We pull into the now-familiar driveway to my parent’s house. My grin is wide enough to split my skin, but I’m happy as hell to see my parents. My real family.
Hunter, Sam, and me head inside. The ZYGOS guys stay in the car, thankfully.
“Caterina!” My mother rushes forward the second we step inside, wrapping me up in a hug. I hug her back tightly.
“Phoenyxx, Dear,” my father chides, but I just shake my head, pulling back.
Straightening my spine, I say loud and clear, “It’s okay, Mother. You may call me Caterina. That is my given name, after all.”
The look on Hunter’s face is one of surprise.
Tears spring from my mother’s eyes, as well as my father’s.
They usher me over to the sofa we sat on before.
“Your full name is Caterina Isabella Rossi. You were named after my grandmother with your first name, and your mother’s mother for your middle name,” My father proudly states.
I actually like it. It sounds strong, powerful—regal, even.
I take my mother’s hand, who keeps looking at me like I’m the most precious thing in the world.
Hunter clears his throat. “This is Samuel Solomon.”.
My father startles. “Solomon? As in?—?”
Sam cuts in. “Yes, Sir. Betty Solomon is my mother, and Volkov is my father.”
“Well then. That's unexpected. It's alright. Your parentage makes no difference to me. As long as you treat my daughter well,” my father responds.
Emotions flit across Sam’s face. My Golden-Eyed Boy is still getting used to the idea of acceptance.
“Thank you, Sir. That means a lot.” Sam speaks clearly, and I smile at him in encouragement.
“The reason I asked you here today, Caterina, is to go over some business things with you. As you know, we run several legitimate businesses. Rossi Enterprises is one. We sell weapons to the military, and licensed gun sales vendors. The second is Caterina Inc., which deals in aiding the police in finding missing women and children. The third is Rossi Licenses, which sells various licenses to the public for things such as fishing, gun ownership, etc.
“We'd like to put you on one, two, or all three boards as a board member with majority, and possibly CEO if you choose that route down the line. Ever since you were born, your mother and I have been putting funds into a bank account for you. We continued to add to it, even after you were taken from us. There is quite a hefty sum as of now.
“Lastly, we want to discuss the mafia portion of business. We are getting older and would be pleased to pass the mantle down to you, as my heir. You would have full control to do as you wish,” my father finishes.
My head is spinning from all this information. I look to Hunter and Sam, who both smile.
“Do whatever you feel is right, Pretty Girl,” Hunter tells me.
The wheels turn in my brain. I take a deep breath, the feeling of rightness increasing with every word I speak.
“I would be honored to be on the board of all of them, most especially the one that helps kidnapped women and kids. The bank account does make me a bit uncomfortable, but I’ll accept it with gratitude.” Chewing my lip, I contemplate the last option. “I need time to process the idea of being an heir, please. I don’t want to rush into that.”
My father hugs me to him, my mother hugging me next.
“You’re amazing, Caterina. We are honored to have such a strong, brave daughter. Take all the time you need. There is no pressure. It's entirely up to you. No repercussions either way,” my father says with pride in his eyes.
I glance to Sam and Hunter, who both have tears glistening in their eyes. They understand the gravity of all this.
My mother claps her hands together. “Now, how about a nice meal? We have all the Italian favorites!”
“That sounds lovely, Mrs. Rossi,” Hunter responds.
“Oh, please, call me Pamela,” she tells him.
