Page 134 of Steal My Heart

“Last time there were fireworks, I was shoved in the river,” Remi points out.

“The party is at my restaurant, so no chance of that,” I assure her. “We’ll discuss this when I get back. But for now, I need you ladies in the panic room.”

“You have to be the one to round up Nola,” Remi says, challenge in her eyes.

“Nola,” I call, and she comes trotting to me.

“Seriously?” Remi cries.

Picking up Nola, I give her a cuddle. “I need you to protect your human and my sister while I’m gone.”

The cat’s purrs vibrate my chest.

I escort them to the panic room, unlocking the door hidden behind the false bookcase. “Inside you go.”

Nola hops down, exploring the new cat condo I had installed for her.

Tucking a strand of hair behind Remi’s ear, I press my lips to hers. “Amorina, ti amo più di ogni altra cosa al mondo.”

“What does that mean?” Remi asks, pulling back.

“Your new nickname.Amorina.”

Locking them inside, I track down Maks. “You have my leverage?” I confirm.

“Secured at the safe house.”

“Good. Let’s go end this once and for all.”

Remi

“‘Amorina.’” I try out the Italian word. “What does it mean?”

“That stick-up-his-ass Angelo Calvani is secretly a romantic. Color me shocked.”

He is, now that I think about it.

“But what’s the translation?” I press.

“Little love.”

“Awww.” I beam.

Alessandra’s cell rings, and she answers. “Hello?”

There’s a pause, and she says, “Thanks for letting me know.”

Ending the call, she frantically scrolls through her phone. “What’s wrong?” I ask, but she holds up a finger.

“Nic, I need you to get to Hotel D’Amico right now,” she says on speakerphone. “This is an emergency.”

“Who is this?” He jokes in an exaggerated Italian accent.

“Nic, dammit. This is serious! Fabien’s out of prison, and he and Angelo are going to kill each other.”

“Al, I’m not gonna get involved, and the rest of the family feels the same way. They can fight it out, and may the best Calvani brother win.”

“If you don’t get there in the next ten minutes, I’ll tell everyone in the family…you know what,” she threatens.