I return to my seat and indicate for a server to come closer. After ordering a tumbler of whiskey, I watch as the families mingle.
When Bianca sits down beside me, she lets out a chuckle. “Sienna is not happy at all.”
I frown as I watch Christiano and Sienna. “Did something else happen the past year between her and Christiano that I’m not aware of?”
Things used to be good between them, and there was talk of marriage, but then she called things off with Christiano, saying she didn’t love him anymore.
They were still friendly with each other, but for the past year, it feels like their friendship has taken a turn for the worse. Whenever I see them together, they fight.
Bianca shrugs. “Whenever I tell her it’s clear as daylight the man has the hots for her, she changes the subject. Our sister is a closed door when it comes to Christiano.”
The song ends, and I watch as Sienna tries to pull away from Christiano, but he tightens his arm around her waist and shakes his head at her.
I don’t know what he says, but it makes her lower her head, and when I see the sad look tighten her features, my eyes narrow.
I respect Christiano and love the man like a brother. He always treats Sienna well, so I don’t understand what she has against him. There are hundreds of women in New York who would give a body part for a chance at marrying the head of the five families.
But not my sister.
“Do you think it’s because she’s three years older than him?” I ask Bianca.
“Nah. Looking at Christiano, you wouldn’t say he’s younger than us.” We keep watching them, then Bianca sighs. “He’s good-looking and powerful, but maybe that just doesn’t do it for Sienna.”
The server brings my drink, and while I sip on it, my thoughts turn to work.
We’ve all gathered at my parents' house for breakfast, and after we’re done eating, Riccardo and Gianna begin to say their goodbyes.
I wait by the car that will take them to the airport, watching as Mom hugs Riccardo four times before Dad pulls her away so my brother can finally step out of the house.
As Riccardo comes toward me with Gianna’s hand in his, I smile. “Have fun in Japan. If you need anything, call me.”
Stopping in front of me, he nods. “Thanks, Augusto.”
I grip his shoulder, giving it an affectionate squeeze. “Be safe.”
He nods again.
“You go nowhere without the guards,” I remind him.
Riccardo gives me an impatient look because he’s heard all of this a hundred times before.
Knowing it will piss him off, I ruffle his hair before giving Gianna a hug and whispering, “Take care of him.”
“Don’t worry. I will,” she assures me.
I press a kiss to her temple, then pull back so I can look at Riccardo again. “I love you.”
His features soften. “Love you, too. Don’t burn down New York while I’m gone.”
“Can’t make any promises,” I say with a chuckle. “Let me know when you land safely in Tokyo and check in with me every day.”
“I will,” Riccardo assures me.
I watch as they get into the car with the two guards I’ve arranged to accompany them on the trip.
We don’t have any enemies in Japan, so I’m not too worried about their safety. Even though it’s the Yakuza’s territory, we’venever had any business dealings with the group, and I’m sure they don’t even know who Riccardo and Gianna are.
The family gathers behind me to wave at the newly married couple as the car heads down the driveway.
