"Nope. It should be here, but it's not."
Which meant Adamo had a tech guy, and whoever he'd gotten was no slouch. I knew Adamo had once been an ally of my grandfather's. Some serious shit had gone down between them, and after all that Adamo had just said, I figured it was Father's fault.
"Can I ask what happened between you and Adamo?" I asked.
Father frowned, still looking at his computer. "Your grandfather promised Adamo I'd marry his daughter. Valentina Pelino wasn't shit next to your mom, and I couldn't do it. Adamo took it personally and defected to the Durantes like a little bitch with his feelings hurt. Dumbass was gunnin' for me when he crippled Mike."
I stared at him in shock.
"You know what saved my life that night? Your mom got a phone call from some broad who was claiming I was cheatin'. You were only days old at the time and Annetta lost her shit. Mike said he'd do the pick up from the Pelinos so I could go home and deal with her. When I got there, I had to step over a body to get to you and your mom. Some asshole had come for you, and she'd taken them out."
Something still didn't make sense. "Who was the woman?" I asked.
He shrugged. "Sure wasn't anyone connected to Adamo. He'd expected me to do the pickup, and he'd been ready. Never did figure out who called your mom and why. I wish Mike wouldn't have lost his legs, but I wouldn't change a damn thing given the chance. This family wouldn't be shit without Annetta. She's the reason I built all of this... for her and for you and your siblings. To keep you all safe and protected. Never wanted any of this until I met her. Then I had something worth fighting for. You feel me?"
I nodded, understanding what he meant all too well. The woman I would build an empire for was dying of cancer, and I'd do anything to keep her alive.
As if reading my mind, Father said, "Dr. Monte was a good call. She'll figure out what's going on with your girl and if there is a doctor who can treat her, we'll handle it."
I let out a breath, relieved to hear him confirm my hopes. "Thank you, Father."
"That's what family's for. Now get out of my office. I've got shit to do."
***
After we left Father's office, Bones waited in the living room while I headed to the kitchen to retrieve Markie.
"Have you eaten yet?" Nonna asked the instant she saw me.
Come to think about it, the last time I'd eaten had been breakfast in San Diego. It was now approaching seven p.m., and I was starving. After what I'd learned over the past hour, I didn't know if I could eat, though.
"I'm okay, Nonna."
"Nonsense," she replied, heading for the refrigerator. "Your mother made some wonderfulstracotto al chianti(beef braised in chianti). You have to try it."
"Will you please grab him some of that mushroom bruschetta, too?" Mamma said, making a beeline for the pantry. "I'll grab a loaf of garlic bread. Oh, and send some of that risotto, will you?"
"Angel, grab a bag and help me," Nonna commanded.
Knowing it would be pointless to argue with them, I pulled a paper grocery bag from the cupboard and held it open for Nonna. By the time she finished filling it, we had all four courses and a bottle of wine.
"We'll see you tomorrow," Mamma told Markie. "Angel, she has scans with Dr. Monte at eight a.m., then we want her here to meet the family while we distribute lists."
Feeling like a spectator and a chauffeur as Mamma and Nonna took over, I nodded. "Got it."
"Good. Now take Markie home and feed her," Nonna instructed. "She needs to keep her strength up."
"Yes, ma'am."
I led Markie from the kitchen and Bones joined us, taking the bag of food from me.
"Man, I love it when your mom sends food home," he said, peeking at the contents. "I'm starving."
I opened the passenger's door for Markie and she climbed in, buckled up, and stared out the window as I circled to the driver's side. Bones took one look at me, nodded to tell me he understood that I needed a moment, and leaned against the Hummer. Thankful for the privacy, I climbed in and turned to face Markie.
After everything that had happened, I wouldn't be surprised if she told me to fuck off, but I couldn't allow that. Not now, not ever. Reaching for her hand, I intertwined our fingers. She didn't pull away, but she didn't look at me either. Encouraged, I dove right into what I needed to say.
"Stay with me tonight?" I asked. I'd never invited a woman to my place, but Markie was different. I had no trouble imagining her in my space... In my bed. She belonged there. Just thinking about her hair splayed across my pillows and her naked curves between my sheets made me hard. Cancer could take her from me, but I intended to spend every moment like it might be her last.
