Page 81 of Between Us

“You are his heir, and I can see that you have the potential for it. Vitaly wouldn't want it any other way.”

“Hmm.” Roman rubbed a hand over his jaw. “Is Matteo going to run the Outfit after you're gone?”

By the shadow crossing his face, Nero didn't miss that Roman had referred to his demise instead of a possible retirement.

“I hope so. He still has a long way to go, but we're working on it.” Nero puffed on his cigar contemplatively. “Anyway, Matteo is still young. You, on the other hand, could do it tomorrow if there was a needfor it.”

Roman regarded the other man curiously. What game was he was playing at?

“While I appreciate your vote of confidence, my father is still perfectly capable of running the Bratva.”

“Certainly, and I didn't mean to insinuate otherwise. As my son-in-law, I simply wanted you to know that you will have my full support when the transition finally happens.”

Roman nodded, although not entirely convinced of Nero Rossetti's good intentions. If life in the Bratva had taught him anything, it was that men in powerful positions did not make random declarations. His father-in-law was after something, though he couldn't tell what that was exactly.

30

Her parents' garden was packed with an amalgam of relatives and made men. It was the first family reunion in months, and the crowd was loud and animated, just as expected given the occasion.

Grabbing her clutch, Alessandra excused herself from the group of women and headed inside. Roman had left with her father some time ago, and she couldn't find it in herself to listen to her aunt Francesca's stories about her aching joints and numerous trips to the doctor’s office for another minute.

She was almost at the patio doors when she spotted Matteo at the open bar, chatting to a girl she recognized as the daughter of one her father’s capos. She didn't linger to watch their interaction, but considering her brother's relaxed posture and the smile on his face, she concluded that he liked the girl enough to actually have a conversation with her.

As much as Alessandra loved her brother, she was thefirst one to admit that he was a shameless womanizer. Their mother was convinced he would never marry and therefore ruin the family name by refusing to settle down. Despite Gabriella's dramatics, everyone knew the life of a bachelor was not in the cards for Matteo. Having a family was mandatory for a man of his status who would one day carry the responsibility of the Outfit on his shoulders.

Leaving her brother to his own devices, Alessandra walked inside the house. She was about to take a turn in the hallway when a hand grabbed her arm, stopping her.

“Bella, wait.”

She looked up to meet Luca’s gaze and irritation filled her instantly. Just seeing his face made her want to smack him for all the unnecessary suffering he'd caused her with his recklessness. Managing to keep her calm, she took a step back, shaking off his hold on her. “Luca, just... don't.”

He watched her with a somber expression, shoving his now empty hand into his pocket. “I need to talk to you. Please. Give me five minutes.”

“What do you want?”

“To apologize. I'm sorry I put you in danger. I swear to you that I didn't mean it.”

She glanced around to make sure they were indeed alone. “I'm fine now.”

“I wanted to call you; make sure you were okay.” His brown eyes carried a hint of regret as they fixed on her face. “But then I thought he might be around, and I didn't want to make things worse for you.”

Alessandra shook her head, her irritation growing with each passing minute. She didn’t doubt that hecould have reached her if he really wanted to, despite her blocking his number. “At least you had the good sense to also think aboutmethis time.”

He looked away for a second, as if her words affected him. “Did he hurt you?”

“No.”

He returned his gaze to her, and the expression on his face told her that he was trying to identify the lie in her response. When he could find nothing, he sighed, and his eyes softened as they flitted over her silhouette. “You look beautiful. He treats you well?”

“Yes,” she said more quietly, his concern making her uncomfortable because she didn’t know how to feel about it. “Look, I have to go. He can't see us together.”

She attempted to pass by him, but he grabbed her wrist to stop her. “Wait.”

“Luca,please.” Alessandra glanced behind her, afraid someone might see them through the glass doors. “You've caused me enough problems.”

When her eyes moved back to him, she realized his were glued to the side of her neck, where it met her shoulder. His jaw set menacingly. “He fucking hits you?”

“What?” Her fingers touched the spot he was staring at just as realization hit her. Shehadcovered whatever was left of her bruises with foundation, but apparently, she hadn't done a good enough job. “No, of course not.”

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