Page 11 of Carlo (Sindicate Towers #9)

S ix months later…

Carlo and I are strolling through the park with Caterina between us. She’s swinging her arms and laughing at something on her tablet. Her therapist advised against too many electronics, but we decided to ease her back into it. She’s happy, and that’s all that matters.

Her voice is constant now. She sings and chats with anyone who will listen.

She even talked her way into a new puppy from a breeder who’d been looking for homes for his puppies.

Her grandmother was so impressed with her ability to talk someone out of a litter of pups that she gave her an old brooch.

It had belonged to her mother. We were shocked when she handed it to her.

The Verrazanos don’t hand over their treasures easily.

But they seem to be trying. It’s a slow process. But it’s worth it.

Carlo and I have our own peace treaty to deal with.

His brothers didn’t take it well when I pleaded with them to stay out of it.

But I knew it was the only way to end the bloodshed.

My husband wasn’t happy with it, but he agreed.

As long as I never have to beg for my daughter’s life again, we’re good.

We’re walking toward the lake when a little boy runs past us with a ball. He trips and it rolls into our path. Caterina picks it up and hands it back to him. She doesn’t even ask for a thank you. I’m beaming with pride. Carlo squeezes my arm and whispers. “She’s amazing.”

“Yes, she is.”

We start to walk again when a voice calls out. “Mrs. Falcone?”

I turn around and stare into the face of a stranger. One who seems vaguely familiar. “Yes,” I answer, glancing at Carlo for his permission. He nods and steps back. The stranger comes closer. “It’s me. Remember? Peter.”

My mind scrambles for a moment before it clicks. “Peter.” I laugh. “Of course. How are you?”

He grins and waves off my question. “I’m great. I see you’re doing well too.”

I nod, and look back at Carlo who’s watching us with narrowed eyes. “Yes, we are.” I look back at Peter. “Have you met my husband, Carlo Falcone?”

“Not yet. Nice to meet you, Mr. Falcone.”

Carlo shakes his hand. “Likewise.” He looks at me with a silent question in his eyes. Who is this guy?

I smile and shrug. “Peter and I were childhood friends.” I explain.

“But that was years ago. We haven’t spoken in ages.” Peter says.

“That’s a shame.” Carlo interjects. “You’ll have to come by the house sometime. Bring your wife. We can have a cookout or something.”

Peter laughs. “I appreciate that. But I’m not married.”

“Oh.” I don’t know what to say. Especially not when Carlo’s smile freezes. I squeeze his hand and wave Peter away. “It was good seeing you again.”

He smiles and steps back. “It was. Take care, Valeria.”

As he walks away, Carlo leans in. “What was that about?”

I shake my head. “Nothing. Just an old friend.”

“An old friend that you’ve never mentioned?” He asks with a lifted brow.

I shrug. “It’s not a big deal. We went to the same school. We were friends for a few months.”

“Friends, huh?” He grunts looking after Peter like he’s about to put a hit on him.

I shake my head. “Carlo Falcone. Are you jealous?”

He smiles. “A little bit.”

I laugh and give him a hug. “I love you.”

“I love you too. And I trust you. But I’m a possessive bastard.”

“Don’t worry. There’s no one else I want but you.”

“Good. Because I’ll kill anyone who touches you. Friend or not.”

I smile at his fierce protectiveness. “Good to know.”

“Come on, let’s keep walking. I think I see a hot dog vendor over there.”

I laugh and grab his arm. “Lead the way, my love.”

Caterina skips ahead of us. The world is at her fingertips. And she’s going to conquer it.

She’s mine. Mine and Carlo’s. Our beautiful little girl. Our pride and joy. And we’ll do anything to keep her safe. Anything at all.