Page 75 of Ti Amo

Giovanni frowned. He glanced to Lorenzo. “What the hell does that mean?”

“She’s a woman, Gio, a beautiful, smart, strong-willed woman. I’ve seen the way men look at her. So have you.”

“Shut up!”

“It’s true. She’s not a little girl anymore. You have to accept it.”

“I don’t have to do shit. She’s a married woman. Was! Shewasa married woman. Fuck! This conversation is over.”

Lorenzo chuckled. He slouched in the driver seat and continued to speed along the coast. Giovanni again fixed his attention on the void of blue sky ahead of them.

****

They’d started the search before dawn, and it was now close to noon. Dominic had to shower, and then he’d continue to lead the Minettis on a useless rescue mission. He walked out of the bathroom in his slacks, freshly shaven and prepared for the task. It wasn’t easy standing among the concerned brothers knowing how pathetically Franco begged for his life in the end. Maybe that’s why Giovanni stuck him with the task instead of being at his side during the meeting with Bonaduce. Cold bitter resentment swelled in his gut, and he grimaced.

He felt a presence in the room. His gaze lifted from the floor and connected with Catalina’s. She sat on the edge of the bed waiting for him. She looked lost and broken. He had himself to thank for that. Giovanni was her world and his respect meant a lot to her. What they did forever changed things between them all.

“Ciao, bella.”

“Ciao.”

Dominic tossed the towel he had roped around his neck during his shave. He approached the bed. “How are you feeling today?”

Her inability to look him in the eye pained him deeply. She kept her head down and her long locks shielded most of her face from view. Dominic sat next to her. He scooped her hair back and placed her soft locks behind her shoulder. “You can’t be in here, Catalina. We agreed to honor Giovanni’s wishes and stay apart.”

“We need to talk,” she said softly. Even now she had the sweetest, softest voice. One word from her and his convictions wavered. Her head lifted, and she looked at him with sincerity. He stared into her lovely eyes. He’d had many women, known quite a few, but Catalina was by far the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen. She’d blossomed before his eyes. At seventeen her flawless skin, luscious curves, and thick dark brown hair captured the attention of every man in her presence. Giovanni was blind to it. Dominic never was. He’d even beaten a man on the staff ruthlessly with the butt of his gun for staring at her too long. Now she was here, broken and lost. It was his fault.

Catalina smiled.“Ti amo, Domi.”She touched his hand then drew hers away. “You shaved. The bruises aren’t as bad this morning. I’m so sorry Lorenzo hurt you.”

“I’ll heal.”

She nodded. “You know what I’ve always liked about your face. Your eyes.” She touched his brows. “Under these thick brows, they are so compelling. They have this lowered slant to them.” She brushed the tips of her fingers over his left eye. “And your dark lashes. You have dreamy eyes, Domi. That’s what you were for me since I was thirteen. Dreamy.”

“Stop.” He removed her hand from his face. “Don’t do this.”

She placed her hand in her lap. “It’s about the baby.”

Dominic waited.

“I lied.”

“I had to consider that it was a lie. I’m not surprised. Disappointed, yes, but not surprised.”

“Forgive me.”

“I do.” He kissed her brow, and she eased her arm around his waist to hold him as they sat. “Gio sent Carmine to the store. He brought me back three different pregnancy tests. Three of them. I’m to take all three and bring them to Gio.” She dropped her head and cried. “He wants proof Domi. What are we going to do?”

“It’s okay.” He pulled her under his arm. Soon he’d be gone, and she’d mourn him. But he knew she’d get over it and possibly move on to someone more worthy of her. “I’ll handle Gio.”

“No. We have to try. I can stall Gio. I can convince Mira to do it. Did you see how she handled him? She’s really good, and she’s our friend. She understands our love. I’m thinking that we need to start trying to get pregnant immediately. I know I will be able to. I might already be. We didn’t use protection the other night. You never know.”

“It’s best we come clean with him and tell him the truth.”

“No!” She snatched away and stood. “You can’t. Gio is not a forgiving man. He’ll punish us!”

Dominic smiled. “He’ll do that either way. Right now all we have is Christmas.” Dominic brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “Share it with me.”

Catalina smiled sadly and sat on his lap. “And after? After we will be together?”

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