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Max exhaled, the sound exaggerated.
“I need to make a phone call,” Viper said, a grin on his face. As I tipped my head, I couldn’t help but notice the look of respect on his face. I nodded in return, smiling as he walked away, a slight spring to his step.
“Why?” Max asked.
I thought about his question and it was glaringly clear. “Because you came into my life. You taught me more about experiencing the good in this world than my own father did. You also taught me that I have a good man underneath the thick armor. I feel closer to him now than I ever have before. And because if I’m lucky enough to have children, I want them to grow up with both their mother and father in their lives.”
“Your father would absolutely be proud and I’m honored not only to call you my godson but also my Underboss. It’s almost time to turn over the reins.”
I laughed softly. “If you don’t mind, I’d like a few weeks to see if I can convince the woman I love to spend the rest of my life with me.”
“That sounds more than reasonable to me. You’re a good man.”
Perhaps that remained to be seen but I was determined to take a new path.
I only hoped my son would be by my side.
CHAPTER 26
Christiana
“What are we doing here? Are you finally going to tell me?” I asked for at least the fifth time since the love of my life had insisted that I pack an overnight bag. To a destination unknown. Francesco had dragged me onto his private jet, refusing to tell me a single thing. I wouldn’t have known we were in Virginia if I hadn’t caught a sign on the side of the road after he’d picked up a rental car.
While Cayman and another soldier had come with us, they remained in the distance, allowing us some privacy. As if we were just a normal couple taking a short vacation. Only I had a feeling this wasn’t just about enjoying a few days for us.
“Not a chance. Then it wouldn’t be a surprise.” Laughing, Francesco pulled the rental car to a stop, glancing at the GPS then toward the street sign.
“Please do not tell me you think we’re getting married here. It’s quaint but our family isn’t here.”
“Our family? You’ve claimed the members of my strange, blended family now?”
I couldn’t help but shrug. “You’re the only strange one. And I’ve adopted your sister and Madisen. They are the bomb.”
“The bomb?”
“You’re old. They are fun to be around. And I adore your niece and nephew.”
He gave me a stern look and all I could do was laugh. In the week that had passed since the almost wedding at the church, everything had seemed like such a blur. Getting to know his family had been amazing as well as maddening. I hadn’t known what to expect and I certainly hadn’t realized how much being near to so many people would make me feel.
I missed my mom more now than ever before. She would have adored Francesco, even if he was a little rough around the edges.
But not nearly as much as I loved him, a man who’d risked so much to save me.
He’d handled business during the day, spending time cleaning up the mess the Bianchis had created.
But the nights had been ours. To enjoy our passion. To get to know each other. To share long dinners. However, there was a bubble surrounding us that at some point would be burst. It terrified me about when that would happen.
“This appears to be it.” He pulled down the street, glancing over at me several times.
“It?”
“Where we’re staying for a couple days.”
The cottages were beautiful, beachy in style and design. When he rounded a bend, it was impossible not to smile. The afternoon sun was glistening across a massive body of water. “This is incredible. Where are we again?” I’d also seen mountains. The terrain was beautiful, lush and green, the air only slightly humid. I had to admit there were butterflies in my stomach from the eagerness I felt. Maybe just being able to get away from New York was exactly what the doctor had ordered.
What we also hadn’t talked much about was the estranged relationship with my father. I’d seen him once, attending the grand jury hearing regarding my mother’s murder. I’d felt it important that I be there. Of course Francesco had been right by my side. But I’d found no need to say anything to the man who’d spawned me. Perhaps someday I could find it within myself to forgive him, but not for a long time.
And until after I’d healed.
