Page 85 of Winter
She began to cry quietly, and Tommaso sat beside her, his arm wrapped around her. Raffaelo was heartsick. He wanted to be able to comfort her like that, declaring his love publicly.
God, is that what you’re thinking of at a time like this?
But Raffaelo knew that his love for Inca was becoming his reason for being, his whole life. He would give everything to be with her.
“They’re going to take you down soon, but the docs say you could be out in a couple of days.”
Inca nodded. “Will you call Tyler? Tell him not to come back here because of this. Tell him to stay there, stay safe—at least until the funeral … Mom’s funeral, that is. After that, please, both of you, can we just go to Italy? I don’t want to be here anymore, don’t want to behere…” She began to sob.
She sounded so depressed, so scared, and so devastated that it broke Raffaelo’s heart. He saw Tommaso blink away tears. Raffaelo leaned forward and took her hand. “Of course, we can leave,mio caro. We’ll make all the arrangements. Just concentrate on getting well. We’ll leave as soon as you’re physically able.”
Inca squeezed his hands. “Thank you, Raff. Thank you, Tommaso …”
Nancy’s funeralwas attended by most of the townsfolk. Inca clutched Tyler’s hand tightly, guilt making her chest ache. She felt the eyes of the congregation on her—judging? Blaming?I’m so sorry, Mom. I love you.She felt a hand on the back of her neck, comforting. Raffaelo. He and Tommaso had helped carry Nancy’s casket into the little church. Hunter, Knox and a friend of Tyler’s, Jim, had also helped Tyler as pallbearers.
Olly wasn’t there. He had apologized to Tyler with a phone call and told him he wasn’t ready to see Inca yet. Tyler had reassured him that they understood, but that was another layer of guilt for Inca.
God.
The medical examiner hadn’t yet released Luna’s body, but she knew that when he did, Olly would not want her at Luna’s funeral.
Whatever you need, old friend.
She sighed. Knox looked over at her and gave her a reassuring smile. She tried to smile back, but just shook her head. Knox had been attentive since the shooting—she was grateful, but she knew Tommaso and Raffaelo were getting annoyed at his constant presence.
“Does he think we can’t protect you?”
She thought about that now, staring over at the Sound. So much loss. She brushed a tear away. Boomer came wandering around the corner and shuffled over to her, sticking his nose into her hand for a fuss.
“Hello.” She was surprised. “Who let you out?”
“I did. I thought he needed a run.” Raffaelo followed Boomer around the corner. “Hope that’s okay?”
She smiled and nodded. Raffaelo sat down next to her, pulled his tie apart, and undid his collar. He winked at her, reaching out and running his hand lightly down the back of her head. She leaned into his touch.
“How are you,bella?”
She nodded again. “Okay. What about you?”
“Same.” He gave her a sad smile. “It was a beautiful service.”
“Least I could do.” Her voice had a catch in it.
Raffaelo frowned and leaned his face closer to hers. “Hey.” She looked at him. He put his head on the side and smiled. “It’s not your fault.” He slid his hand onto the back of her neck. There were tears in her eyes.
“How can it not be, Raff? My name cut into her and the other victims. Why doesn’t he just killme?”
Raffaelo winced. “Please,bella. Please stop saying that. I can’t bear it. The thought of you dying … it would kill me.”
“Hey. I thought I’d find you hiding out here. Hi, Raffaelo.” Knox pushed the back door open. Inca turned and smiled at him. Raffaelo ignored him, smirking when Boomer started to growl.
There was an uncomfortable silence. Knox cleared his throat. “Some of your guests are leaving, Inca.”
Raffaelo looked round at the other man and gave him a cold stare. Inca began to stand up, but Raffaelo pulled her down.
“I’m sure they’ll find their way to the front door.” Raffaelo’s tone was frosty. “Inca’s done enough for the day. And they’re Tyler’s guests too, in case you’ve forgotten.”
Knox stared back at him, eyes narrowed. “Inca?”
