“They claim to have a man below him now. He would just take over next.”
Roman nodded. “Could be.”
John added, “But he can be taken out, too.”
Checking my watch, I said, “I’ll throw around ideas with Gio and let you know what we come up with.”
I’d planned to have lunch with my sister and future brother-in-law, and was thankful it hadn't been ruined by Russo’s unplanned visit. My sister opened the door for me after their guard let me in through the gates, a big smile on her face.
“Vicki.” I hugged her tightly, realizing I’d missed her. We were so used to seeing each other every day that it felt odd to be apart.
She squeezed me back just as tightly. “Hey, brother.”
Pulling back, I touched her chin. “Have you settled in yet?”
“I’m as happy as a clam.”
Reaching from behind her, Gio shook my hand. “Business or lunch first?”
“Lunch. I’m starving.”
We gathered in the dining room while Gio’s staff served us. It occurred to me that he had what I should have, but I’d never tried to find it.
Shaking my head to clear it, I asked, “How’s the wedding planning? Nearly done?”
“It’s all settled. Only six more weeks to go,” Vicki replied. “So, um, are you bringing a plus one?”
I groaned. “Have you been talking to Dad?”
“No, actually. Why?”
“He’s pushing me to marry.”
Vicki narrowed her eyes over her bowl of salad. “He waited an awfully long time to decide he cares about it.”
“I agree. Either I pick someone pronto or he’ll fob me off on a Lombardi family member.”
Vicki gasped. “That’s cruel.”
Gio laughed. “Poor man.”
“I’ve chosen Sailor.”
Vicki stared at me with a dumbfounded expression. “You’re kidding me.”
Shaking my head, I replied, “I’m not. After the house went up in flames, I saw her in a different light. She let down her walls, and I realized I’d been wrong about her.”
“First Dad, now you? What kind of spell has she woven?” Vicki demanded.
“Nothing like that. She's kind-hearted, very intelligent, and someone I wanted to get to know before Dad sprung this on me.”
But my sister said, “She’s awkward and anxious.”
Gio interrupted. “Those aren't disqualifying personality traits. She needs someone to bring her out of her shell, that’s all.”
Shoving my hands through my hair, I tried not to feel defensive about her. “She lived through tragedy and came out on the other side scathed but whole.”
Did I believe that? Was she whole, or was she in pieces I’d have to patch together to make into a complete woman? And did I want to put in that work?
