Page 84 of Mafia Darling

“We can’t fix it now. We don’t have time.”

There was rustling and I felt my body shifting as they got into position. I made a pitiful whine when they lifted me, sounding more like a wounded animal than a man. The pain was excruciating.

I must have passed out going up the stairs because the next thing I knew we were out in the fresh air. Gunfire popped in the distance and I cracked my eyelid to see where we were.

They were carrying me around the side of Fausto’s castello. Bodies dotted the ground, the dirt dark and wet beneath them. My men surrounded me, at least ten of them, some holding me and the rest offering protection. The jostling and shifting nearly caused me to vomit, not that I had anything in my stomach.

One of my men fired his gun, the sound both familiar and strange after so long in isolation. I could barely breathe as more shots were fired, the hope and terror lodging in my throat. To be stopped now, when I was so close to freedom, would be worse than never having a chance at all. They would need to put a bullet between my eyes right here because I would not return to that dungeon under any circumstances.

They started yelling, but I was too weak and nauseous to understand what was being said.

Instead, I began to pray.

* * *

Fausto

Nesto cast a worried look at Marco before glancing at me in the rear view mirror. “But, Don Ravazzani . . .”

“Here,” I repeated in a sharp tone, the one my men knew was an order. I appreciated his caution, but we were well guarded and the obstetrician was just a few doors down. There was no reason I couldn’t treat my woman to gelato right now.

Nesto slowed the car, guiding us to the curb, then came to a stop. Francesca peered over my shoulder. “What’s going on? Why are we stopping here?”

I threw open the door and got out. The car behind us had also pulled over, and my men were hurrying onto the sidewalk to offer protection. Marco was there beside me, his keen gaze taking in the street, his body tense and ready. I could hear his phone buzz, but he ignored it.

“Anything?” I asked him.

“No, but let’s make this quick.”

I held out my hand to Francesca and her fingers met mine. “Dai, andiamo.” I helped her out of the big car. “I want to feed you. Let’s get you some gelato.”

“You’re buying me gelato. Right now?” She gave me that secret teasing smile of hers, the one that said she knew how much I loved her. I would do anything for that smile.

“There is never a bad time for gelato, no?” I threw my arm around her waist and tugged her close as we strolled inside. “I know how much you love it. And I know you’re hungry.”

The shop was empty, so she took her time deciding, asking for samples of three or four different flavors. By the time she settled on the mint chocolate chip, she was smiling and laughing. Marco and Nesto waited outside like a protective wall, so I opened the door for her. She waited for me on the walk, then held up her spoon. “Here, try this.”

“Are you sure?” I grinned down at her. “I was told never to take food away from a pregnant woman.”

She rolled her eyes but chuckled. “Oh, the misogyny. You are hopeless, husband.”

Her happiness sank into my bones, a balm for all the violence and cruelty I dealt with on a daily basis. It was like the dark clouds that loomed over my soul parted just for her, enough to let in her sassy mouth and resilient spirit.

I snatched her hand and bent down for the gelato.

* * *

Enzo

I was too dizzy, so I had to keep my eyes closed. The shouts and gunfire grew louder, more intense as we went. One of the men carrying me stumbled, and horrendous pain went all throughout my body. I felt my stomach revolt, but I was somehow able to keep from retching.

If they dropped me, I’m not certain I would survive it.

“Almost there, Don D’Agostino,” one of my men said.

I could hear the rumble of a car engine, the most beautiful sound I’d ever heard save for the first cries of my children when they were born.

“Open the door!”

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