Page 25

We were in a large, open reception and waiting area.

In addition to Gianna and me and her brothers, there were three others I didn’t recognize—two women and a man.

Alphonso wasn’t there. All eyes landed on me.

I saw curiosity in the strangers’ eyes and consternation in Luciano and Gerardo’s. Rocco projected fury.

“What the hell is he doing here?” Rocco snarled.

“I’m here to talk to you and your father. However, I’d like to clarify something before I do,” I said nicely.

“What’s that?” Luciano asked. He didn’t have an attitude like his little brother.

“If you continue to use that tone and swear at Gianna, my nice side won’t stay. You’ll get to meet the other side, which I promise you won’t like. No one, not even her family, is allowed to berate or curse at her. Am I clear?” This time, I let the threat surface in my voice.

“Who do —” his dad cut Rocco off.

“ Stai zitto, ragazzo, boy. Or do you want him to beat your ass? Good morning, Rian. We should take this somewhere private. I hate to ask, but would you give us a few minutes to talk to the office crew about the day, and then we’ll meet?” Alphonso was pleasant.

“I can do that. As long as any remarks or questions directed at Gianna are saved until we’re all together.”

“Hey,” Rocco exclaimed, but one glare from Alphonso, and he shut up.

“You have my word,” her dad said.

“I’ll have a seat and wait,” I told them before I turned to her.

She’d been listening and watching us. I hoped I hadn’t made her too angry with my attitude. I leaned forward and placed a kiss on her lips. It was a short one. She didn’t push me away, so I considered that a good sign.

“I’ll be here when you’re ready, a stór mo chroí ,” I whispered.

She gave me a tiny smile and then walked toward her family.

I was given an uneasy look before they all filed down a short hallway.

I took a seat to wait. Although I technically didn’t have to tell Darragh when I wasn’t coming in or if I was going to be late, I still sent him a message earlier to let him know I was planning to talk to the DeSantis men. He wished me luck.

As I sat waiting, I got a message from Dar. I read it and chuckled.

Dar: Are you with them? Do I need to send a cleanup crew?

I sent him a response.

Me: Waiting to talk. They had a short meeting first. No cleanup yet. However, Rocco might need it by the time we’re done.

Dar: Same smart-ass mouth, I take it. Punch him in it once. He might get a clue. Call if you need backup.

Me: Will do, but I doubt I will. SYL.

Dar: SYL.

To keep busy, I scanned an email. I was about to read another when the three office staff members returned. The unknown guy approached me and said, “They’ll see you now. Follow me.” He wasn’t overly friendly, but he wasn’t a Rocco.

Rising to my feet, I nodded as I passed the women and said, “Ladies.”

We didn’t go far. Stopping outside a closed door that read Conference Room , the man paused, knocked twice, and opened it.

He waved me inside. After I entered, he closed the door behind me.

All five DeSantis were seated around a table.

Alphonso was at the head of it. Luciano was on the opposite end.

On one side sat Gerardo and Rocco. Gianna was on the opposite side, alone.

Without hesitating, I went to sit next to her. She appeared calm.

As I sat down, I scooted my chair in. Immediately, I felt her hand fumble for mine under the table. I took it and gripped it lightly. I scanned the table and waited for one of them to start the conversation.

“Rian, before we begin, could we get you coffee or something to eat?” Alphonso asked as he gestured to a side table with cups, a large coffee maker, and a plate of Danishes.

“Thank you, but no. Gianna and I had breakfast already. Undoubtedly, we all have a busy day ahead, so I’ll get to the point.

I understand from Gianna that the news we’re involved was met with even less enthusiasm yesterday morning than it was the night before.

I’d hoped that you would be more inclined to be open to it after sleeping on it.

Seeing that you weren’t, and harsh words were exchanged, causing Gianna not to want to be around any of you yesterday, I thought it best to come with her.

I’m here to listen to your concerns and, hopefully, appease them. ”

“It was a shock when you announced that night that you were entering into a relationship. It raised concerns on our part. Unfortunately, I let my sons voice theirs yesterday, and when they weren’t phrased correctly, they upset my daughter.

She saw it as me agreeing with them against her.

I do have worries. I’d like you to appease them, but I’m unsure if you can.

At least not without time. Surely, as a father, I have the right to worry about her happiness.

I don’t want any of my children to suffer heartbreak or worse,” her dad clarified.

“My parents would say the same thing, Alphonso. And while, to a degree, I know that only time will prove that this isn’t just me having fun with Gianna.

I want to know what I can do or say that will help you know I’m telling the truth.

We mean to make this a lasting relationship.

I know how much she loves her family, and it would hurt her to be estranged from you.

I want to prevent it. I know how important family is. ”

“I’m glad to hear you say you understand her need for her family. Some aspects cause me to be alarmed that you are attempting to have a connection.”

“Let me be clear. It isn’t an attempt. We are in a committed, full relationship,” I clarified. Gianna squeezed my hand and sent me a smile.

A loud thump brought our attention back to the table. Rocco’s fist was on the table. Here we go. Show time.

“Rocco, stop,” his dad hissed.

“I’m sorry, Papà, but I can’t sit here and listen to him talk drivel. Why are they sugarcoating it? Why not be honest?” he snapped.

“Roc, you don’t know what you’re talking about,” Gianna snapped back.

“Ah, don’t treat us like we’re stupid, Gia.

O’Sheeran is hunting a new playmate. For whatever reason, he decided to go for a different kind, and he picked you.

As for you, I can see how his lifestyle and money would blind you.

But it’s never gonna last, sis. A few weeks and you’ll be tossed aside, and he’ll be on to the next woman.

You’ve seen the stories about him and his brothers.

They’re all playboys. When they settle, it’ll be for a woman in their social class, not ours,” he finished with a sneer.

I bit my tongue to let the others chime in with their thoughts. Gianna opened her mouth to reply, but I tugged on her hand. She took the cue and didn’t say anything. As I expected, it emboldened her other brothers to speak up.

“Sons, that’s…” Alphonso’s voice died away when I shook my head.

“Let them speak,” I told him. He didn’t appear happy, but he remained silent. His gaze was pinned on his daughter.

“You can’t blame us for having doubts, Rian.

You live in a way we could never imagine.

Our sister is beautiful, and men are attracted to her, but you’ve had plenty of beautiful women on your arm over the years, and not one of them has come close to being anyone important in your life.

It doesn’t make sense that Gia would. She’s smart and witty, but not part of your lifestyle.

She’d be lost in your world,” Luciano added.

“Are you seriously trying to convince us that all those obstacles can be overlooked or overcome so that you and she end up together? And if you did, what does it mean? Would you marry her? Have a family?” Gerardo asked.

Rocco snorted in disdain. It was hard not to come across the table and punch him. I looked at Alphonso. “Your turn.”

“I worry she’s not sophisticated enough to fit into your world.

I don’t want her to end up hurt. No father wants his daughter to be a man’s plaything, and you have been with many women.

However, if those could be overcome and you loved each other and were committed to each other and no one else, I’d be able to accept that.

I’m unsure how that impacts our partnership, but we could figure that out.

I want her to be happy more than I need that,” he stated.

“She’s already his plaything. Where do you think she was last night? She never even bothered to tell us where she was or that she’d be out all night,” Rocco sneered.

“The last time I checked, I’m an adult, and I don’t owe you an explanation of who I spend the night with or when I do it.

Do you call me every time you go home with a woman and screw her brains out?

Or get drunk and decide not to come home, but end up in a motel?

No, you don’t. None of you do. And don’t act as if you’re not some of the biggest manwhores around.

I’d hate to know how many women you’ve slept with.

So, Roc, stop saying offensive stuff to Rian and me, or I’ll shut your mouth for you. ”

“Now, now, there’ll be no fighting. I won’t have my children hitting each other,” Alphonso called out.

Gianna and Rocco were glaring at each other. Luciano and Gerardo were frowning. Alphonso was mainly concerned.

“I’ll address the things that were mentioned.

I’m a forty-year-old man with a normal sexual appetite.

I’ve been with several women. I’ve told Gianna this.

However, there haven’t been as many as are reported.

With a family like mine, everything we do becomes sensationalized.

If you’re seen saying hello to someone, you’re automatically reported as sleeping with them.