’s a big boy. He’ll get over it.” Massimo is being difficult because he hates that I’ve moved on from his mother. I’d do anything to bring Giada back for our family. While I’m not sure I know how to love, we had mutual respect for one another. We were a team. And she was taken away from my children far too early.
Her death broke me. It changed the way our lives were forever. We had happy memories together, and they were tarnished because I couldn’t protect her and failed to keep my family safe. It’s haunted me ever since.
I gaze across the table and sigh heavily, knowing my wife would hate the discord I’ve brought into the family. Not just marrying Erin, but falling out with Camilla. She’d hate it. Hell, I doubt it would have happened if she’d been here. Giada was a force to be reckoned with, that’s for sure.
My eyes land on Ella, and something sharp twists in my chest. I hate that she’s so alluring, and I want her more than any other woman I’ve wanted. The sooner I get her married off and out from under my roof, the better.
4
ELLA
Three pairs of dark eyes land on me as I enter the dining hall.
A month has passed since I moved here, and the men of the house have done nothing but make me feel like shit. The worst part is that my self-esteem is so low that I still can’t help but fantasize about my stepdad. A man who treats me no better than trash.
Mom’s out tonight, God knows where. She’s rarely here, leaving me at the mercy of my two stepbrothers and stepdad.
“Evening, sis,” Luca says.
He’s the least terrible of the three but he still joins in.
“Evening,” I mumble and take my seat, trying not to look at them in the hope they’ll leave me alone.
