AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Fine.” I was only half happy with this course of action, because no matter how much I loved to be his date, I would have preferred Garon naked and sweating, reciting obscenities on top of me. What have I become?
“Maybe this will improve your mood. I made reservations atLa Fontina.”
I blinked. “That’s my favorite restaurant.”
“I know, Pina. You had your birthday dinner there four years in a row.” He smiled, pretty proud of himself. “The chef has lemon tart waiting for you.”
“Really? But they only make that on Mondays.” I knew because I was obsessed with that dessert. Second to Garon—and Panini—it was the thing that I loved most in the world.
“On Mondays and when a Caputo calls ahead asking for it.” Of course. “Do you really think anyone in Sicily would dare refusemypregnant woman.”
A warm rain of shivers fell upon me. His claim on me was still unbelievable to me, but despite all expectations, every day I woke up, he was still there, on the pillow next to mine. My heart was still too scared to believe he meant those words, but it became easier every day.
He walked me to the door and we were almost out when Panini ran in front of us and dropped on his back at our feet, making puppy eyes and showing us his tongue. It made Garon laugh so hard he was shaking.
“He does that when I’m trying to leave without him.” I explained.
“I’ll take care of it.” He picked up Panini under his arm. “Come on, you ugly little thing, let’s get you a treat.” To keep the dog occupied while we made our escape, Garon gave him a few pieces of beef jerky and Panini was over the moon, but he still crooked his neck towards me every few second. “Eat your food. She’s mine tonight.” He scratched his ears and the dog yapped happily under his touch.
“That was sweet of you. I know you’re not a dog person.”
“I like him. I think he’s funny. Come on, let’s get out of here before he runs out of food.”
The car was right by the door with the engine turned on while Santo was checking it. Garon went behind the steering wheel while the bodyguard helped me get into my seat and wished us both a good night.
“I’m glad you decided to leave Santo and Arno home tonight. It can be just us.”
“Yeah.” He took my hand in his over the console. “You don’t like being followed around, huh?”
No, I didn’t, and I wasn’t used to it. My father never went out of his way to ensure my protection and thank God, I didn’t need it. Santo and Arno were nice and funny, but I was still adjusting to knowing they were around all the time.
“I just think there’s no need to keep them at the house all day when you’re out. I’m not in any danger.” I shrugged my shoulders. “Grazia doesn’t have a bodyguard and she’s Don Fiori’s wife.”
“My sister might think she’s not under surveillance, but do you honestly think Salvatore would risk anything happening to her ever again.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah. Maybe she doesn’t have a guard, but she’s never alone. Ever. If her husband can’t be with her it’s either us or Pietro, or one of my brothers’ wives that always have armed guards on them.”
“We’re at peace now. Nothing will happen.”
“Sure, but I’m not willing to risk it, especially not while you’re pregnant.” He kissed the back of my hand. “You’re precious to me, Pina.”
“Thank you.” I stupidly said, not knowing what other response I could give him.
We sat in silence—a silence that didn’t feel quite comfortable—but the restaurant wasn’t far, so I made it through it. He parked the car in front and came to open my door, but instead of looking at him, I was checking the other cars down the road.
“What is it?”
I nodded at the cars. “A lot of people from thefamigliaare here.” I recognized at least half those cars. One of them belonged to Giorgio Caputo.
“Yes.” He gave me a brisk nod. “You’re not my dirty little secret, Pina. I made the mistake of treating you less just because you’re Ariana’s sister, but I will not allow anyone to do the same.”
“I know. I just don’t look forward to the gossip.”
“There will be gossip about you all the time. They will never have the balls to say it to your face, but they’ll always talk.”
“You’re right, I guess. Are you OK with it?”
