Page 90 of Dominance

“I really am. Just…nervous. Feel like there’s loose ends.”

“Like what?”

“Like on my side of the family.”

“Hey, don’t worry, I promised you I’d have the twins back for the ceremony, didn’t I?”

“You did. I appreciate that.” Even if he refused to bring them home for the bachelor party.

“So what’s the problem?” I can see the thought forming, the suspicion. He thinks this has to do with Alessandro.

“With my parents…gone, I don’t have anyone to bless my union.”

“Hm. You always were a stickler for dotting your I’s and following protocol, huh? What’s the ask?”

“To go to Italy. Nonna Natalia, my grandmother on my mom’s side.”

“She’s still kicking? Shit. Must be the only relative you boys have left,” he muses, actually looking thoughtful. “Why don’t we fly her out?”

“Because she won’t. And she can’t. She’s at a home near Verona.”

“That’s too bad. Wonderful lady. I went to visit her with your brother a couple of times. Made amazingarancini.”

“That’s exactly why I wanted to go, to get the recipe,” I quip.

Dom throws his head back, cackling. “There he is. You always were so damn sour, boy. But every once in a while, you’d throw out these gems, take us all off guard.”

“It’s all about timing.”

“Tell that to Ciro. He still emails me jokes almost daily.” Dom grins, genuine. Also good to know my brother behaves as expected with Dom. Kid’s smarter than I give him credit for.

“Better than the trash he sends me. Had to install a firewall.”

“Does Gloria know you’re going?” Dom shifts back to the topic at hand. He can’t deviate from business for long.

“I didn’t want to bring it up until I asked you.”

“Well, I’m glad you did. Go. Get your grandmother’s blessing. Tell her about your life. Your wedding.”

“Thank you, Don.” I bow my head, raising my hand for him to give me his, to kiss his ring.

“Nah. None of that, not for something like this. Consider it a wedding gift. I’ll even let you use my miles if you want!”

“I appreciate that.”

“Yeah, don’t mention it. And I mean that. Don’t mention it to Gloria. I want you on the plane today.”

“Oh. Alright.”

“She’s been antsy lately. I don’t want her trying to tag along.”

Neither do I, for my true purposes of going to Italy.

I need to meet with my brothers. I need to go see Alessandro and Isabella.

Just one last time.

On the other hand, it rankles me, not telling Gloria. Letting Dom manipulate her.

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