I hadn’t seen Rocco since the island. He stood against a car, Rosaria next to him, Brando not too far from them both, watching as I slipped a fingertip along each smooth side and curve of hood, concentrating. I had no idea what I looked for, but if I felt something, I paid attention to it.
“This one,” I said finally, giving the metal athunkwith my finger.
The model was unknown to me. All I knew was that it was a Ferrari and the wing had Italian colors painted on it. It seemed like a beast.
Rocco laughed. “Ah, brother, she picked a fine one. She has a sharp eye.”
Brando nodded, coming to inspect the car.
Once the daunting task of picking the car was settled, I stood in front of Rocco, giving him my full attention. “Rosaria, may I?”
“May you touch my husband?”
I shot her a mean look.
She threw her hands up. “Sì.”She smirked, finding this entire situation hilarious. “You have my permission.”
I threw my arms around Rocco and he stumbled back some. Not because he couldn’t contain my strength, but because I shocked him. I held on tight.
“Bella,” he said softly.
“I missed you too,” I whispered. “I didn’t get a chance to thank you. For what you did for Brando and me. I remember in pieces, but I remember you. You stood guard, like you promised you would.”
“I failed your husband.”
Pulling away, I shook my head. “No. You kept me alive. Untouched. You saved me in a dark hour. I felt safe knowing that you were with me when my husband couldn’t be.”
“The drink—”
“Not your fault.”
“Perhaps.” He took my hand, bringing my knuckles to his mouth. “It was my honor to protect you.”
“Another misguided angel,” I said, smiling. “Thank you,fratello.”
He cleared his throat and took another step back.Yes, just like his brother.None of these men could deal with extreme emotions.
Rosaria came to stand next to her husband, touching his cheek. “I can become accustomed to this, I think.”
“Seeing me touch your husband?” I said, ready to pinch her.
Brando cleared his throat.
“No,” she said, giving her husband a quick kiss. “Women asking permission first.”
My mouth fell open. Rocco watched her walk toward the track with a suspicious look in his eyes. Brando came to stand next to me. I couldn’t speak for the two brothers, but I was thunderstruck.
Rosaria stopped a few steps away. “Are you coming,marito?”
“What did you give her?” Rocco said, turning to me.
“Nothing but a lecture.”
“Ah.” He sighed. “We will have to discuss the details of this lecture later.”
“Think of it as a thank you!” I shouted when they were far enough away.
Grinning, I turned to Brando. “What?” My grin slipped at the look on his face.
