The sound of my steps fills the silence of the sterile room. I’m not sure what to do once I reach the side of her bed. My eyes can’t decide if they want to focus on her belly or the bandage on her shoulder. Both things I did to her.
“Sit down.” She grabs my hand with her good arm, escorting it to rest on her belly.
“Wow. There’s really something in there.”
She laughs hysterically at my idiotic statement. “Yes. It’s our baby, Alessandro. She’s in there.”
“She?” In my world, you’re supposed to produce sons. Sons are the ones who inherit titles and are useful in our world. Daughters need to be protected and kept as far away from action as possible. If that’s true, then why do I have this overwhelming need to both protect her and build her to be strong? To take care of herself.
“I know you probably wanted a son. I don’t know much about your world, but I know there are not a lot of women that work for you. I’m sure there’s a reason for that and—”
I cut her off before she has a chance to put herself down. “It’s perfect. She will be perfect.” My hand still hasn’t left her stomach and neither of us knows what to say. What can I say? I never thought I could fuck up this poorly. She has every reasonto hate me, but Lord help me she will never take my daughter away from me.
“Listen. You have every reason not to forgive me. I will beg you if I have to. I need both of you in my life. You are mine, Luci and nothing will change that. Tell me you’re mine.” I’ve never been a man to beg until meeting Luci, but seeing her here confirms that I’d lock her away again before letting her go.
“What happened to Elio?” Of course, she avoids what I said and changes the subject. Does she not want me? If I want her to answer my questions I need to answer hers. How should I answer though? I go with the true answer while not giving her all the details, especially the ones she doesn’t want to know.
“Elio Amato does not exist anymore.” Her only response is silence as she processes what I said. “Say something.”
“So I’m not married?” Fuck, I wish I could read her.
I speak neutrally and carefully, hiding any nervousness coursing through my body. “Technically.”
“Did you do that because of the contract?” I need to burn that fucking contract.
“Luci, I did this for you, for us, for our baby. I need you. Please, I will beg you every day to be mio premio.”
“You were going to kill Nonno.” Damnit, now we have to approach this.
“You don’t understand, I will kill anyone who keeps you away from me. You and this baby are mine and I will take whatever measures I need to keep you. Do you understand that now?”
Luci hums, and I’m afraid she’s about to deny me everything I need out of life. “Can you promise my family won’t get shot?”
I run my hands through my hair, knowing that Geno will be pissed with the answer I give her. “I’ll promise you anything if you’ll come home with me, mio premio.”
Luci’s hand reaches for mine and places it back on her growing stomach as I look up at her. “I’ve always been your prize. Now we both are, your daughter and I.”
Chapter 61
Luci
21 Weeks Pregnant
The last couple of days have been amazing and nerve-racking at the same time. Dr. Rossi, to my request, has kept my family away for two reasons. One, so Alessandro and I have time to bond with our unborn baby, and two, so I can process everything that’s happened. Deep down, I know time is running out to keep them away and I have no game plan for when they arrive. I’ll be discharged from the hospital soon and I’ll need to have the conversation I don’t want to have with them. I’ll need to tell them I’m going back to Philadelphia with Alessandro.
“Listen, your family has been here every damn day and Alessandro promised he wouldn’t shoot anyone, but I haven’t promised shit. That man drives me up a fucking wall.” I’mnot sure what’s more likely, Alessandro struggling to keep his promise or Dr. Rossi shooting Nonno.
“I need to see Nonna first. I think. She tends to be the only one who can talk Nonno off the ledge. Is that okay?”
“I’d call The Pope and get him here if it kept Aldo out of my way. I’ll get Stella.”
Nonna knocks softly on the door as she comes in. “Hello bella ragazza. How are you?” Regardless of her calm voice, I can see the worry in her eyes.
“I’m okay. How is everyone else doing?”
“I’m sure you can imagine how your nonno has been acting. I haven’t seen him and Caterina fight like this since she was a teenager.” My heart rate picks up slightly, the machine in my room giving it away and I know what she wants to say. “We need to talk about Alessandro. Our opinions about him haven’t changed. If anything, they’ve escalated. Please don’t go back to him. We can figure this out as a family. Your nonno and I helped Caterina with you and we’ll make it happen again. It won’t be the same as when you were growing up, but at the end of the day, family helps family.”
“I love him.” I’m hesitant in my words, worried about what her reaction will be. For the last few months, they’ve all been uncomfortably honest with their feelings. After I settle my nerves, I’m able to continue with brave words. “I’m carrying his baby, Nonna. He’s mine and I’m his, his premio.”
