Luca and Gabriella have always been close.
"They’re Monti children," someone murmurs, just loud enough for me to hear.
"He didn’t know…" comes another voice.
Heat rises to my cheeks.
It’s no surprise people are talking.
They probably think I’m the worst.
Maybe they’re wondering how Luca will punish me for what I’ve done.
This is probably the biggest gossip La Corona has had since Isabella's scandal.
“I want the tiger,” Elio says, pulling the orange and black cap onto his head.
I force a smile, acutely aware of the watching eyes. "It’s fierce like you.”
“I changed my mind.” Adalina picks up a unicorn hat. “I want this one. Can I?”
Luca nods. “You can have them both.”
“Really?” Adalina squeals with delight.
“Can I have two too?” Rocco asks.
“Of course.”
The mother in me wants to stop Luca from indulging them.
The woman who betrayed him knows not to say anything.
What will it hurt for him to spoil them a little bit when this is all so new?
To keep myself from saying anything, I glance out toward the ice rink. I catch Dom watching us while he’s standing with Don Ferraza.
Behind him is Gio, whose hostile gaze is fixed firmly on Luca.
"Everyone's watching," I whisper to Luca.
"Let them," he replies, his hand briefly touching the small of my back as he steps forward to pay for the hats.
The casual possessiveness in his touch sends a shiver through me.
"The Monti children are enjoying the festival?" Dom asks, his voice pleasant but his eyes sharp. Behind him, Gio hovers like a shadow.
"They are," Luca answers before I can, his hand coming to rest on Rocco's shoulder. The possessive gesture isn't lost on Dom or me.
My cousin's smile doesn't reach his eyes. "I'd like a word, Luca. Family business."
"Anything you need to say can be said in front of Elena," Luca counters. “She should probably hear it.” Luca glances at Gio, and I’m shocked when after a moment, Gio looks away.
It’s a testament to Luca’s power.
“Leave us,” Dom says to Gio.
“Santa!” Rocco jumps up and down.
