“Spit it out,” he says, removing his training top and using it to wipe the sweat from his brow.
I throw a bottle at my buddy while I knock back half of mine before I lean against the counter and contemplate how to start.
Fiero frowns, assessing the torment on my face. “It’s bad.”
I nod.
Recognition dawns in his blue eyes. “She told you the rest of her truths.”
I gulp over the messy ball of emotion clogging my throat as I bob my head again. “It’s worse than bad,” I admit, rubbing my sweat-slickened chest as a tight pain unfurls across it. I stare at my buddy as I recant Catarina’s story, watching his face pale and his features turn green.
“Fucking hell.” Fiero claws his hands through his messy blond hair. “Never in a million years did I think you were going to say that.”
Folding my arms across my chest, I struggle to breathe over the tsunami of emotions flooding my body. “How are we expected to navigate this?” I almost choke over the words. “I don’t know how she can bear to be with me, but I’m grateful she is able to overlook the blood flowing through my veins.”
“You’re not your brother. She knows that, and she loves you.”
“It’s killing me, man.” Tears prick my eyes. “The thought of what he did to her—in our house—when I had no clue for months.” Everything I’ve been holding inside detonates, and I break down crying in a way I never have before.
Fiero is there, hugging me and offering silent comfort. “It’s not your fault. You aren’t responsible for the things Carlo, Primo, and your father did to her.”
“I feel responsible. She’s my wife, and my family hurt her. They stole her ability to be a mother too.”
Sympathy splays across his face as he clamps a hand on my shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Massimo. Tell me what I can do to help, and I’ll do it.”
“We need to ensure the evidence is watertight so when we point the fingers at the Bratva there is zero doubt.”
“It’s already taken care of.” He releases me, leaning his elbows on the counter and staring at me. “Are you going to tell her about the other issue?”
I had been planning to tell Rina because we agreed no more secrets, but it will only add to her troubles. The situation is handled, and she doesn’t need to know. I must be able to make some decisions as her husband to protect her without disclosing it. I shake my head. “I can’t tell her that now. She is already dealing with too much, and it’s handled. I wired the money before you arrived.”
“The sooner we get that Russian scum out of the US, the better.”
“Fuck,” I exclaim as something occurs to me. “No wonder Rina was so hesitant to visit my mother and a bit distant after we did. It must have killed her being back in that house, and I had no clue.” Briefly, I bury my head in my hands as another thought occurs to me. “I’m tearing that house down, starting with that fucking fountain.” I remember what she said about water, and I now know she wasn’t talking about Paulo Conti.
“Don’t make any rash decisions while you’re emotional,” Catarina says, walking into the kitchen. She’s dressed in a white power suit and heels, and her hair hangs in straight sheets down her back. Her donna face is intact, and she looks in control while I’m a floundering mess. I’m determined to be strong for her because she’s never had anyone to lean on, and I want it to be me from now on.
I walk toward her, wishing I could pull her into my arms, but I stink to the high heavens, and sweat clings to my body like a second skin. “Are you okay?”
“No, but I will be.”
I love her honesty, and it confirms she meant everything she said. Not that I doubted her. “Always so fucking strong.” I take her hand and bring it to my lips. “I love you.”
Her features soften, and the look of love in her eyes is unmistakable. “I love you too, but you don’t need to tear down your house for me.”
“I hate that place, and I will never ask you to step foot in it again. It holds no good memories for any of us. I’m going to talk to Gabe and my mother. I don’t think they’ll protest.”
“I don’t want to cause issues with your family any more than I will when they discover the truth.”
I cling to her hand. “We will get through this one day at a time.” I wet my lips before I make my next suggestion. “I thought you might like to change our name. I know it must hurt to have his last name. We can take your father’s name or choose one of our own.”
“You would do that for me?”
“Mia amata, I would do anything for you.”
Her eyes glaze over as her smile develops. “I’m so not worthy of him,” she says, glancing over my shoulder at Fiero.
“I have never met two people more worthy of one another,” he loyally replies. Taking a step closer, he stands beside me. Catarina’s eyes drift over his naked chest for a split second. Of course, the fucker notices and smirks. I dig him in the ribs.
