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“Eat, baby,” I say softly as I lead her to the sofa.
I have so much to atone for. I don’t deserve the goodness that is Portia.
The secrets I’ve buried would tear my family's life apart. The respect I have earned would be gone in an instant.
I’ll keep my demons buried, praying they never see the light of day.
I’m not a good man. I’m so fucking far from it, I have no idea what one even is now.
TWELVE
PORTIA
One Month Later
My world has changed so much over the past month. Losing Nell was something that really affected me. It makes my heart ache whenever I think about her. I miss her every day. Waking up and not seeing her is the hardest thing I do. For the past four years, she’s been such an integral part of my life that not having her with me hurts so much.
I haven’t seen Teagan since Elio carried her away from our old apartment. I’ve called and texted her but there’s been no reply. The only reason I haven’t lost my mind is because Dario has been telling me about her. He said she’s devastated from the loss, and I can only imagine the guilt she’s feeling. I’m just praying she doesn’t blame herself for Nell’s death. It wasn’t her fault. Not at all.
Dario eased off with the whole ‘you’re mine’ thing, but that doesn’t mean he’s backed off completely. He’s spent most nights in my apartment and has shown me pleasure I could only dream of. It’s been amazing, and I’ve loved every single moment of it. But I’m still wary, still unable to give him all of me. I just don’t know what to do. I have a wall up between us, and I can’t let it down. I don’t know how to.
A knock on my door has me blinking, wondering who’s calling. Usually, I’m called or texted before someone arrives. Only those who belong to the Famiglia are able to enter the building. I feel relatively safe being here, but it doesn’t mean I walk around without my knife.
I open the door and see Diego standing there with a sheepish smile. “Ms. Portia, the boss has asked me to give you this.” He hands me an envelope and four very large bags. “The boss is awaiting your call.”
I watch, confused, as he walks away. What the hell?
Over the past month, Diego’s come out of his shell. I never asked if Dario had a conversation with him about what he found out the night Nell died, but I assume so, as the next time I saw Diego, he was a lot more relaxed and at ease. He still doesn’t know who I am, and I’m very grateful that Dario has kept it to himself. I’m not ready for anyone else to find out that I’m a Leone.
I close the door, bring the bags to the sofa, and tear open the envelope.
Mia bellisima terreso,
Tonight, there’s a Gala I have to attend. I would like you to attend too. Here is everything you’ll need for this evening.
I’ll see you tonight.
D.
My heart pounds as I read the letter. It’s direct and to the point, but it’s thoughtful, and I’m stunned he called me his beautiful darling. He’s never called me that before, and I’m dying to hear him say the words to me. I can imagine his gravelly tone saying them. Goosebumps break out over my skin, and I take a steadying breath.
I reach for one of the bags and open the box that’s inside. I’m shocked when I see the deep purple dress. It’s so beautiful, and something I would have chosen for myself. I lay it on the sofa and stare at it. Did he pick this himself? I swallow hard when I think about him selecting it, and I smile. Either way, he’s gone above and beyond for me. He didn’t need to do this. He didn’t have to invite me. I wouldn’t have known about it.
I open the other bag and pull out the box of shoes. A pair of Hot Chink Slink black Louboutin shoes are nestled inside. Holy shit. A pair of red bottom shoes.
The last bag has two boxes in them. I slide them out of the bag and see one has a small purse inside, one that matches my shoes perfectly, and the other has jewelry in it. A gold bracelet, a necklace, and earrings, all of which are simplistic yet beautiful. I adore them so very much. Dario must have gone to great lengths to choose what would look good on me.
I reach for my cell phone—the one he purchased not long after I moved into this apartment, telling me he needed to be able to reach me and I him in an emergency. I hit dial on his number, my hands shaking and my heart pounding.
“Portia,” he greets with that velvety smooth voice.
“Thank you,” I whisper, my throat clogged with emotion. “They’re all so beautiful.”
“You like?” he asks, and I hear a slight hint of worry in his voice.
“Love them. Seriously, Dario, you didn’t need to buy them. They’re beautiful.”
“I’m glad. I know you’ve wanted to see Teagan. She’ll be there this evening.”
