Total pages in book: 161
Estimated words: 151410 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 757(@200wpm)___ 606(@250wpm)___ 505(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 151410 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 757(@200wpm)___ 606(@250wpm)___ 505(@300wpm)
Mom pursed her lips. “Do you want me to call your Dad and ask him to talk to Diego about allowing Carlotta to come?” Dad was Diego’s boss, who worked as an Enforcer under him.
“No, don’t. Diego is having an overprotective streak because of the war. He’ll calm down in a week or two. I’m fine.”
Mom nodded slowly but I could see her concern. I hadn’t sat down to talk about myself and so I quickly changed the subject. “What about Dad, is it hard for him that he won’t be able to see his sisters again?”
When Dad had first joined the Camorra, he hadn’t been on speaking terms with his sisters, because all three had married into the Famiglia. The rest of his family, the Scuderis, were still in Chicago where Dad had been born but he never spoke of them. It made me sad that our family was so tiny, even if the Falcones felt a bit like an extended family. It was different. I’d always loved seeing my aunts and cousins in New York. Now that wouldn’t be possible anymore.
“Your father is very focused on guaranteeing our safety at the moment. He and the Falcones have to put new security measures in place now that attacks could happen at any time.”
I didn’t feel in danger. Las Vegas had always been a fort, the ultimate safe place, and I still couldn’t imagine that the Famiglia would attack us here. “He doesn’t have time to think about what that means for him and his sisters.”
I gave her a doubtful look.
She smiled. “I always forget how grown up you are. Your father has high guards around his heart, like most men in this world, and he has never fully lowered them for his sisters after their reunion. I think that makes it easier for him to handle the situation but it’s still not easy.”
I nodded. “Sometimes I wish I was like Dad in that regard, that I could shield my heart so easily.”
“It’s not just bad if you have a big heart, Aurora. You’re a very loving person, don’t let anyone take that from you. I love that about you.”
I rolled my eyes but at the same time my heart swelled.
Mom watched me closely. “Are you sad because you can’t see your aunts and cousins anymore?”
I gave a one shoulder shrug, suddenly emotional. “Are you?”
Mom had gotten along really well with my aunts Aria, Liliana and Gianna, and considering she had no more family of her own, I could only imagine how hard this must be for her.
“I’ll miss them,” she said softly, giving me a sad smile. “I know it was hard for you when Grandma died, and now you’re losing even more people you care about.”
I looked down at my feet. Dad had never liked Grandma because of her drug problems and how poor of a mother she’d been for Mom, but I’d mostly felt pity for her and enjoyed spending time with her on good days. “It’s okay. I’m going to be fine. We have the Falcones. It’s almost like having a big family.”
Mom nodded but I could see the hesitation in her eyes. “Your dad sees them as family, well sort of, but I think you and I have a more nuanced look. Or do you think of Nevio as something like your cousin or brother?”
My eyes widened in alarm. “No,” I said, disgusted by the mere idea. My feelings definitely weren’t anywhere close to being sisterly.
Mom smiled knowingly and I flushed. I rose to my feet. I didn’t want to discuss Nevio with Mom or anyone except for Carlotta for that matter.
“Crushing on guys who are unattainable is a safe and good way to discover your emotions,” Mom said.
My mouth fell open, and my face burned even hotter. “I know I’m not Nevio’s type, Mom. Thanks for rubbing it in.”
Mom took my hand. “That’s not how I meant it, Sweetheart, but you and Nevio obviously won’t happen. I think you know that, right? You’re sweet and caring and have a huge heart, but Nevio…” Mom trailed off. “Let’s just say your dad and I would be terribly concerned if there was the possibility of you and Nevio seeing each other.”
I tugged my hand from her grip. “Like you said, it’s just a silly crush. Nevio sees me as a little, stupid sister, not more, so don’t worry.”
I grabbed my bag and quickly left before Mom could say more that would upset me.
“What’s up? You look like you’re going to bawl,” Davide said the moment I arrived at the pool.
I glared at him and sank down on a vacant sunchair. Nevio floated on an airbed, sunglasses over his eyes while Alessio and Massimo played waterball.
Luckily none of them paid attention to my brother’s comment or me. The only person who seemed to notice my distress was Greta. She sat on a chair under an umbrella over to the left, and was reading a book. Or had been. Now her dark eyes were locked on mine.