Page 34 of Reign of Fate

I fight the urge to get in my car and go beat the shit out of her father. And I still don’t know why Leno didn’t make more of an effort. “What about you? Did you wipe your hands clean of your sister too?”

Leno’s jaw clenches and the vein in his neck bulges, as he whispers loudly, “I did not! Luigi Zotteri is a dick father, and when Elisa married Guido, he made her life hell. It got to the point where Elisa wouldn’t come by anymore. That’s when good old Dad decided that she wasn’t family and pretty much disowned her. You couldn’t even say her name in the house without him flipping his lid. I was young, and I missed my sister. I snuck out to see her several times, but the last time I did, my father beat me so badly that he had to tell the rest ofUltimo MorteI had an accident and was recovering. Elisa knew that wasn’t the truth, so the next time I went to see her, she refused to let me in. She made sure the guard didn’t let me past the gate. Elisa was protecting me.” He points to his chest and his gaze falls to his polished black leather shoes. “She was alone, and she was protecting me.” He raises his face and stares right at me. “I was able to get a burner phone to her, and I have one for myself I keep hidden. I call her once a week, but she made me promise to never speak of it. I miss my sister.” His voice falters, and I can see how deeply being separated from Elisa has affected him.

“Your father’s an asshole,” I grit out.

“Tell me something I don’t know.”

“I’ll see to it that you’re able to visit your sister anytime you want.” I’m doing this as much for Elisa as I am for him. She doesn’t hide how much her brother means to her.

“Now that she’s married to the great Ivo Avante, consigliere to our capo, he won’t care if I see Elisa. I may be young, but I’m not stupid. Dad will allow it because it makes him look good. I’ve been working the territory for the past two years and no one knows. I have to bide my time, but when I finally take over, I’ll have earned the respect of our men, and I’ll know what it takes to be a good underboss. I’m paying my dues, and believe me, with my father ordering me around, I’m earning my title,” Leno says with great conviction.

A man inUltimo Morteneeds to be tough. I have to commend Luigi for making a man like Leno. I do not approve of his tactics, but it’s clear that Leno is becoming the kind of underboss that Raffaele can count on. Luigi’s businesses are thriving and have been for quite some time. I’m wondering how much of that success is Leno’s. Perhaps that should be a discussion for another day.

What to do about Luigi and Veronica, though? Elisa doesn’t seem to give a shit if her parents are in her life or not. However, Leno is giving me a heads-up that Luigi is crowing about his daughter’s status and how it will benefit him, which means he plans on being around. I haven’t liked any of the interactions between Elisa and her parents thus far, and my main concern is for Elisa. I’ll have to play it by ear and see what Luigi’s next move will be.

Not long after that, the party breaks up, and I take my girls home. Adriana holds onto each of our hands and skips along between us. All in all, it’s been a good day.

ELISA

The day started off with my sexy husband in my bed. I’ve discovered that sex is awesome and that the self-induced orgasms from my tiny toy are nothing compared to the ones Ivo gives me. I’m deliciously sore. Ivo is so sweet, not normally a word that one would use to describe my rough and rugged husband. While I was getting ready, he set two ibuprofen with a glass of orange juice on my nightstand. Then he held my hand all the way to our lunch. My hand being warm and secure in his was almost as lovely as when Adriana came running out to greet us with such affection, then finding Leno waiting for us to be part of the day. I am happier than I ever could have imagined.

Mrs. Withers has the day off, and Adriana and I are working on a craft at the kitchen table. Evangeline’s meal was so filling that none of us are hungry. I’ll put cheese and crackers and some other nibblies out later for Ivo and me. Adriana has declared that she wants cereal for dinner. I looked at Ivo, and he nodded his approval before I agreed.

Ivo disappeared into his den to take a call over an hour ago and hasn’t returned yet.

“How did you learn to make a caterpillar from that?” Adriana asks, pointing at the empty egg carton.

“I remember when the teacher taught us how in school,” I tell her, gathering the other items from her craft box. Adriana has a collection of art supplies, everything a little girl could want. Her playroom is well organized with shelves and crates with labels noting what they hold. The trick is convincing Adriana to pick up her toys before getting started on something new. I gently remind her that cleaning up is part of taking responsibility and making sure no one trips and falls over her toys.

Adriana doesn’t even put up a fight. I put on some music, and we dance and put our things away, and now we’re on to our caterpillar project. All this time, Ivo’s been gone, but he’s given Adriana and me time alone to bond.

“Elisa,” Adriana says softly, “Daddy talks about my mom. He says she was beautiful and smart. He says I look like her, but I never really knew her.”

“I met your mom, and everything your daddy told you is the truth. Your mom was kind and funny. She made everyone laugh. I liked her a lot.”

“The other kids at school have a mom,” she says sadly.

“That must be hard for you. You know, I’m willing to come to all the school’s fun times. I may not be your mom, but I care about you very much.”

She lifts her chin, and her voice wobbles when she says, “Can’t you be my mom?”

To say that I’m surprised would be an understatement. How does Ivo feel about this? Has Adriana ever spoken to him about it? There’s so much to consider, and this affects us all. I choose my words carefully, not wanting to upset Adriana or Ivo.

“Well, I would very much like to be one of your moms. I think we need to honor your mom, and that means we can’t forget how important your mother was. She gave your father the greatest gifts. Your mom was very important to your dad, and she gave him you. I know for a fact that your father loves you more than anything in the world.” I keep my voice soft and gentle.

“You don’t want to be my mom?” she asks, her eyes huge.

“I do. Very much,” I rush out, then, more slowly, add, “Momis a very special word. I think your mom should stay your mom, but I would love to be your mama. That way, we keep your mom in our hearts always. What do you think of that?”

A sweet smile comes across her face. “Mama.” She tries out the word. “I like it.”

“I do have to speak to your dad about this.”

“Daddy won’t care. He wants us to be a family. He said so,” she declares happily.

“I still need to speak with him, sweetie,” I say, wrapping my arm around her shoulders.

“Hello, my lovelies.” Ivo comes in, and I can see that he’s heard the whole conversation. I search his face for a hint of his feelings on the subject. His placid grin isn’t giving away his thoughts. He scoops Adriana out of her chair and snuggles her to his chest, then begins to tickle her.

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