Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 126060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 630(@200wpm)___ 504(@250wpm)___ 420(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 126060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 630(@200wpm)___ 504(@250wpm)___ 420(@300wpm)
He glanced at down at his fiancée as they stepped off the elevator onto the ninth floor. She did look tired, much more fragile than usual. He stopped, sweeping his arm around her.
“Why don’t you go on up to the bedroom and let me take care of this? I’ll get us something to eat and bring it up to you.”
Amaranthe smiled up at him. It wasn’t a fake smile. Somehow she managed to find a way to light his world even in what he considered grim times.
Perfume, Salvatore warned.
Geno had caught that subtle fragrance. He recognized that scent. Already the smile was fading from Amaranthe’s lips, and she turned her head in the direction of the great room. She’d caught that faint scent as well.
Kitchen, Lucca added. Fresh bread. Spaghetti. Pasta.
Geno went straight to the great room and the woman waiting for them, more than a little shocked that she was there.
Francesca Ferraro was a beautiful woman. It wasn’t just her outside looks that made that determination; she was also genuinely caring and kind inside. There was compassion in her dark eyes when she rose immediately and without hesitation moved straight across the room to Geno. There seemed to be no doubt in her mind she would be welcomed. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed both cheeks, but he could see distress and anxiety in her eyes.
“I’m so sorry this terrible thing has happened. You are so loved, Geno. You, Salvatore and Lucca. And after you nearly died, Geno.” She smiled at Amaranthe but went to Salvatore and then Lucca, kissing both affectionately before turning to Geno’s fiancée. “I’m Francesca, Stefano’s wife.”
Geno’s affection for Francesca was like that of a sibling. He had the highest regard for her. “Francesca, my fiancée, Amara. The love of my life.” He added the last to assure her the engagement was very real, and he wanted Amaranthe to be treated as family.
“The boys made me very aware she was family. I’m sorry I invaded without giving you notice, but to be honest, I didn’t want to give my husband a heads-up. If you knew, it was possible word would leak out and you know what a stubborn ass he can be.” She gave Geno a faint hint of a smile.
For the first time, Geno could see doubt in her eyes, as if she was afraid she might not be welcomed in his home.
“I’m glad you came, Francesca. Speaking of Stefano, where is he?” He figured with Francesca there, she would temper Stefano’s belligerent attitude.
Francesca looked torn between laughter and tears. “He indulged himself, drinking up your best whiskey. I think he might owe you several bottles. In any case, it took Taviano, Emilio and Enzo to help me get him into bed. I certainly hope he stays there.” She smiled at Amaranthe. “Emilio and Enzo are cousins and personal protectors. They can handle him, thank God. They’ve been doing so for years, long before I came along.”
“Taviano returned?” Salvatore asked. “Stefano was adamant he had to leave.” He didn’t admit that Geno, Lucca and he had sent all the family away.
“He and Nicoletta came to me and explained what had happened. They also told me other things that only Stefano knew, things he found out recently by accident. The three of us talked it over, and we believe you should also have the information. It concerns Taviano, which is why Stefano acted as he did. I’m not making excuses for him, but I do ask that you hear Taviano out.”
Geno exchanged a quick look with his brothers and Amaranthe. “Francesca, no one in the family would ever refuse a request you make. Are the children settled for the night?”
“I left the children with my in-laws, Vittorio and Grace, and Giovanni and Sasha. They’ll be just fine. There are plenty of people to watch over them. I think Stefano needs me more than they do.”
“I think all of us here need you,” Geno confirmed. “Before we sit down to talk, do you mind if we change and eat first? We ran into trouble this evening. Someone tried to murder one of our relatives and then me. They were stopped, but it wasn’t pleasant.”
“Oh, Geno.” Francesca looked so distressed that he wished he’d kept the news to himself. He knew Stefano did tell his wife anything she wanted to know, but she didn’t ask many questions. “There have been too many attempts on your life. One of these days . . .” She trailed off.
“It won’t happen, Francesca,” Geno denied. “My brothers and Amara stick to me like glue. I’m beginning to feel like Crispino.” He referred to her son.
Instantly, she laughed. “He’s a wild thing like you are. I think it’s time someone took you in hand.” She flashed another smile at Amaranthe. “You’re going to have your hands full, not only with Geno, but with these two as well.” She gestured affectionately toward Lucca and Salvatore.