Page 238 of The One
“The one where you have to present the three necklaces and put the coin back together?” she asks.
“Yeah, that’s the one.”
Mari sighs, her head resting against my shoulder. “That’s a lot of functions in a short time. I’ll askmammaand the girls to help me.”
I tighten my arms around her, needing her close.
“I hate the thought of being apart from you.” I press my lips to her hair, inhaling the faint scent of her. “But trust me,dolcezza, we’ll see each other throughout the day. I couldn’t stand it otherwise.”
She tilts her head up, her eyes filled with something I can’t quite name. Understanding, love, and something deeper than words.
“We’ll find our way,” she whispers.
And I believe her.
Chapter Eighty-Nine
Mateo
“Welcome home, Mr. and Mrs. De Marco,” Romeo greets us with a cheeky grin as we step off the helicopter onto the rooftop of the De Marco headquarters in Catania.
He pulls Mari into a hug before I can stop him, and I shoot him a warning glare that only makes his smirk wider.
“Congratulations are in order,” he says, releasing her. “Though I’m sorry you’re stuck with his sorry ass now.”
Mari chuckles. “Thank you, I think.”
Rom barks out a laugh and claps me on the back, harder than necessary.
“Where was my invitation? I expected to be best man. Had a speech prepared and everything.”
“Must still be in the mail. So sorry you missed it.”
I slide my hand to the small of Mari’s back and guide her toward the rooftop door.
“What did we miss while we were gone?”
Romeo’s smile fades. His expression turns serious, and I brace myself for what’s to come. He hesitates, then glances at Mari, as if debating how much to say.
“I hate to be the one to bring this up the second you’re back from your honeymoon, but your father…” He exhales sharply. “He’s been found dead.”
Act surprised,I remind myself, but God, I’m no actor.
Mari’s step falters, and I know she’s thinking the same thing.
She stops walking, turning toward Romeo, her face noticeably paler. “What? How?”
I force my voice steady. “What happened?” I need to hear if my ruse worked.
Rom’s jaw tenses. “His house in Rome was attacked. Everyone inside was dead. Either shot or gassed. His body was found in the river a few miles down.”
“Who’s responsible?”
“The way he… umm, looked,” Romeo hesitates, his gaze flicking to Mari with clear concern. “Probably the Bertucci.”
Perfect.
“Brief me in full later.”
