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I bite my lip to hide the smile, my heart fluttering. He’s mine. No hiding, no sneaking around, no Dante.
He laces his fingers through mine and walks us over to his spot at the head of the table. Picking up his seat, he drops down and motions for me to sit on his lap.
Nerves churn in my stomach as everyone stares at me. Guilt rips through me–I caused this.
“I’m so sorry,” I blurt out. “I’ve put you all in danger because I couldn’t take it anymore. I couldn’t do it.”
My hands cover my face, and Luca pulls me in.
Frankie slides his chair back and walks over to us.
“Rosa, don’t you dare ever apologize for this. We are all sorry we couldn’t save you sooner. It will eat me up every day. I should never have left you with your father. I should have protected you then, like I promised. But I will fight with my life to protect you now. I swear.”
He shoots a glare at Luca behind me.
“This might be a good time to tell her,” Luca says behind me.
My brows furrow in confusion. “Tell me what?”
Frankie huffs, his eyes narrowing at Luca. “Why I left after your mother’s death.”
“Okay?” I’m still confused.
“That explosion was in retaliation for your father’s actions. He killed Dante’s mom, Romano’s first wife.”
“Yeah, I know that. But why did that mean you had to leave? And then come back to kill him? I don’t get it? Why didn’t you even say goodbye?”
Luca squeezes me tighter.
Frankie balls his fist and looks away. “That explosion also killed Leila. My pregnant girlfriend.”
My mouth falls open. I remember a pretty blonde woman there. I had no idea who she was. We always had guests, so it wasn’t unusual.
“I killed your father as revenge. His stupidity ruined my life. I left because I didn’t want to leave you and Eva without parents. But, now—” He runs a hand over his beard.
“—now, I wish I did. You should have been with me. I didn’t realize my brother would fuck up so badly with his own kids.”
“He changed after mom died. I hated you, Frankie.” I sigh.
He holds out his hands, palms up. “I know. I’m sorry.”
“I was so angry. I knew that if you stayed, Dante would have never hurt me. And you would have never let him live like dad did. I became an addict because I was petrified he would come back for me.”
“Do you still need help?”
I shake my head. “I have it. Luca had me in counseling. He helped me through my withdrawals. I haven’t touched a thing since. I mean, I came close.”
Luca releases his tight grip on me, and I leap off his lap to hug my uncle. He was my best friend growing up. The one who would take me to school, listen to me moan about my bitchy friends, and take me for ice cream. A man who’s life my father ruined, too.
“You saved me. That’s all that matters. I’m just glad to have my uncle Frankie back.” I hiccup. His chest vibrates against my face as he chuckles.
He hugs me tightly. “I’m sorry.”
I pull away, wiping away my tears. “I forgive you.”
As I stand, I hop straight back on a smiling Luca’s lap. I shiver as he brushes my hair away from my neck, his breath beating against my skin.
Grayson and Keller sit opposite Frankie and Theo with their arms crossed, looking at me and Luca.
