Page 31 of Days Of Valentino

“He’ll be fine. It happens to all of us when we hit a certain age. Death starts creeping up on us.”

“Do you worry about it?” I ask James.

“I worry about dying before you, because I don’t want to leave you here alone. And I worry about dying after you, because I don’t want to live a single day without you.” He leans in and kisses my lips ever so softly.

“Mmm,” I moan.

“What about you?” James questions.

“I’m not afraid of dying. I think it’ll be peaceful. I think that when we die, it all just stops,” I say, and instantly regret it when I see the concerned look on my husband’s face. “I don’t have any intentions of dying, James. You don’t need to worry. I just don’t think it’s something we need to fear. It’s the living that’s the scary part.”

“Maybe,” he says, but I know he’s going to be keeping a hawk’s eye on me after that discussion. I’ve made two attempts on my own life since he’s known me. It’s been a really long time though, and I don’t have any thoughts of harming myself right now.

It’s almost lunchtime when we finally pull into Neo’s estate. The place is locked down tight. Security everywhere. Then again, when the Don of the Donatello Organization is hosting a party with the world’s top underworld leaders in attendance, security is a must.

My brother took over the Donatello family from his father-in-law. His wife, Angelica, could have easily done the job herself, if it weren’t for Italians and their old school ways. They won’t name a woman as boss, even if she’s the one who calls most of the shots anyway.

“Remember, we can leave at any time,” James says, squeezing my hand.

“I’m okay. I’m excited to see everyone,” I tell him, and I am. I love my family. It took a while to build up the relationships we have now. I had a lot of healing to go through, and I had to let go of the anger I was holding against them.

I was angry for so long. Angry that they didn’t find me sooner. Angry that I had to endure years of torture right under their noses. And I was angry at myself for not leaving, for not saving myself.

It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve been here. Walking into my brother’s house still amazes me. It has to be one of the most beautiful homes I’ve ever seen. He has his wife to thank for that, though.

“Oh, thank god you’re here, Zia Lola.” My niece rushes up to me.

“Why, what’s wrong?” I ask Izzy.

“Papa is in his office. Go and find out for yourself.” She rolls her eyes. “I can’t take it anymore.”

“Okay, I’ll go see him,” I tell her. “Are the kids here?” I have a very close bond with my niece. It’s because of her that I was rescued. I risked everything to make sure she didn’t end up like me.

“They’re all hiding from their grandfather,” she huffs.

“Got it.” I nod and look to my husband.

“Zio James, come with me. I’ll get you a drink. You’re going to need it.” Izzy takes his arm and drags him farther into the house while I turn towards my brother’s office. The door is closed so I bring my fist up and knock twice.

“I’m busy,” my brother’s voice yells back at me.

“Neo, it’s me, Lola. Can I come in?” I ask him.

The door is ripped open and then my brother is standing on the other side. “Lola, I didn’t know you were coming? Are you okay?” he asks, looking me up and down like he always does.

“Better than you, it seems.” I smile at him. “Can I come in?”

“You don’t need an invitation. Come on.” Neo steps out of the way and I walk into his office. The floor is scattered with photo albums, various pictures of the family—a lot of Izzy and her children—all just lying there.

“Been going down memory lane?” I lift a questioning brow.

“I want to recall every moment while I still can,” Neo says.

“You do know you’re fit and healthy. You’re not going anywhere just yet,” I remind him.

“I’m seventy, Lola. Fucking seventy,” he grunts while running a hand through his now-graying hair.

“Well, you’re still my big brother and I still need you, so don’t go wilting away just yet.” I wrap my arms around him.

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