Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 82121 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82121 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
She steps inside and closes the door behind her. I lean back and cross my arms over my chest. “Brando couldn’t hang out, but you can?”
She makes a face. “Brando escaped me and the nanny. That kid’s got some serious stealth skills.”
“He’ll be an asset to the family one day.”
“Sorry, I don’t really want to think about him cutting throats at three years old, thanks.”
“I don’t cut throats.”
“Right. You shoot people instead.”
I grunt and shrug since she’s not wrong. “What’s up, Stef?”
She looks a little hesitant, which is not like my sister. The girl grew up with four asshole older brothers—she doesn’t take shit from anyone, and she sure as hell is confident enough to handle anything.
Except right now she looks like she’d rather be anywhere else.
“I heard Renzo wants you to marry one of the Milano girls. Orsino’s stepdaughter?”
“Word travels fast around these parts.”
She looks at her nails, trying too hard to see casual. “Are you gonna do it?”
“I told him no.”
“Renzo doesn’t like that word.” She looks up. “The Don’s word is law, right?”
“I told him no,” I repeat, not in the mood to discuss this with her.
“Why, exactly?” When I don’t reply, she presses. “You’re single. No offense, but you don’t seem to have any serious prospects.”
“I’m a fucking catch,” I grumble at her.
“But no serious girlfriends. Why wouldn’t you take him up on this? It’d be a good match and I saw a picture of the girl. She’s kind of hot.”
“I don’t care. I was willing to marry for the family once. Gian took that bullet for me instead.”
Stefania snorts. “Gian stole her, you mean.”
“Same thing. I’m not doing it a second time though.”
She nods and paces to the window. It overlooks the garden. I follow her gaze to a butterfly bush, one of Maddie’s most recent additions. “Dante told me about the Irish girl.”
I curse and sit up straight. She’s still not looking at me. My heart’s racing into my throat. What the fuck was Dante thinking, talking to Stefania about that? I knew he’d be a problem eventually, but I hoped he’d keep his mouth shut for a while longer.
“He doesn’t know—”
She cuts me off. “Don’t fucking lie to me, Saul.”
I clench my jaw. But hell, a big part of me wants to tell her everything. I want to say it all, get it off my chest, unburden myself. I’m desperate for my family to get to know Molly. Only I know how bad it looks right now and I’m afraid this isn’t the right time.
“How much do you know?” I finally ask, deciding to delay.
“Does it matter? Dante said there’s an Irish girl and you two are involved. You’re defying a direct order from Renzo, which isn’t like you, so that means things with you and the girl are serious. Tell me I’m wrong.”
Well, fuck. She’s too damn smart. “You’re not wrong.”
“Who is she?”
“Her name’s Molly. She’s not in the Lynch clan, but she’s related to people who are. And she’s pregnant.” I don’t mention the marriage bit yet, but I’ll get there—eventually.
Stefania looks at me, eyebrows raised so high her forehead’s in another zip code. “You got a girl pregnant?”
“Believe it or not, yes, your brothers are capable of reproducing.”
“Don’t be a prick. This is huge. Did you tell Renzo?”
“No, not yet, and I’m asking you not to either.”
That makes her look uncomfortable. “I don’t want to get in the middle of this, Saul.”
“You’re not. Just keep your mouth shut and let me handle it.”
“Dante’s worried. That’s why he had me talk to you. But holy shit, he didn’t mention a baby.”
“That’s because he doesn’t know. Nobody knows except you. Please, Stef, give me time to figure this out, okay?”
“Yeah, Saul, of course.” Her expression softens. “You’re going to be a dad.”
“That’s the plan.”
“Are you going to be involved? Are you and the mom good? Do you like her?”
“Yes, yes, and yes.”
She beams at me. “That’s amazing. I’m so happy for you.”
I rub my face with both hands. “I’ll be happy for me when the whole family knows. Renzo’s not going to react the way you are.”
She laughs and gives me a hug. “Nope, he’s going to be fucking pissed.”
“Yeah, I know.” I reluctantly hug my sister back.
“So, so, so pissed. Like murdery pissed. Like try to strangle you pissed.”
“Thanks. I got it.”
She breaks off the hug with one more squeeze. “Is that why you’ve been paying more attention to Brando lately? Practicing for when your little squirt arrives?”
“Probably. I hadn’t noticed I was, honestly.”
“You play with the kids but you’re kind of ambivalent most of the time. Except the least few weeks you’ve been a little more involved.”
“Anyone else notice?”
“Just the girls, don’t worry.”
“I’m very fucked, Stef.” I lean back in my chair and sigh. “Very, very fucked.”
“Yeah, you totally are.” She claps her hands together, clearly excited. “Another Rossi baby! And half Irish. Will he have cute red hair? Oh my god, I hope so.”