AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I smile, happy to be home… no, not home. My home is now in Italy. But it’s good to be back with my friends. They’re the same. Happy. Funny. Loving people.
Elena leads the way with activities until it’s time to eat. After lunch, we continue to chat. I hold Kate’s baby girl, gently rocking her, feeling a surge of emotion. I want one. Maybe not right away, but someday. Does Luca want kids?
"She's so precious," I murmur, my gaze fixed on the sleeping baby.
Elena sidles up and sits next to me. "You look so natural holding her, Aria."
I glance up at her, my heart swelling with affection for my sister-in-law. I’m so happy Niko found her and had the good sense to marry her. If only he’d develop good sense around me.
"I've missed this, being around family."
Elena's expression shifts to one of empathy. "You can come home, if you want.”
I shift, as does my mood. “I’m happy with Luca.”
She nods. “I just want to be sure that your motivation is to be with Luca.”
I frown. “What else would it be?”
“To escape Niko.”
Not long ago, I’d completely dismissed her comment, but after everything I’ve been through, I take a moment to consider it.
Finally, I answer, “I’ve never seen Luca as my escape. I’m with him because I want to be. And he wants to be with me. Do you know he asked Niko for permission… which is crazy in this day and age, but?—”
She laughs. “Our men retain some antiquated ways, although I think it’s rooted in respect.”
“So you do know?”
She sighs. “Yes. And I don’t necessarily agree with Niko, but he’s?—”
“I know. He’s the boss of everyone.” I shake my head.
“He’s doing what he thinks is right.” Elena’s tone turns defensive.
“For whom?” I arch a brow, not wanting to get into a confrontation but also not liking being told that Niko has to make decisions for me. I’m not inept.
“Aria—”
“I know you all see me as an immature Mafia princess. Yes, I was sheltered. Yes, there’s much about the world I don’t know. Do you want to know what I do know? I know my brother sent me away when I was ten years old after losing my other brother and mother. I know that he kept me away after school and college. I know he never told me about you and the babies. How is that right for anyone but him?”
Her expression turns to sympathy. “I can see that you’ve felt abandoned. Niko has made many mistakes in his life, but you can’t think he doesn’t love you and doesn’t want what’s best for you.”
I shrug. “How do I know that?”
She watches me for a moment. “Is Luca good to you?”
I nod. “Very. He’s sweet and kind. Niko says no to me all the time. No way he’d let me go to Luca. But Luca supported my coming here, even knowing Niko could find a way to prevent me from returning to Italy. Luca cares about what I think and feel. Niko doesn’t care about anything but bossing me around.”
“That’s not completely true. Niko is overprotective, but he does love you and wants you to be happy.”
“Then tell him Luca makes me happy. I love Luca with all my heart."
“Does he feel the same?”
Luca’s never said the words, but he’s said other things to make me think he cares for me. “We were supposed to get married.”
Her eyes widen.
