Page 111 of Doll's Eye

“We’ve all gone through the same shit.”

“We can’t all be like you, Massimo. Strong.”

“You’re strong too. I don’t see you walking around with a chip on your shoulder.”

“Though my demons may be hidden, they are no less potent. I’m simply better at masking them. Believe me.” She sips her wine, and we grow quiet for a while as we watch everyone.

“We know.” She looks at me. “About you and Tullio.”

She snorts. “Of course you do. You know everything.”

Not everything. “Why? He made a mockery of you.”

“Oh, I know.” She smiles and gets to her feet. “And I won’t ever forget.”

“I like that girl,” Alessia says, grinning.

“Little psycho.” I look at her with disappointment. “My father went after your family, my sister went after you, and now my other sister is going after your brother. You sure you don’t want to leave me?”

“You sure I’m worth the constant headache you must have trying to protect me? Not to mention you’re down two family members because of me.”

“If I can’t blame myself for my sister’s actions, then you can’t blame yourself for theirs.”

“You really don’t resent me for it? Even a little?”

“Not even in the slightest.” Her eyes dart away from me. “Hey.” I turn her head back. “I do not resent you, nor will I ever. If I have to choose between you and any member of my family, it’ll always be you. You’re my wife and the best part of my life.”

The smile comes back to light up her face. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to hearing you say sweet things like that.”

“Good.”

“I love you, Massimo De Luca.”

“I love you, Alessia De Luca.”