Page 66 of Little Deer
And it gives her more time to think away from me. It’s a silent statement hanging between us, but there isn’t much I can do about it now.
“You are certain you don’t want help?”
She shakes her head. “I’m going to read more of the journal for now. I like finding secret passages and all that myself, but babies make those adventures few and far between.” She gives Papa an apologetic smile.
“With this house, we’ll be looking for many things,” Papa agrees gently. “Have you found anything in the journal that sticks out yet?”
She shakes her head. “No, not yet. She’s mostly talking about being pregnant and angry that she had to marry Leonardo or have any of us, including her sons. They hated her, and she didn’t like them much either at times. I’m at the part where she’s pregnant with Gia and her twin. Sienna already told me what to expect with that part,” she adds when he gives her a look of concern.
“She was a troubled woman,” Papa agrees. He eases over to her, cautious, like he’s afraid he’ll spook her. She tilts her head up to look at him, eyes wary, but I take that she’s not trying to get away from him as a good sign. He reaches up and gently touches Soren’s little hand. The baby grips his finger tightly, watching him. “I think this young man got very lucky indeed with a mother such as you,cara mia. He will never doubt your love, or that you are there for him.” He glances at Lucy questioningly. “Would you allow me to hold him,cara mia?”
Lucy blinks in surprise. “Ah, sure. He’s all changed now so he shouldn’t get anything on you.”
Papa chuckles, expertly taking him from her. “What is a little mess between men, huh?” he coos to Soren, who watches him with rapt attention. “Yes, you are strong indeed. You remind me of Massimo when he was just as small as you,cucciolino. So curious, always wanting to know what’s going on.” His smile is warm, glancing at me quickly, before turning his attention back to Soren and Lucy.
My chest warms. This is my father’s acceptance. No words directed at me. Just simply realizing that if things work out the way I hope, Soren will be his family too. Another puzzle piece in my head snaps into place.
I look at Lucy and see her smiling at my father, relaxed. “He’s a good baby,” she agrees. “I got very lucky. Other than the occasional restless night, we have a good rhythm going now.”
“See, as I say, smart. He takes after his mother.” Papa winks at her, and Lucy blushes sweetly. I nearly roll my eyes at my father’s flirting. We both know he’s doing it to get under my skin. “Now, you behave for your mother,cucciolino, yes?” Soren just stares at him, before making a small grunting sound as he kicks his legs. Papa chuckles before handing him back to Lucy. He turns back to me. “We are meeting at the top of the steps in the north wing.”
I nod. “I’ll be there shortly.” He nods, says goodbye to Lucy, and heads out the door, shutting it softly behind him.
“I like your father,” Lucy remarks softly. “I should be terrified of him, but he just…he’s calming. I don’t know how to explain it.”
“He always has been. There were times he scared the shit out of us as kids to keep us on the straight and narrow, but for the most part, that’s always how he’s been. We rarely were ever worried about telling him something. He was always our go to. Well, him and Aurelio.” I move closer to her and hold out my hands. “My turn.”
She hands him to me. Soren looks up at me, taking my finger when I offer it to him, gripping it tightly. “He really likes you,” she murmurs, almost more to herself than me.
“What’s not to like? I am pretty great.”
Her eyes roll, and I grin. “Ego. You’re just full of it.”
I shrug, unapologetic. “Now, I have to go, so I’ll see you later.” I look at Soren. “So you best behave for your mama, yes,ometto?” He just looks at me, tiny fingers flexing on my finger. I brush my lips over the top of his head and then hand him back to Lucy. “Think about what I said,cerbiatta. I know you’re unsure, and I know that it’s moving fast, but I’m not going anywhere.”
She slowly nods, still not looking certain. “Will you let me know if you find anything?”
I let the change in subject go. Patience. Slowly. The two words I’m going to have to repeat to myself many times in the coming days.
“Of course. Once I’m done, we’ll talk about it.”
“I might be asleep, so it’ll have to wait until morning.”
I don’t tell her that I have every intention of making sure that Kida is elsewhere tonight, and I’ll be spending the night in my bed. No more nights apart. Instead of answering her, I carefully lean over Soren and press my mouth to hers. She lets out a soft gasp, but she doesn’t pull away, leaning into my kiss.
When I ease back, I whisper, “I’ll see you later,cerbiatta.” I leave without another word, but I can feel her eyes on my back.
32
MASSIMO
“I want it found,”Nico barks as he stares at Dante, Caesar, and Davide. “Leave nothing unturned. Tear the fucking place apart if you have to.”
I glance at Alessio and Lazaro who are watching Nico with amusement. “What’s up his ass?” I ask softly.
“He’s pissed about the traitors,” Alessio mutters. “Normally I’d use this moment to needle him, but he’s liable to shoot me.”
“Yes, I fucking am,” Nico snaps over his shoulder, glaring at Alessio.
