Page 26 of Unworthy Ties
We chatted about flowers and home décor on the drive, a normal conversation that would seem strange to anyone who knew what we’d just witnessed. But that was life with Rocco—seamlessly transitioning between the underworld and everyday activities like they were equally mundane.
The flower market was bustling when we arrived, filled with locals buying fresh bouquets and tourists snapping photos of the vibrant displays. Rocco kept his hand on the small of my back as we weaved through the crowd. I still wasn’t used to these small gestures of possession, of protection.
I paused at a stall overflowing with white lilies, their heady scent drawing me in. “These would look beautiful on the dining table,” I said, running my fingers along a petal.
Rocco nodded, his eyes scanning the crowd rather than the flowers. Always vigilant, always aware of our surroundings. I wondered if he ever truly relaxed.
“I think so, too,” he responded, quickly gazing at the lilies. “We’ll take two dozen,” he told the vendor, who beamed at the large order.
“I don’t know if two dozen lilies will fit on our dining table,” I said to Rocco as the vendor wrapped our order.
He shrugged, his expression softening slightly. “Then we’ll put some in the living room. And maybe the bedroom.” There was a hint of suggestion in his voice that made my cheeks warm despite myself.
As we walked back to the car, Rocco carried the bundle of lilies in one hand while his other hand remained firmly on my back.The sun was dipping below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the streets.
I couldn’t help but steal glances at him as we walked, his normally firm features softened by the fading light. Although his usual aura was formidable, intimidating even, there was something about the way he looked now—carrying flowers while keeping me close—that made my heart flutter. This man, who had shown me such darkness, was also capable of moments of unexpected tenderness.
As we approached the car, Rocco turned to me, his eyes meeting mine with a softness that caught me off guard. “I know I’m not the easiest person to be with,” he began, his voice tinged with a touch of uncertainty. “But thank you for trying.”
“I’m not trying,” I said softly. “I’m here because I want to be.”
As I spoke those words, I saw a flicker of something vulnerable pass through Rocco’s eyes before he quickly masked it with his usual stoicism. He nodded slowly, processing my response.
The silence between us felt charged with unspoken emotions, the weight of our shared experiences hanging heavy in the air. With a sigh, Rocco reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear, his touch gentle yet hesitant.
As we stood there in the fading light, surrounded by the quiet hum of the evening, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. In that moment, I knew that despite the shadows of the past, there was a glimmer of light ahead, guiding us towards a new beginning filled with unexpected tenderness and the promise of something more.
Chapter 13
Rocco
Ihadn’t had time to follow up on the intel I had received from the Vipers. There had been too much going on with the Moretti family, my employer, and that was always my first priority. Finding this intel was a side project and had to come second.
But finally, a break in my schedule allowed for it. And I hated to admit it, but I couldn’t do it alone. So, much to my brother’s dismay, Felix had gotten roped into my mission.
Right now I was waiting for him in front of one of our warehouses. The night air carried a chill that seemed to seep through my jacket. Streetlights cast long shadows across the empty lot, their yellow glow insufficient against the darkness that pooled between buildings. I checked my watch again. Felix was late.
“Ugh,” I muttered, rubbing my hands together for warmth.
“Waiting for Felix?”
Dino Barbato had materialized out of seemingly thin air. Or was his name Dino Barbosa? We had two Dino’s and I could never remember which was which.
“What the fuck?” I jumped back slightly, caught off guard.
“Oh, sorry—did I scare you?” he replied airily.
There was something deeply unsettling about Dino. I knew he was fiercely loyal to Ettore, but there was something about him that was justoff.Perhaps it was his unserious personality, which seemed to contrast sharply with the nature of his work. Or perhaps it was the way his eyes never quite reflected his smile.
Or maybe it was how he knew everything that went on. Which was why he was standing next to me right now.
“Out with it, Dino,” I said.
“I just heard you were going to see the Vipers tonight. Thought I’d tag along.”
“No.” Bringing Dino along wouldn’t be subtle. The man was 6’5” and always dressed like he stepped out of a fashion magazine.
“Why not?” he asked, feigning hurt. “I’m excellent company.”
