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“I will do anything to protect my sister.”
“I would too. But Sabini would be dead before I killed you.”
“And yet, you’re threatening me in front of my sister.”
I sigh. “I understand that tradition doesn’t mean anything to American Mafia. Perhaps that’s why so many Bosses have lost their power.”
“Traditional has nothing to do with this.”
“Respect does.”
He shakes his head. “You disrespected me by making my sister run away.”
I laugh. “She’s a grown woman who decided what she wanted. Is that what irks you? She wants me instead of staying with you?”
His jaw tightens. “What irks me is your taking advantage of her.”
I tense and straighten. “I’ve done no such thing. Yesterday would have been our wedding day.”
His eyes widen in surprise but then narrow. “No. Because she decided to come home. I’m staying until I can do that. Now, I’m going to talk to my sister.”
He pushes past me, and I want to stop him. I’d like to punch him and toss him out of my home. But for Aria’s sake, I don’t.
As the door shuts behind him, I pray to my parents’ God that Aria will stand strong against her brother. That she’ll let me make amends to her and decide to stay with me. That she’ll marry me and give my life purpose.
18
ARIA
My stomach is ravenous, but after a few bites of soup and bread, it’s also revolting after going so long without food. I push the tray away just as my door opens and Niko walks in.
“Lasciaci. Leave us,” he says to Roberta.
She turns to me, and I’m struck that she seems to be looking at me for her next order instead of listening to my brother. I’ve never been in this situation before.
I nod. “Va bene,” I say to let her know it’s okay.
“Mangia,” she says with a last glance to me before leaving the room.
Niko pulls a chair over and sits. “She’s right. You need to eat.
“I am… I just… my stomach needs me to eat slowly.”
Silence follows, growing between us. There’s emotion radiating off him.
“You could have died.” His voice is tight.
“I could say that about you all the time.”
“It’s not the same.” He lets out a frustrated growl. “I don’t care what Luca says. As soon as you have your strength back, you’re coming home.”
I look down at my food. I’m not so sure I want to leave, but saying so will only prove his belief that I’m immature and don’t know what I want. Even if he’s right, I still should be able to make my own decisions. Although, he’d argue that my last decision nearly got me killed.
“I can’t talk about this now.” I set the tray aside.
“There’s nothing to talk about, anyway. I’ll make the arrangements, but you’re strong, Aria. We’ll leave in two days, three max.” He stands. “Keep it to yourself, though. I don’t want more hassle from Luca.”
I frown. “That’s it? You’re going to order me around?”
