Page 85 of The Mafia's Bride

Turning back to me, Maria wipes her hand on a dishrag. “The De Luca men love with their whole being. They are fiercely loyal, downright overbearing. But they love with their soul.” She clamps a fist toher chest and knocks once. “And when you are the one they love, you learn to accept that love and give it back.

“Without it, you will perish under the weight. If you can return that love, that fierceness, nothing will ever truly hurt you.” She taps the counter. “And I think you know that.”

I don’t correct her, because I do. I’ve seen it in action.

Nico enters, cane thumping on the tile before I see him. Even if he’s not meant to be out in the world, he’s dressed in a pressed black suit and stark white dress shirt. Even his shoes are polished.

“Good morning,” he greets, kissing my cheek, then his wife’s. She gives him a beatific grin in return. “What are we discussing?”

“Nothing. What did you want?”

“Ah.” He slaps the counter in earnest. “Well, I have a predicament. You like fashion, no?”

“Like is an understatement.” I gulp my coffee, Maria’s words echoing in my ears.

I know Lex’s love because it’s the same inside my chest, wrestling to be let loose. If only I was brave enough, strong enough to let it out, let it cement this marriage.

“What did you have in mind?”

Nico grins at me. “I have need for your expertise for an upcoming charity auction I’m hosting.”

At my confusion, Nico sighs. “Listen, little one, we might not be the most law-abiding citizens, but we do give back. To homeless shelters, domestic abuse victims. It assuages the guilt, no?”

“And gives us the tax write-offs,” Maria quips, rubbing her fingers together. Nico hushes her though a smile lights his face.

I can’t help but laugh at their antics. They know what they do is wrong and understand the consequences but still. It’s their life. They’re doing the best with what they have.

It’s more than my father did. I don’t think he ever donated to charity.

“Okay, I’m intrigued. What is this year’s charity and how are you helping?”

“It’s for the local hospital. They’re looking to build a new wing forcancer patients. I said we’d raise the money and donate all proceeds to them.”

Immediately, I know I’ll do whatever to help them. “I’d be happy to help. The cause is dear to me.” It’s the same hospital that saved Collins.

I was only eight when Collins was diagnosed. She had been losing her balance, unable to walk or stand for long. She fell a few times, hitting her head. Finally, when she wouldn’t get out of bed, Maeve forced Pops to take her to the hospital.

Receiving her cancer diagnosis was the one moment in my life where everything stands out in sharp detail. I remember the smell of antiseptic, the feel of the cotton dress under my palms sitting next to Collins’ bed, the way Pops’ ruddy cheeks went white in panic. How Maeve slammed her fist into the x-ray machine and the sound of the broken glass as it shattered on to the floor. Briar stood in the corner, face devoid of emotions, silent.

Collins, the mediator, calmed all of us down, patiently telling us she would be alright. When her health was failing, her first instinct was to take care of us.

I cried for her and she held me, never crying for herself.

“Bene.” Nico claps his hand together. A cough racks his body, and he grabs a nearby paper towel, hacking into it.

It’s splattered red. He hides it before he thinks we can see.

“Now.” He takes the mug of coffee from Maria. “I have a few pieces that are being donated for the auction. Vintage designer dresses. All very beautiful. All very expensive. I’ll need someone with a keen eye for detail and understanding of their importance to set a price. It’s to help us get the right starting bids in place, yea?”

Hopping from the stool, I hold out my arms. “You had me at vintage. Where do I sign up?”

“Come with me to the warehouse. I’ll have you look at the dresses and we’ll start from there.”

The smile I give is nothing short of beaming. “Bene.”

34

LEX