Page 101 of Mafia Darling

I let out a derisive sound. “Does the coglione think this will win favor with me?”

“No, he isn’t that stupid. What do you want me to do with him?” Marco asked.

My chest burned but it had nothing to do with my injury. I wanted to make Vic suffer for allowing Francesca to be taken. For turning against me and helping my enemy. An example had to be set. “Let him sit until I get home. I want to see to it personally.”

“Before you do that, maybe we can use him to draw out Enzo’s location?”

“Good, yes. Do that sooner rather than later, before Enzo grows suspicious over Vic’s absence.”

“I will.”

“How is Giulio?” I asked.

“Tired but he’s holding up.”

“Francesca said he’s miserable.”

Marco shifted in his chair and smoothed his trousers, something he did whenever he was trying to buy time before offering up an answer. “It’s tough. He’s not like you, Rav. I don’t know what to say.”

I swallowed past the lump in my throat. “We’re having a son.”

“Complimenti, cugino!” He nudged my shoulder. “Auguri e figli maschi!”

The popular wish for many sons twisted in my chest. With sons came disappointment. “I hoped for a daughter,” I said with a heavy sigh.

“Don’t worry about Giulio. He’s still young. You know men his age. They are full of come and rebellion. After marriage he will calm down. ”

I didn’t think so. I hadn’t been like this at his age. I had taken on more and more responsibilities, eager to prove myself. Listened to my father’s advice and the advice of my elders. I never questioned orders, never let my father or my crew down. But I’d failed in instilling this same drive in my son.

I shoved all that aside to worry about later. “How are the plans to bring me home?”

“The room should be finished tomorrow or the day after. The equipment is being rushed and we’ve hired three nurses, all vetted. David is moving in until further notice.”

Good. I liked having a doctor in the family. “I want you to come back in the morning and take Francesca home. And keep her there, Marco.”

“I will, I will.”

“Check on Giulio tonight before you go home, will you? Make sure he’s eating and sleeping.”

“Of course. Do you need anything before I go? Something to eat—oh, wait.” He tapped his temple as if he’d just remembered. “I forgot. You cannot have food.”

Bastard. He hadn’t forgotten. “Zia is still trying to sneak in her veal ragù. It’s torture.”

Marco chuckled softly. “Should I grab anything for your wife when I go by the castello tonight? Something she might need in the morning?”

This was new. Marco wasn’t usually so considerate toward Francesca. “No. She chose to slip out the door so she will live with the consequences.”

He stood and leaned to kiss my head. “Try and get some sleep, eh? It’ll help you heal faster.”

“I know this isn’t easy on you, cugino. Thank you—and tell Maria thank you, as well.”

“My wife and I would do anything for you, Rav. You know that. But you’re welcome.”

My cousin left, closing the door softly, and I looked over at my wife. “You can stop pretending to be asleep.”

She rolled over and stretched her long limbs. The low hospital lighting casted her in a soft glow and she was like a beautiful golden angel. My heart turned over, the love I felt for her nearly spilling out of my body.

“I didn’t want to interrupt,” she said.

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