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The entire family’sthere when I arrive. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think they were throwing me a welcome home party. But I do know better. Several men are milling about. Guarding the family, doing their job. A few of them stop to stare at me but otherwise they ignore me. There are a bunch of cars in the driveway, and my heart rate quickens when I spot Roman’s Audi.
Great, he’s home.I was hoping I wouldn’t have to see him yet. Maybe he won’t show his face.
My dad and Maria are the first people I see. They’re in the living room when I walk in. Dad gets to his feet as soon as he spots me. In a manner of seconds, I’m pulled into a hug.
“Mia cara,” he breathes. “I’m not letting you out of my sight again.”
I smile against his chest. “I missed you too, Papa.”
He releases me and I face the De Luca matriarch.
“Hi, Maria.”
Her critical blue eyes trail over my face before slowly glancing down. When she looks me in the eye again, there’s a slight frown on her face.
“Hello, dear. You seem to have put on a bit of weight.”
I clench my fists, hoping my expression doesn’t betray the annoyance rolling through me.
“Just a bit,” I say through gritted teeth.
“It suits you, darling,” she states. “I’m glad to see you’ve been taking care of yourself.”
Her tone is light but I can sense the disapproval rolling off her in waves. Yeah, I definitely didn’t miss her. I turn back to my father, my mouth opens to ask about Tony when he walks into the living room. His eyes brighten when he notices me.
“Hey, baby sister,” he says, rushing over and hugging me.
I let out a soft sigh, glad that he’s not as angry as he was on the phone. I need them to be in a good mood for this.
“Hey. Where’s Mikey? And Rosa?”
“Rosa’s on some art retreat. She’s been gone a couple of days. Mikey’s upstairs with Rome, who you didn’t ask after.”
I shrug. “I’m sure he’s fine.”
“Hmm,” Tony murmurs. Then he fixes me with a stern look. “Are we going to talk about why you arrived home without a word?”
“Actually,” I say softly, “I think you should sit. I have something to say. You too, Daddy.”
My dad’s eyes narrow but he does as I ask, taking a seat beside Maria, whose expression is intrigued. I’d rather she wasn’t here for this conversation, but oh well. Once we’re all seated in the living room, my eyes flutter shut and I intertwine my fingers as I speak.
“I’m not going to be living at home anymore. Kie and I purchased an apartment we’ll be staying at together.”
I watch both my brother and my father’s faces as varying emotions pass through them. First confusion, then surprise. My dad’s expression remains patient while Tony’s unsurprisingly shifts into anger.
“Like hell you are,” he snaps. “Why would you stay in an apartment when we’ve got a perfectly good house?”
I take in a steadying breath. I spent the hours in the plane crafting my argument. Granted, I should have been thinking of how to speak to them about another pressing issue, but today’s definitely not the day, nor the time or place, for me to talk about it. Hell, I can’t even tell them anything yet. There’s someone else I need to talk to first.
“I would like to start by pointing out that I am a full-grown woman who is perfectly capable of making my own decisions.”
“Sure you are,” my dad interjects. “But we’re your family and we also have a right to be involved in those decisions.”
That statement amuses me. It’s going to be hilarious when they find out I’ve completely erased them from the biggest decision of my life. Sure, I won’t be laughing, but it’ll be funny. To some people.
“True, and I’m sorry for not telling you. And for coming back to the country without informing you. You both know I’m prone to taking independent decisions—”
