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Dressed and ready, I leave the hotel with Bruno. He walks beside me, his eyes scanning the area with a worried expression. I know he's concerned about Niko's reaction to my return. He’s outnumbered in my brother’s territory.
“I don’t think Niko will do anything to you,” I say as we approach the car Lucy sent for us.
“It’s not me I’m worried about.” He gives me a kind smile. “If I don’t return to Italy with you, Luca’s heart will break.”
His words send a flutter through my heart. It also boosts my confidence. I’m not a runaway brat. I’m a woman who chooses to be with the man she loves and who cares deeply for her too.
I slide into the back of the sleek, black car with Bruno sitting next to me. I take a deep breath, trying to push away the anxiety. This is my family, and I'm here to celebrate Lucy’s coming motherhood. No matter what happens, I won't let Niko or the Mafia drama ruin this day for me.
When we arrive at the lavish downtown venue, I step out of the car. The building is decked out in elegant floral arrangements and glimmering lights, a clear sign that Donovan has spared no expense for Lucy's baby shower.
As I make my way inside with Bruno close at hand, I spot familiar faces. Kate is absolutely glowing, cradling her newborn daughter, Sophie, while Elena juggles her twins, Niccolo and Angelica. I rush over to them, enveloping them in warm hugs.
"Aria! We've missed you so much," Kate exclaims, her eyes shining with joy.
“I’ve missed you too.” I peer down at the sleeping baby, my heart swelling with affection. "She's beautiful, Kate.” I look over at Liam, my brother’s friend since childhood.
“Hey, Liam.” I give him a hug.
“Aria. It’s good to see you.”
Kate and Liam’s relationship is proof to me that true love can prevail even in the most difficult of situations. Yes, Lucy and Donovan, and Niko and Elena, have endured challenges, but to me, Kate’s not being from our world and Liam’s closed off emotions should have gotten in the way. Love, true love, does make a difference, even if life is messy and complicated.
Elena chimes in, bouncing one of the twins on her hip. "You look good, Aria. Happy.”
“I am.” I glance around, wanting Niko to have heard her statement. But I don’t see him.
“You’ll have to catch us up on everything.”
“There’s so much.” I figure I’ll avoid mentioning Sabini, which they no doubt know about from Niko. I’ll keep the latest about Electra to myself as well. “Where’s Lucy?”
“You can’t miss me.” Lucy’s voice is laced with irritation. “I’m like a beached whale.”
“A beautiful beached whale.” Donovan stands beside her, a fond smile on his face as he rubs her back.
I give them both a hug, then I look beyond them, expecting Niko.
Donovan, who’s been like an uncle to me, presses his hand on my cheek. “He’s not here. He doesn’t want to ruin the day.”
I scowl. “Are you saying he can’t help himself and he’ll be a jerk if he sees me?”
Donovan’s eyes are sad. “He’s doing the best he can.”
Not good enough, I think, but I put that aside. I’m going to enjoy my friends no matter what Niko does or doesn’t do.
“Shall we let the fun and games begin?” Elena says. Her nanny comes over to help with the twins as Elena takes charge of the shower activities.
“Does it involve waddling? That’s about all I’m good for,” Lucy complains.
“Goodness, Lucy, where did your sense of fun go? You’re such a whiner,” Elena jokes.
Donovan chuckles, wrapping an arm around Lucy's shoulders. “My warrior princess scares even the fiercest made men in the city.”
“Yeah, well, you carry around a bowling ball in your belly and tell me that won’t make you grumpy,” Lucy says.
“I did. I carried two.” Elena arches a brow.
“Everyone knows you’re the nicer sister,” Lucy responds.
