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“That’s actually why I invited you to talk today.”
She tilts her head in surprise.
I gesture for her to sit on the large leather couch and take a seat by her. “You know there’s no need to worry. I’ll send you both the details when the time is closer, and the stylists will take care of your looks.”
“No, Ma. That’s not what I mean.” Best to just spit it out. “The wedding is over, so... after this event, Anya, and I will be taking a step back for a while.”
Her eyebrows shoot up. “What do you mean?Step. Back.”
“Exactly that. We’re done with interviews and appearances until further notice. Tell whoever you need to tell that we want to spend time together as newlyweds.”
“You just got married! This is the momentum we need. Everyone is going to want to know about your honeymoon plans, baby plans, and you haven’t even spoken about the murder attempt except for that one statement.”
“And that’s all they are going to get. If anyone asks, just say we can’t speak on it due to legal matters and we’re requesting privacy as newlyweds.”
We had to pay off the NYPD to keep their mouths shut on this one, but the public is going to demand an answer eventually. We’ll cross that bridge later.
“Why are you doing this?” she asks, her brows pinched with concern.
Knowing she won’t listen either way, I ignore her question. “You have two other sons, Ma.”
“They are soboringcompared to you.” She waves her hand in dismissal. “Enzo is still playing games, and Bash is busy taking over the world. It’s never anything new.” I can’t help but laugh. Only my mother would describe the men she raised as boring. “The people want a fairy tale.”
“Well, I don’t answer tothepeople. I love you, Ma, but I’m a husband now. My priorities have shifted.” That gets her attention. “I need to protect my family. I don’t want Anya subject to the scrutiny, and when we start having children, we don’t want that to be their lives, either. They didn’t ask for this.”
It was a low blow bringing up her hypothetical grandchildren, but I knew it’d work.
She stares at me before nodding. “I understand, Nico. This isn’t easy for me, but you make a good point. I didn’t mean to push.”
I chuckle. “Yes, you did. But we know you meant well, Ma.”
Sighing, she pretends to straighten her top. “I’m afraid I’ve ruined things, haven’t I? Anya must hate me.”
I laugh. “Anya could never hate you, Ma. She loves you. That’s why she was trying to make you happy.”
“I’ve always wanted a daughter,” she says, staring off dreamily into the distance.
“I know, you always reminded us.” I laugh.
“Don’t get me wrong”—she waves her hand dismissively—“I love you boys, but... a little girl to dote on would’ve been lovely.” She cups my cheek. “You make me so proud, Nico.” My mother’s eyes well up with tears.Oh, hell.“You are a good husband for sticking up for your wife.”
“Thanks, Ma, but please stop crying before the old man comes in and tries to kill me.”
“Well, I won’t take up anymore of your time. I need to schedule a spa day with my daughter,” she says and moves to stand.
As I say goodbye to my mother and walk her out the door, my computer springs an alert. I’m not surprised when a grainy image of the man in question appears.
Showtime.
I pull my phone out to call my brother.
“Nico,” he answers.
“Goh just landed.”
“Don’t make any trouble.”
Before I can answer, there’s a knock at the door.
