CHAPTER NINE
CARMELLA
I didn’t sleep well, how can I sleep when I have no idea what today brings? I make sure to get up and shower. I don’t bother with make-up, not that I want Alessandro to see me without it, but the last time he saw me I’d just been shot. I hardly looked great last time.
When I come out of the bathroom, Momma is placing a small bowl of strawberries on my table. The tablets are helping with the sickness, but there are very few things I can stomach. Since I’ve lost so much weight, Momma has made sure to find everything I can eat and make sure I have plenty of it. Strawberries are a winner at the moment, so we have them in spades.
“I thought I would bring this to you. Alessandro and his father are due soon,” Momma whispers.
“Momma, I want to be in that meeting.” I walk over and pop a strawberry into my mouth.
“Carmella, I don’t think that’s wise.” She shakes her head.
“Why, because my opinion doesn’t matter? This is all about me, I should get a say in mine and my baby’s future, no?”
“Fine, but your father won’t be happy about it.” She shakes her head as I finish off the strawberries.
I head for the door and turn back to look at my momma. “Are you going to be there?”
“I think that’s best. You know how your father’s temper can be.”
I nod, my father is known for his erratic temper.
Once we get downstairs, we head straight for Papa’s office. I can hear voices behind the door. Not raised but not friendly either.
I knock before pushing the door open.
“Carmella, we should wait to be invited in,” Momma scolds me.
“When does my daughter ever do as she’s told?” Papa drawls from behind his desk.
“I just think I should be involved. Since this involves me.” I shrug as I head over and place a kiss to my papa’s cheek.
We sat down last night and talked, not about today, but talked and ended it with a hug.
“Hello, gentleman,” I nod towards Alessandro and his father. “Nic,” I address my brother with only his name.
He tried to talk to me yesterday, but I refused to see him. I honestly can’t even look at him right now.
“We can leave if you want, Dante?” Momma assures him.
“Who’s removing me then?” I look between Momma and Papa.
“Carmella,” Papa groans. “We have guests present,” Nic scoffs at the term guests, and Papa sends him a glare. “At least try and act like the lady you were raised to be.” He shakes his head.
I hold up my hands. “I just want to hear the negotiations.” I also plan to say if I disagree.
“You can stay for now, if Rafael is happy.” Papa looks to Alessandro’s father.
“I have no issue with your daughter being present,” Rafael nods towards me.
I give him a small smile. I know he’s a murderer, but he is definitely one of the kinder men in our world.
“Right, well, this situation is anything but desirable. As you know, I was in talks with Pietro over a union,” Papa confirms.
What?
Urgh, Primo is far too young. I hold my tongue, though. By the look of the clench in Alessandro’s jaw, he’s not a fan of that match either. Surely Primo wouldn’t want me now.
