"That's not necessary," Dom replies, his voice measured. "Not yet."
"He's digging into old business. Threatening the balance. And now with the kids?—"
“I said no, Gio. And I don’t appreciate your eavesdropping on private conversations with family.”
“Your uncle was family. His death hasn’t been avenged?—”
I push the door open without knocking, both men turning in surprise.
"No one is touching Luca," I say, knowing I’m overstepping but not caring. "No one is taking my children's father from them. Not you, not anyone."
Gio's eyes narrow, but Dom's expression remains unreadable.
"If anything happens to him," I continue, "I'll know exactly who's responsible."
“Nothing is going to happen to Don Monti,” Dom says, almost like he’s bored with the conversation. He turns his attention to Gio. “Understood?”
Gio’s jaw tightens. “Understood.”
I spend the next few days jumping at shadows, half-expecting to hear that something's happened to Luca.
Though Dom assured me that he'd keep Gio in check, I don't fully trust his promise.
Meanwhile, Luca comes by each evening as promised. He sits at our kitchen table, helping with homework, listening to the kids' stories about school.
He's patient, attentive, everything they deserve in a father.
I hover nearby, making dinner, folding laundry, finding excuses to stay within earshot.
"You don't need to supervise," he tells me one night after the children are in bed.
"They're still my kids," I reply, the words sounding defensive.
"Our kids," he corrects, his eyes holding mine.
I sigh. “I’m not supervising. I’m just…”Feeling alone. But I don’t tell him that. All the feelings are my penance for what I’ve done.
Friday arrives, and I pack their overnight bags, triple-checking that I've included everything they want and need.
Favorite stuffed animals, bedtime stories, winter clothes.
At Luca's mansion, the kids bound excitedly toward the door while I follow them.
"I'll bring them to the festival tomorrow," Luca says, standing in the doorway.
I nod, trying to mask my anxiety. I’m not afraid this visit will go badly. I’m afraid they’ll never come home. "They need to wear their snow boots. The forecast says it might be icy."
"I've got it covered." Luca's tone softens slightly. "They'll be safe with me, Elena."
"I know that." And I do, despite everything.
As I drive away, I can't shake the feeling that I'm losing them.
I have an evening free, and I decide to take advantage of it.
I’ll stop at the store to get a quick-cook meal and a bottle of wine.
I’ll spend the night wrapping presents from Santa and hiding them.
