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But Johnny also smiles when he sees me, kissing both my cheeks in greeting. "Welcome, Natalie. We've been looking forward to seeing you again."
After a little small talk, we go into the dining room, where we take our seats and Maria directs the serving of salad and bread. Despite the abundant staff and the private chef, Alessa has told me she oversees the meals herself, ensuring every dish meets her own exacting standards. And after the first bite tonight, I think it's clear where Alessa got her perfectionist tendencies.
Throughout the meal, Johnny keeps the conversation lively with humorous stories from his youth. A far cry from the intimidating kidnapper who once had me bound to a chair. It's hard to reconcile that fearsome reputation with the charismatic man he appears to be tonight.
After dessert has been served and devoured, Johnny leans back with a satisfied sigh. "Delicious as always, my dear." Maria nods graciously at the compliment, even though she didn't cook it herself. I have to hide a smile. "But now, I'd like a private word with Natalie, if you'll excuse us."
Oh, shit.
Maria and Alessa exchange a brief, knowing glance before rising to clear the table, granting us privacy.
Once alone, Johnny fixes me with a thoughtful look, then dives right on in. "I owe you an apology, Natalie."
I blink in surprise. "You—do?"
"I do. For misjudging you. When I first heard about you, I thought you were a threat. Another do-gooder determined to bring my Family down." His expression turns reflective. "But you've proven yourself loyal to Alessa. And thanks to you, she's happier than I've seen her in years."
"Your daughter means the world to me," I tell him simply. "I would do anything for her."
He nods slowly. "I can see that now. You're clearly committed. That's why..." He pauses, watching me closely. "I've decided to retire."
My eyes widen. This was more momentous news than I could've expected tonight. "Retire? Are you certain?"
"Oh, I am. This business requires youth, hunger. And the business has begun to sicken me. It used to be that my orders required me to take care of bad men. These days…" He sighs. "I find myself in disagreement with Don Mancini more than agreement." He smiles wryly. "And I'd like to enjoy some leisure while I'm still spry enough to do so."
"Have you…"
"Told Alessa? I have." His expression turns serious again. "I thought it would give you two a clear run, too, if I stepped away. I don't want my daughter used as leverage against me, and I don't want to be used against her." He goes on with a wide grin that reminds me a little of a shark. "Of course, a man like me needs to stay busy. Likely I'll consult with Juno Bianchi as a—what do they call it these days? A side hustle."
At the mention of Juno Bianchi, I stiffen slightly before catching myself. Old habits. But Johnny's eyes don't miss a thing. "Won't that cause…problems?" I ask. Moving from one Family to another isn't unheard of, but it's certainly not common.
"Families are complicated," he says gently. "Bonds run deep, even when we wish otherwise. But Juno Bianchi is my niece by marriage. Don Mancini will allow it—or he will regret it. Either way, he will let me go."
I exhale slowly. "I see." I pause, wondering what the hell to say.Congratulationsseems pretty damn inappropriate. "Perhaps your distance from the Mancini Family will widen your contacts. That could be helpful in Alessa's work."
He looks pleased by my diplomatic response. "That's a very good point, Natalie, a very good point. You're quite a strategic woman. I can see why my daughter is so fond of you." After a pause, Johnny slaps his hands on the table. "Enough business. Welcome to the family, Natalie—the de Lucas, I mean, of course."
Laughing, I shake his extended hand, and then he pulls me up and into a hug. After that, we rejoin the other two in the next room, and as I sit next to Alessa on the sofa, I feel a sense of peace.
* * *
After bidding Johnny and Maria goodnight, Alessa and I make the drive back. The cozy chaos of my Queens apartment welcomes us home. It hardly compares to the grandeur of the Long Island estate, or Alessa's townhouse, but she still seems to enjoy being here.
Alessa immediately kicks off her heels and collapses onto the couch. "Come join me," she urges, patting the cushion.
I curl up beside her with a contented sigh, her familiar warmth and scent embracing me. Here we can simply be ourselves, all pretenses cast aside. We talk, Alessa idly playing with my hair as we chat. Our conversation turns to the future, contemplating all that lies ahead.
"With your father stepping back, so much could change," I say tentatively.
Alessa nods thoughtfully. "It will be an adjustment for him. But I'm glad he's doing it. And I'm particularly glad he'll be under Juno's protection." She gives me a sidelong look, just to see how I react to that, but I keep my face schooled.
"I just hope the transition goes smoothly," is all I say.
"It will," she assures me. "And it opens up more options for us, too. Daddy mentioned to me that you pointed out that yourself to him." She turns to me on the sofa, looking serious. "Nat, I havesomany ideas for expanding our outreach programs. Now that the Ruby is going fully legitimate, and I won't have to skim off the top to keep the Mancinis happy, we could do amazing things."
I take her hand, understanding her desire. To transform the Ruby Realm into a true force for good, without any shadows. It's a worthy dream, if an immense challenge.
"It won't be easy," I tell her gently.
