“Exactly,” I say, watching understanding dawn on his face.
“That’s either the cheapest or most romantic thing I’ve ever heard.” He takes a long sip of his wine. “Depending on how you pull it off.”
“I have a plan,” I assure him. “Just need Nico to get the ring from the jewelers.”
Angelo shakes his head, but there’s amusement in his eyes. “You’re a sentimental bastard, you know that?”
“Only for her,” I admit. “Always for her.”
“Fine. I’ll send Nico your way,” Angelo says. “But you owe me.”
“I don’t owe you shit,” I reply. “Any new news?”
“No, and that’s bad.” Angelo’s expression darkens. “It’s been quiet.Tooquiet. The Armenians haven’t made a move since... well, you know.”
Since they almost killed my wifeandhis. The words hang between us, unspoken but heavy.
“And Maksim?” I ask, keeping my voice neutral.
“Something’s going on and that bastard is keeping shit close to the vest. But he’s also distracted.” He tears another piece of bread. “I promised Adriana a pause for the holidays, but—”
He sighs.
I nod, mind already calculating. “It’s that girl he’s with.”
“It’s always a fucking girl.”
Angelo’s phone vibrates, and he checks it. “Got to go,” he says, pushing back from the table.
I stand too, watching him finish the last of his wine.
He claps a hand on my shoulder, firm and familiar. “Since I won’t see you… Merry Christmas, little brother.”
My throat tightens just a little. “Merry Christmas,fratello.”
Angelo nods once, then heads for the door, coat slung over his arm, already muttering about palm trees and heatstroke.
I stay behind, letting the hum of old ballads and the scent of my mother’s kitchen settle around me.
Three more nights.
Then I give my wife the proposal she always deserved.
***
“Dea!”
I call out as I shut the door behind me, the scent of cinnamon and vanilla hitting me before I even make it to the kitchen.
She’s slow to answer, which is never a good sign.
“Dea,”I repeat, stepping into the hallway.
She peeks out from around the corner like a child caught stealing frosting, her eyes too wide, her smile a little too bright.
Crumbs cling to her dress like confetti.
Suspicious.
