Page 67 of Ciao, Amore

The ferry leavingPositano had a fair number of passengers on it that next morning. Halfway across the water, Dani sat with her side pressed against Nico’s. Not that he would let her stray far if she tried. He liked having his hands on her as often as he could.

She pulled out her phone and turned it on. There was one message from home. Melody, asking how Positano was going. The grapevine worked fast.

She only sent a quick “I’m good, in transit” to let them know they did not need to send help. If Nico was her kidnapper, she could get with this Stockholm thing.

They’d gotten seats close to the side of the ferry. Dani stared at the white waves skipped up by the craft as it churned toward its destination. The color of the water was a match for Nico’s eyes, and she sat mesmerized by its diamond glitter, letting it take her back to the night before.

The night before…the first time she’d made love. Had been made love to. It was no longer an experience reserved for someone else. It was real now, for her.

She was crazy about him. Absolutely, one thousand percent head over tall black heels. Crazy.

They reached Naples by late morning. Angelo must have picked up the car from the parking spot near the ferry terminal. Nico hired a car to take them to the villa, preferring not to call ahead. He did turn on his phone finally, and sure enough, a flood of messages awaited. Grimacing, he ignored them and put the phone back in his pocket. His fingers locked on her hand, pressing into her palm. Already, he’d lost some of that laughter that had danced in his eyes when they were in Positano for those six glorious days.

Back to the real world and all that it entailed. When they walked into the foyer, it was Nonno who greeted them, kissing both of them as if nothing had happened when Nico stormed out.

“I think it’s time we have our talk,” Nonno said, his hands clasped behind his back with an air of authority. “Get Daniela settled and meet me in the office.”

23

PLANS AND SCHEMES

NICO

Dani choseto spend the afternoon in the suite while he had his talk with Nonno. She didn’t ask him what he was going to say; she kissed and hugged him reassuringly and settled onto one of the garden loungers with a magazine, her headphones, and a sandwich Cetta made for her.

Cetta informed him that everyone was out for the day, to various locations. Fine with him. He pressed a hand to his chest, steadying himself, and knocked on Nonno’s office door.

Nonno was behind his desk, perusing something on his laptop. “Reports Fabrizio sent me,” he explained succinctly. “Have a seat.”

Nonno rose to pour them both some coffee. Sitting back down, he waited until Nico put cream and sugar in his and took a sip. Then he launched into their conversation in Italian without further ado.

“Alright. I’ve had my lawyer draw up the paperwork for the transfer of the property deed to the vineyard, including the buildings and all the equipment, to your name. We’ve settled the dispute with the neighboring landowner who took over the Mantegna’s vineyard, so you shouldn’t have to worry about him. But keep an eye on him because I think he’s a schemer. Anyway, the house, this villa, all have been put in my will as we discussed. But you will need to begin using the D’Alessio name officially.”

Nico blew out a breath. “No more Donahue? You never said you wanted me to do that.”

“Of course. We are not selling Donahue wine,” Nonno said with a sharp grin. “You must understand the weight our name carries. You won’t just be management, you’ll be the public face of the company and our family branch. That means becoming a D’Alessio completely.”

“I’m already a D’Alessio. A D’Alessio Donahue,” Nico said. Nonno only raised an eyebrow in response. Nico leaned forward, the delicate cup and saucer balanced between his fingers. “I’m going to need about a month to settle business in New York, hopefully not longer than that.”

“And Daniela? Steffi said she is moving into a place with some people from her new office. I don’t understand why she can’t stay with your nonni and me. Wouldn’t you feel better if she was with us instead of some people she doesn’t know?”

“She and I still have to discuss that, Nonno.”

“Yes, that and her residency paperwork. If she will keep working. Then there is your wedding. What are your plans for that?”

Nico’s eyes widened. He hadn’t planned on bringing up his and Dani’s plans because they hadn’t made them yet. If he were being honest, the idea of her moving in with strangers—a strange man—was causing a rock to form in his stomach. He’d rather have her safe and sound in Parma, with people he trusted to look out for her. At least he’d be honoring his promise to Andrew that she wouldn’t be left on her own.

As for the marriage? Proposing after he’d returned was already the first item on his “to- do” list. But now, thinking about it, maybe this was a “fuck it, why not?” situation if there ever was one. He’d prove to her he loved her by sealing the deal before he went back to the Bronx for their small separation. Claim her with a big, shiny rock so any smooth-talking motherfucker would be blinded by it and leave her alone.

More importantly, it would declare to his family that she was important to him—that this wasn’t a game, it was his life. From now on, they were a package deal, take them or leave them.

He and Nonno concluded their discussion not long after, returning to details of the transfer and what other steps would need to be taken. Nonno stood and shook his hand formally.

Before he walked out, Nonno smiled at him, patting his cheek gently. “My Nicodemo. You’ve made me happy knowing our legacy is secure. I want you to know I’m proud of you. Even if you had decided to stay in New York, that wouldn’t change. When I was your age…well, I was happy there. This wasn’t what I wanted either, but here I am. I know what I’m asking is a sacrifice.”

Warmth flooded Nico at those words. “It’s okay, Nonno. It means a lot to me to hear you say it.”

To hear anyone say it.

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