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“We’re toasting to Liam getting his shit straight with Kate,” Donovan announces, handing me a drink.
“Hear, hear,” Niko says.
“Congratulations.” I join in, but I keep my eyes on Niko.
“How long are you in the U.S.?” Liam asks me.
“Not long. I have to return to Italy.”
Donovan frowns. “I hope these visits aren’t about checking on Lucy because as you can see, she’s just fine.”
I nod to him. “Lucia is very happy. I have no reason to check on her. Besides, she’s a fierce woman who can take care of herself.”
“Damn right.” Donovan downs a shot.
“So, why are you here?” Niko’s shrewd eyes narrow in on me. I wonder what he’s getting at since I told him earlier. Or perhaps he’s curious about my other activities in the United States.
“Business.”
“What business?” Niko’s hackles rise. Does he worry I’m working with a rival Family?
I set my glass down. “It’s not one that concerns you, Don Leone. I value our alliance.” I turn to Liam, shaking his hand. “Congratulations again. When love can blossom and grow, it’s a lovely thing.”
Then I shake Donovan’s hand. “As always, it’s a pleasure to see you and Lucia.” Finally, I give my attention to Niko. “Arrivederci, Don Leone.” I want to tell him again that this issue isn’t over, but I don’t want to ruin the celebration.
When I leave the office, I see Aria waiting for me. I give a quick shake of my head, not wanting to cause a commotion during a baby shower. I give her a signal to meet me outside and make my way out the door.
A few minutes later, she joins me by my car where my driver is waiting.
"I have to return to Italy,” I say to her.
She pouts, and it’s adorable. "Is my brother still being a dick?"
I nod, wondering if she’s caught on to my plans for her. I haven’t told her I want to marry her. The most we’ve done is discuss her coming to visit me in Italy. "Don’t fret, Mio Angelo.” I wonder if her Italian lessons have taught her my little pet name for her, my angel.
“When will you be back?”
“I’m sorry. I will be awhile.” Being in touch with her will be a challenge. If Niko hasn’t already blocked me from her phone, it will happen soon. An idea comes to me. “I think you should practice your Italian.” I use my phone to research bookstores in Manhattan. I find one in the quaint East Village. “You should visit this store for more language books.”
She arches a brow at me in confusion. “Why?”
“As I said, you need to learn more Italian.” I lean forward and kiss her on the cheek. "Ciao, Mio Angelo."
I have my driver take me from Donovan’s in New Jersey to the East Village of Manhattan. I’m lucky the bookstore is still open. Going in, I find the language section. I slip a piece of paper between two books on the Italian language.
I exit the shop and tell my driver to take me to Teterboro Airport where my plane is waiting. On the flight back, I'm on the phone dealing with business even though it's the middle of the night in Italy.
When I land in Rome, I imagine that Niko thinks he has gotten rid of me. But he has not.
While my father advised me to do business as politely and respectfully as possible, he also told me never to be afraid of being ruthless and lethal if necessary. That’s a lesson I’ve had much practice in, and I won’t be afraid to follow it to make Aria mine.
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ARIA
Current Day
Itry to act nonchalantly as I descend the stairs and make my way to the front door of my brother’s penthouse where I've been staying since my return to the United States nearly a year ago.
