Page 32 of Blood and Redemption

“I think…” Sighing, my brows come together. “I think she’d beg you to marry a normal man. She didn’t like marrying into this life, and she’d get gray hairs if she knew all three of her kids did the very same.”

We slow as one song melts into another.

“You know Rocco…” Ruining the gloss on her lips by chewing on her bottom lip, she looks hesitant. “Santino’s mother, Bia? She’s a really good mom. Thanks to her, I’ve gotten to see what our mom wasn’t. If she were here, I don’t think she’d be happy at all.”

“She’d be miserable,” I agree, my voice softer. “It’s a good thing she isn’t here. She’d ruin the party.”

Camellia nods, her eyes softening. “It’s a good thing she isn’t.”

The more we chat about our mother, the more my thoughts feel heavier.

“Rocco? Can I ask you something?” Her hand squeezes mine tightly, more than I’d expect from a small thing like her. “With complete honesty?”

Fuck. I’m never prepared to be honest when it comes to her. I’ve always lied to myself, and my sisters.

After a few passing seconds, I remember to nod.

“I’m happy to put the past in the past, seriously. But, I have to know, what happened? The man who came to my wedding… seeing you smile and laugh… It’s like you were my brother from back then. I can see who is making you happy; that’s obvious. But, what I want to know is, what made you so miserable?”

She looks at me so innocently, so caring.

“Camellia, there’s a time and place for this kind of conversation. If you haven’t been able to tell, I made the last few years hell for you. Do you really want me to spoil your happiest day?”

We stop dancing, and she nods.

“I’m not a kid anymore, Rocco. All I want to know is the truth. Please.” She inhales sharply, like she’s preparing for a blow.

Okay. Fine. I can tell her the truth. But not here. Not in front of all these people.

“Will Santino shoot me if I try to take you to the back? I wouldn’t mind seeing those flowers again.”

Her smile grows. “As long as you promise this won’t be an attempt to kidnap me.”

Glancing at the ring on her finger, I scoff. “A little late for that, I believe.”

So, she lets me lead her down the hall toward the garden area. She’s happy to take a seat on the bench to rub her sore feet.

While I take in the flowers, my heart races. “You know how Dad died. You found him. I never told you who did it. Both of you, I tried to keep you away from the information.”

Behind me, silence. Just this once, I excuse my inability to look at her.

“Our mother didn’t run away,” I continue, my voice wavering. “She took him away from us due to her misery and greed, and… I…”

I hate getting emotional. Even when I saw her earlier, I didn’t shed a single tear. Our father taught me how to stay strong, and most of the time, I’m good at it.

I’ve learned how to shut down.

“You did what you had to do,” Camellia finishes for me, her voice soft.

“I did. After that, nothing was the same. I looked at you and only saw her.” Eyes growing misty, I stare at some wilting petals. “Every time I looked at you, I was reminded of what she’d done. Instead of helping you get over the loss…”

If the topic isn’t what makes my voice crack, it’s her arms wrapping around me that makes me break. Makes me wish I had accepted the alcohol I’d been offered throughout our meal. It would’ve made this easier.

Instead, I wanted to make Aurora proud.

As Camellia hugs me,I’mthe one who gets emotional. She hardly even sniffles. Maybe a couple of times at most.

“Dad would’ve been proud of you, Rocco. Sure, we can both say some things didn’t go too right, but you kept us afloat. I can see that. Perks of marrying a Don, I have to deal with Santino slipping away a lot.Hehas a whole support network. You had… not a lot.”

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