Page 96 of Of Oaths and Secrets

My father nods, though he looks a little disappointed as he takes his seat. “It’s a shame. I’d hoped to discuss a few ideas with him now that he’s capo. There are some excellent business opportunities on the horizon that would benefit both of us.”

I keep my smile on even though it stings that the real reason for his visit is not me but my husband's power.

“Well, you should encourage him to reach out. I have quite the network, you know. A few introductions could go a long way for him.”

“Thanks, Dad. I’m sure he’ll keep it in mind,” I reply, choosing my words carefully.

“Absentee husband… Why am I not surprised?” my mother mutters, but I ignore her. I know my truth, and I don’t have to explain anything to her.

The first course is served, and my mother picks at her plate, glancing over at me with a faint frown. “You know, Nora, any weight gained during pregnancy isn’t free,” she remarks casually, as though commenting on the weather. “It doesn’t just melt away. You’ll have to work hard afterward to get back into shape.”

I keep my expression neutral, refusing to let her comment get under my skin. “I’m focused on staying healthy right now,” I say, carefully placing a forkful of salad onto my plate. “For me and the baby.” I look at her. “My husband seems overly happy with my curves, and I have to admit I’m quite fond of them myself, but I’m happy to let him know you’d like to discuss this with him.”

My mother pales, and I have my confirmation—Rafaele had a talk with her.

“No, of course not,” she says, voice softer. “You look beautiful, Nora. I’m just… thinking of you, from my own pregnancy experience.”

My father snorts, shaking his head. “Oh yes, stellar experience. Such an excellent example to follow.”

She raises an eyebrow at him, clearly unimpressed, and thankfully says nothing more. I take a steadying breath, grateful for the fleeting reprieve, and nod at Teresa, who sweeps in to clear the plates with a comforting smile that gives me a small boost.

As dessert arrives, my father leans forward, clearly keen to resume his pitch. “You know, sweetheart, Rafaele’s position could really elevate the family’s standing. With the right connections, he could build something monumental.”

“Rafaele’s doing just fine on his own,” I say, keeping my voice level but firm.

“Oh, I don’t doubt that,” he says quickly. “But every capo benefits from a seasoned hand. Surely you see that, don’t you?”

I don’t know what gets into me, but I channel Rafaele’s fierceness, the strength he’s told me I have time and again. “Trust me, Father, my husband isn’t called Il Mietitore for nothing. He doesn’t need help or advice to reach any heights; he is already the highest point in the food chain. If you’re the one seeking his assistance, I suggest you ask him yourself—I won’t be pleading your case.”

My father opens his mouth, a wave of shock in his expression, but he doesn’t have a chance to respond. A deep chuckle echoes from the doorway, drawing all our attention. Standing there, smiling with that familiar edge, is Rafaele.

“Well, I’m glad I came home early,” he says, his eyes glinting with pride. “This defense was heartwarming, wife. It almost seems like you care.”

I roll my eyes, though my heart speeds up at his presence. Just then, our little girl kicks, and I can’t help but smile, wondering if she’s already responding to her father’s voice. Can she be a daddy’s girl this soon?

Rafaele strides over, placing a warm hand on my shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze before turning his gaze to my parents. “It’s a pleasure to see you both. I trust you’re enjoying Nora’s hospitality?”

My mother straightens, offering a polite nod, while my father clears his throat, a flicker of unease crossing his face. “Yes, of course. Nora has been… very gracious.”

Rafaele’s smile remains polite but taut as he moves with effortless confidence, pulling out the chair next to me. He sits down, one arm draped protectively around my shoulders, his hand finding mine and squeezing it gently. Then, he leans in, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead, and the tenderness of it makes me melt a little, even here, even now.

“So,” he says, his voice rich and smooth but carrying an edge that doesn’t miss a thing, “I assume you’re here to make up for the baby shower you missed last week?” He raises an eyebrow, looking pointedly at my parents, his thumb tracing slow, calming circles over my knuckles. “What sweet gift did they bring, amore?” he asks, his tone so warm that I feel a rush of affection swirl in my chest.

My father shifts, uncomfortable under Rafaele’s unyielding gaze, while my mother fumbles for words. I glance up at him, marveling at how easily he commands the room, how fiercely he holds me close as if to shield me from even the smallest slight. He’s utterly magnetic—dominant, protective, every bit the man who makes the world stop when he enters a room.

And somehow, he’smine.

“We didn’t realize the shower was last week,” my mother finally manages, her voice a touch sharper than she intended.She’s flustered, and for once, she’s the one grasping for composure.

Rafaele doesn’t give her a chance to find it. “No worries,” he says, his tone smooth and assured. “I’ll make sure we have plenty of family celebrations going forward.” His gaze moves to me, softening for a moment as he runs a hand over my back, grounding me. “Nora deserves to be surrounded by people who truly appreciate her.”

The words are filled with intention, and I can see my parents struggle to hide their irritation. But Rafaele simply smiles, his fingers threading through mine, his presence a solid, unbreakable force beside me.

When lunch finally winds down, he stands, effortlessly helping me to my feet, his hand on my back as he leads me to the door. As soon as the door clicks shut, he wraps me in his arms, his intense gaze locked on mine. He cups my face, brushing his thumb along my cheek.

“You were brilliant, amore,” he murmurs reverently. “I knew you could handle them, but seeing it… You’re stronger than you know.”

The pride in his gaze, the way his hands are so sure, so steady, as they hold me—it’s as if he’s pouring all his strength into me, filling every fragile corner with his unwavering confidence.

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