Page 45 of Mafia King: Matteo (Borrelli Mafia #1)

ALENA

Vito picks me up in the G-Wagon and drives me to my mother’s house. I sit in the back and call Izzy.

We chat, and I discuss the ups and downs of life in the mansion, leaving out the part about Matteo being hit with a bullet and the mysterious visit to the park.

I’m sure Matteo will resolve the issue with the Irish. Therefore, Dmitry doesn’t need to know. I trust Matteo to handle the situation. Izzy is thrilled the baby is kicking, and I wonder when that will happen to me. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have a human growing inside me.

“I assume my father will remain missing.” I was upset, but I knew it was coming. Mom might not have known how much trouble he was in.

“I think so, Alena. I’m sorry. I don’t know the details.”

“I didn’t expect you to know details; if you did, you can’t tell me. I need to prepare my mom for the long-term picture, y’know.”

“Sure. The gala was fun.” She changed the subject, and I’m grateful. “Did you have a good time?”

“Yes, I did. You looked incredible,” I say. “You were glowing.”

“No, you had the best gown,” she insists. “And I see how much you and Matteo love each other. We’re lucky women.”

“Maybe. But the costumes were all Matteo’s doing. He picked them out and had them made. They probably cost more than the tickets. Oh, I forgot to tell you my boss, Sophia, was transferred to the London office. I didn’t have to say anything to Matteo.”

“That’s great. How is work going now that you’ve been promoted?”

“I plan to finish the hotel floor in time for the wedding. I have a great wedding planner. Did you get your invitation?”

“Yes, I RSVP’d to it already. When do you try on your wedding dress?”

“I think a week before the wedding. I need to follow up with the dress shop and Francis.”

“It will be so nice to be in sunny Florida next month. I hope spring has sprung when we return home.”

“Right? I’m ready for warm weather. I wonder if we’re arriving a few days before the wedding. I might be able to get a tan,” I reply, thinking of the possibilities. I’ve never been to Florida.

“I think that would be a great idea. Just don’t overdo it. Lace makes me itch. Don’t get a sunburn. The lace will cut your skin and hurt as much as a finger sliced in an immersion blender,” she warns.

“I think Matteo will keep me busy with indoor activities,” I snicker. I make a note to apply plenty of sunscreen daily. Maybe I’ll stay under the beach umbrellas. I don’t want to look like a red lobster stuffed in my gorgeous gown on my wedding day.

“I’m sure. You’re in the honeymoon phase.”

“I guess we are.”

Vito parks in my mother’s driveway. It sounds weird, my mother’s house, her driveway. I’m not in denial over the fact that Dad is gone. Mom is.

I go to open the door, but it’s locked. I pull out my spare key, unlock the door, and push it open. I walk in and notice the mail is piled on the coffee table unopened, and there is a pile of bills.

“Mom?”

“I’m here.” Mom is in the kitchen with vodka. She appears to have lived in her jammies and bathrobe for a few days.

“Let’s get you a shower, Mom.”

“No, I’m fine.” She’s had too much to drink.

“Mom, come on.” I take off my coat and purse, drop them on the kitchen chair, and pull my mother up. “You’ll feel better.”

An hour later, Mom is showered and dressed.

“Where have you been?” As if it’s my fault her life has fallen apart.

“I’ve had my hands full with Matteo’s business and work. Why?”

“Who’s going to take care of me now?”

“You will, Mom.”

“Your father lost all our money. The house is paid off, but I have no income. The bills are too much. I can’t pay them.”

“We’ll get an attorney or something. It’s a problem for another day. Today, focus on cleaning up the house and getting some groceries. Has there been any news?”

“No. The police do nothing.”

“Well, there may not be any leads. Who was he meeting with that night?”

“I have no clue. Where were you? It sounded like there was music.”

“We were at the councilman’s gala. Izzy and I were there with Dmitry and Matteo.”

“Dmitry, too? And Kirill?”

“Dmitry. Kirill isn’t high enough in the organization to be invited.”

“Right. Do you trust him?”

“I doubt Kirill or Dmitry had to do this because Izzy and I are best friends, and the don wouldn’t come between us.”

I think she understands. I don’t want to discuss this with her. What’s done is done.

I hug my mom. “I’m sorry. I have my hands full. But we’ll figure it out. Okay?”

“Da.”

I cook my mom some food, and Vito drives me home.

Matteo greets me with a hug. He asks if I’m okay and lets me take my time to fill him in on my morning.

We walk along a path through the backyard, which, judging from the trees, will blossom into a pretty garden in the summer.

“Alena, I have a question.”

“What?”

He stops and drops to one knee.

“Will you marry me?”

“We’re engaged.”

“Yes, but I never asked you. I shouldn’t hold you to our contract. I’d rather have you decide for yourself. I love you. I’ll ask you again, and I want an answer this time. Will you marry me?”

He’s giving me a choice over my life, my destiny. My heart lurches.

He loves me. And he’s giving me a choice.

“Yes, I love you, too. I’ll marry you, Mr. Grey.”

Matteo laughs as he stands. He pulls me into his arms and kisses me.

“So, what are we doing about Moretti?”

“I’m having a meeting with Alexsei. This is all he needs to put a bullet in Santino’s head. He hates that man.”

“After everything he’s been through because of Santino, do you blame him?”

“No. I don’t. But I’d burn the city down looking for you, Alena.”

I blush. I’m sure he would.

“When are you meeting?”

“Today.”

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