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Again, I hold my hand up. “I don’t want the details. Take care of it. I need to arrange for Aria to go to New York for a week or so. I want this all cleared up by the time she returns.”
Bruno arches a brow. “Is that wise? Don Leone will likely keep her from coming back.”
Agitation slides through me knowing he’s right. “She plans to stay with Lucia.”
He doesn’t look convinced about that answer.
“I need Aria to feel safe, and she needs to see her family.” And maybe by letting her go, Niko will see that I have no intention of keeping her from him. Maybe he’ll then bless our relationship.
“I’ll deal with Electra tonight.”
I nod. “See that you convince her to make this move, Bruno. I mean it. I can’t have her fucking things up with Aria.”
His brow furrows. “What if I can’t?”
I suck in a breath knowing he’s asking how far to go with Electra. “She’s stubborn, but smart. She wants a lavish life. We can make that happen. She’ll take that deal over managing in the club.”
When he leaves, I make arrangements for a flight to Newark for Aria. That feeling like I’m sending her away and won’t see her again fills me with dread. My instinct is to force her to stay. To lock her in a gilded cage to keep her safe and with me.
What is that saying? If you love something, set it free? So I’m going to let her go and hope like hell that she comes back to me.
22
ARIA
The next morning, after thinking about what it will be like to return home, I decide I don’t want to stay with Lucy and Donovan either. While they may not try to keep me in the United States, they are an extension of my brother and I don’t want to be under anyone’s watchful eyes.
When I tell Luca my decision over breakfast, he frowns. "You should stay with your Family. It's safer there."
I shake my head. "I don't want to be cooped up in Niko's penthouse or with Lucy and Donovan. I don’t need a babysitter. I want to be on my own."
Luca sighs, running a hand through his dark hair. "It’s not about babysitting, it’s about being safe. You need protection.”
“You can provide me protection.”
He puts his hand over mine. “I can’t come with you. You know that.”
“So send someone with me. Didn’t you say I’m yours now?” I wonder if I’m asking too much.
Luca looks conflicted. I know it's hard for him to suggest I stay with Niko, the man who has opposed our relationship from the start. But I also see the logic in his concern.
Finally, he nods. “Okay. I’ll send Bruno with you.”
I'm a little surprised that Luca is sending his most trusted associate to watch over me, especially with so much going on right now. "Don’t you need him? You can send someone else.”
Luca presses his hand on my cheek. "Aria, you are my number one treasure. I won't take any chances when it comes to your wellbeing." His eyes burn with a fierce intensity that makes my heart skip a beat. "Bruno is the best man for the job, and I need him to keep you safe while you're away from me."
“Thank you.” I lean in and kiss him, feeling happy and cared for. There haven’t been any exchanges of words of love, but there’s no denying that I feel my place is here with Luca.
The next day, I fly to New York with Bruno. It wasn’t that long ago when he was escorting me from New York to Italy, yet in many ways, it feels like a lifetime ago. So much has happened, some of it not so good. But I’m stronger now, more sure of myself and what I want, not from a dreamer’s perspective like before. I’m more grounded in reality.
As we drive through the city streets, I can't help but feel a sense of independence, even with Bruno by my side as my protection. This isn't the sheltered life I once knew under Niko's thumb. I'm making my own choices now, even if I'm still not entirely free.
I check into the hotel on Fifth Avenue not far from Central Park. I have a lovely two-bedroom suite, although Bruno states that he’ll sleep on the couch so he can better watch the door for intruders.
The following day, I prepare for Lucy's baby shower. It may be odd, but I want to look as different as I feel inside. Confident. Mature. I don’t want them to see a petulant, spoiled young woman, as I’m sure Niko sees me.
I select a pastel yellow dress and style my dark hair into a loose chignon bun. As I apply my makeup in the hotel mirror, I can't help but feel a flutter of nerves. It's been so long since I've seen my family and friends.
