Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 123153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 616(@200wpm)___ 493(@250wpm)___ 411(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 123153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 616(@200wpm)___ 493(@250wpm)___ 411(@300wpm)
Gianni looks genuinely relieved. “Grazie. Now, about that help. Tell me what you need. I have more reach than you know. I’ve been waiting to join you. La mia famiglia.”
Chapter 61
Mia Nipote
Nyla
Time is up. We’re all returning home. My sister is engaged. Dario and Carleen are married, and I have a wedding I’m actually planning.
We bring Ava home as soon as Gio and Kington dot the final i. Seven months. He promised no more than seven months. I’ve waited this long. This is the closest I’ve been to an actual date.
“Ah, Nyla. You came,” Nonno croons as I slip into his office.
“Of course. You wanted to see me.”
“Come sit.”
I move to take a seat beside him on the couch. He pulls me into a hug. I embrace him tightly. For some reason, this feels like a goodbye.
“Michelangelo has asked to use the house in Italy for your wedding. I can’t help feeling like it’s my fault you’ve waited so long for this day.”
“Oh, Nonno. We weren’t ready. The time is perfect. We’ve finally grown up. I’ve finally let go and taken the steps to heal.”
“Yes, but you have lost the most. Your sacrifices have been the greatest. This thing doesn’t even want you, but you have stood next to my grandson as he makes it his. I want you to know my home and anything else you desire is yours.”
“Thank you, Nonno.”
“I’m getting old. I won’t be traveling as much, but I want you to know my door is always open.”
“Wait. You won’t come to see the babies?”
“Ah, if you and Michelangelo have children, I will be there.”
For the first time, I notice how tired he looks. I reach for his hand and cover it with mine. “In that case. You take good care of yourself. I will be here every summer with your nipoti.”
“And I will step in to walk you down the aisle. That is if you will have me.”
“Oh, Nonno. I would love that.”
Elijah will probably want to, but they both can. Heck, I’ll have two grooms. Why not?
He chuckles. “I hear our little Bella has been making her family proud. You protect our family. Ti amo, mia nipote,” he says with a smile.
“I will. I promise. I love you too, Nonno.”
Gio
I know this isn’t ideal, but after Ma placed herself in danger to see Lizzy and Carleen, I had to do this. I’ve brought Dario and Dante to this church not far from the farm so Ma can get a look at them.
With eleven of the master dolls watching over her, I thought this was the right time to do this. Ny’s at the house visiting Nonno. The old man was so happy when I asked him to use the house for the wedding.
Nonno looks tired. I need to finish this and give him peace. I would never forgive myself if I didn’t do this while he’s still breathing.
“You all right?” Dario asks.
“Yeah, I have a lot to do when we get back.”
I spot Ma while Dario is talking. Dante is lighting a candle. Ma has her eyes on him. She covers her mouth as if she’s sobbing. Blake goes over and wraps her shoulders, whispering something in her ear.
“You guys ready?” Dante asks while making the sign of the cross and turning to us.
“Yeah.” I nod.
It’s time to close this coffin.
Chapter 62
Enlisted Help
Gio
I’m not inhuman. I just get shit done. Some things are a necessary evil. Peter Hall has tons of shit on my family on his computer. He also has shit about a lot of the individuals I’ve erased.
Some he dug up and some I’ve had placed there. All incriminating, but anything that could implicate my family has been removed. Everything else—I’ve linked all that shit to Riccardo, Barbieri, and any family not connected to my blood.
Talon was nice enough to let me know when Peter became less interesting and untouchable. After all, the agency is low on resources. They can’t afford to waste them.
Now I need Peter to draw FBI attention in the right way. The best way to do that? The kidnapping of a six-year-old from an affluent family. Yeah, yeah, I have gone too far, but trust me, I’m in control.
“Ah fuck. I swear I haven’t gone next to Izzy or the kid,” the lanky guy says as he enters the basement of the house where Jace and I are waiting.
“Relax, sit down. I’m here with an offer.”
“I was told to stay away,” he says shakily.
“Sit down, Aaron. Let me get you out of this dank-ass basement and get some money in that tired-ass bank account.”
He nods jerkily and takes a seat. Damn, what did Dante do to this kid? He’s harmless. When I had Jace look into him, I was impressed. He has some skills. If he proves himself for this, I’ll hire him long term.