AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Rosa
I can kiss it better next time.
A text pops up immediately.
L
I’m counting on it.
I’ve missed us.
There's a pang in my chest. We shouldn’t be doing this. I just don’t know if I can stop. Not now. I can’t lose him again.
Rosa
I missed you far too much.
CHAPTERFORTY-SIX
luca
Isit across the table from my soon to be father-in-law, Romano, and his wife, Celeste. He is the epitome of suave, with his gray slicked-back hair and Ray-Bans covering his eyes. Even through them, I can feel him assessing me.
The waitress delivers our espressos. “Thank you.” I nod to the waitress as the rest of the table ignores her.
Maria looks at her like she’s dirt on her Jimmy Choos.
“Business is going well, son.”Romano breaks his silence.
I nearly cough out my coffee at the word son. Nobody other than my mother calls me that.
“Yes, very. We’re ready for new shipments. We have warehouses lined up for storage. Buyers from all around the country want in.”
“Good.”A heavy ring on his hand reflects the light as he reaches for his drink. After a long sip, he looks at me over his glasses.
“And your commissioner–he’s still on board?”
“Of course.”The real crux of the problem. The commissioner is the only thing keeping me alive right now. I’ve failed to mention to Romano the fact that Chief O’Reilly will only work for me.
“I have a business partner I’d like you to meet in Italy. It would be nice to have my daughter home for a few days. Why don’t you come? Bring all your family for the weekend? Little Darcy would love the beaches, I’m sure.”
The bastard. Reminding me of his threat, disguised as a big, happy vacation.
My family won’t be going anywhere near him. Keeping my anger at bay, despite it threatening to boil over, I manage to say, “Sure. I have a jet. Just let me know when.”
“I’ll be picking up my wedding dress this Saturday. So it will have to be in two weeks,” Maria chimes in, and I have to physically stop myself from rolling my eyes.
“Of course, darling.” I draw out the last word and give her a cheesy grin.
“It’s a date, then.” Romano slams his palms on the table, and suddenly the eyes of the entire café are on us.
“Only six more weeks till the big day! I can’t wait!” her mom excitedly says.“I’ve got your brother’s suits already.”
Maria stiffens next to me, and I raise a brow. Her father remains expressionless.
“Brothers? I thought it was just Antonio?”
Maria leans into me. “I have a half-brother,” she hisses.
