Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 97921 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97921 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
“We gained power and the Di Lorenzo name was established as one of the strongest. What you have done in America with the family business reminds me of them. You’ve done well with all I’ve taught you.”
“Thanks, Nonno. That means a lot.”
“Dario, it’s been good to have you here. It shows the other families there’s still strength in the Di Lorenzo blood. We don’t plan to go anywhere anytime soon. They needed to see your fresh face here.”
He takes a sip of his drink and fixes his eyes on Dario. I get the feeling I know what he’s about to say. From the look on Dario’s face, so does he.
“You have secured things here, but you’re needed in the States. Our problems lurk there. You boys have been keeping order, but this thing has festered for years far beyond you three. It’s time you show them who you are,” he says the last part with his eyes trained on Gio.
This shocks me a bit. My grandfather is nothing if not intentional. I read right through the message he’s sending.
“Nonno, you know why I’m still here. I have to think about their safety. I don’t know if now is the time to go back.”
“We hide from no one. You will return and face this life you have created for yourself,” Nonno says firmly, his eyes hard. “You are not alone. They will be safe. Trust your brothers. I’ve raised you all to be who you needed to be. It will all fall into place.
“Di Lorenzo men are never defined by the wants of others. We are the tides, the waters move to our will. Capisci?” he finishes.
“I hear you. We’ll return with Dante and Gio.”
“Good. I will miss you.”
“You’re not coming with us this time?” I say and look more closely at my grandfather. He looks tired. His youthful looks are starting to fade a bit.
“I have done my part. I am needed here for this final act.” He looks to Gio. “It’s my hope you all learn to know the true power of a father’s love. You will outlive your time to do for your bambini. La mia famiglia is everything to me. That’s what’s important. Never forget that.”
“We won’t,” my brothers and I say in unison.
“Now, Dante. When are you going to make me a nipote?”
I chuckle. “Soon, Nonno, soon.”
I’ve been praying every time I release my seed inside Lizzy that she gives me a son. I thought I’d never want another child after Bethany, but Lizzy is so different. She’s loving, patient, and she loves Bella like she’s her own.
Yes, I hope to announce the birth of my son soon. Within the year, if I have anything to say about it.
Chapter 42
Excuse Me
Lizzy
“Can we get Daddy something?” Bella looks up at me to ask as we stroll the street with the little shops and vendors.
“I don’t see why not.”
I look into the reflection of the shop window before us. The same redhead comes into view. I noticed her two stores ago. She puts her head down and moves to one of the street vendors to act like she’s picking something up.
“Lizzy, I can’t thank you enough for this,” Carleen says, drawing my attention. “I’ve been trapped in that house for months. I don’t know what you said to get me out but thank you so much.”
I give her a smile. “Don’t worry about it. I’m glad you could join us.”
“Oh, look at that. It’s so cute. Do you mind if we go into this one?”
“Sure, listen, why don’t you and Bella go inside? I’ll be right behind you,” I say.
Carleen and Bella head into the store and the bell over the door rings out through the air. I keep moving and dip into the little alley. I pull my gun and peek around the corner to see what the woman who’s been following us does.
Just like I thought, she moves toward the shop. She stares inside the window, watching Bella and Carleen. Smooth as a cat, I ease out of the alley and come up behind her, placing my gun to the back of her head.
“Why are you following us?” I snarl.
“You don’t want to do that,” she says calmly. She holds her hand up in a gesture as if to stay someone. “My men have orders to protect me at all costs.”
She nods at our reflection in the storefront window. My lips part when I see the red dot. I shove my gun at her head.
“I’ll drop you before they can pull the trigger. I die, you die with me.” I shrug.
“Relax, Elizabeth.”
I gasp as my name comes out of her mouth. “Excuse me?”
She turns to me, and I feel like I’ve been sucker punched. Suddenly, I’m three all over again. Only her hair is different. She isn’t a redhead in my memories.