Sabina and Nolan have been married for almost seven years but no grandbabies yet, much to Mama’s disappointment. They’re both focused on their careers, and as Sabina just got a promotion at the architectural firm where she works, I can’t see that changing anytime soon.
“We have the same security here,” Sabina reminds me, though there’s no need. I organized and paid for it. Even though she’s not actively involved inLa Cosa Nostra, it doesn’t mean she’s safe. Cruz put a target on all our heads. “And you can send a ton of bodyguards with them if you like. The guesthouse is finished now, and they can stay there. Getting them out of the state might be the best option while you figure this out. Send Elio too. I miss his handsome little face.”
It might not be a bad idea. It was already shaping up to be a busy week at work before this additional burden. Knowing Elio is safe and out of harm’s way will ease my mind, and it’ll give Sloane and me time to figure things out. “I’ll think about it and talk to Papa.”
“I expect you to come visit another time, Cristian, with the new nanny you’re not obsessed with.”
I roll my eyes as I take the next exit. “You should come here sometime. You hardly ever visit anymore.”
“I hate New York. I go home once a year for Mama, but I truly hate being back around all that shit,” she grits out. “I’d rather chop off a tit than step foot in The Big Apple any more than is necessary.”
“You kiss your husband with that mouth?” I tease.
“Nolan is well aware of my flaws,” she drawls, and I detect an edge in her tone.
I can’t say I’m overly fond of my only brother-in-law, but it’s not really a fair comment. They live in NC, and I live here, so it’s not like we can meet regularly to bond over a game and a beer. He’s always seemed a bit strait-laced, but all I care about is that he treats my sister right.
“Is everything okay between you?” I ask, taking the next left turn.
“Everything is fine. We’re just busy with work. I’ll take a few vacation days if Mom, Dad, and Elio come. We can take Elio to that Discovery Science place in Uptown Charlotte. He’ll love it. It’s got all kinds of interactive things for kids to do.”
“He would love that.”
“Talk to Pops and let me know. Oh, and by the way, I told Mom it’s fine for Sloane to borrow my things. Tell her to take whatever she needs.”
* * *
My nostrils twitch when I enter my childhood home, and I follow the smells to the kitchen. Standing in the doorway, I observe the activity within with a growing smile. My mother and Sloane are loading trays filled with different baked goods into the oven while Elio is licking chocolate off the back of a wooden spoon. Sloane laughs at something my mother says, brushing wispy strands of hair off her face and leaving a few chocolate dots on her cheeks.
“Daddy, you’re back!” Elio hops up when he sees me and runs across the room.
I scoop him up into my arms before he can muddy my jeans with his chocolatey hands. I only keep a small supply of clothes here, and I’d rather not have to detour back to the penthouse before heading to Long Island. It makes more sense to go directly from here. “Someone needs to clean up,” I say, tickling his tummy. I’m so glad he slept through everything last night and he’s none the wiser.
“I’ve got him.” Sloane smiles softly at me, opening her arms for my son.
Elio leaps into her arms, and she giggles as she almost loses her balance. She props Elio on her uninjured hip.
“We need to talk,” I say, wiping the chocolate off her face with my fingers.
“Sure.” Her eyes probe mine as my fingers linger on her face. “Let me just clean Elio up first.”
“Don’t lick the bowl, Daddy!” Elio calls out as Sloane walks off. “That’s all mine!”
I stare at the doorway as they disappear through it. Mama appears at my side, looping her arm through mine and smiling. “I approve. She’s perfect for you, and everyone already loves her.”
I open my mouth to argue, but what’s the point?
Mama pulls my face down, kissing my cheek. “Stop letting your head rule your heart, Cristian. I know Aliya hurt you, but Sloane isn’t her. You deserve to be happy. Stop fighting your feelings. Let her in and see where it takes you.”
26
SLOANE
“Let’s walk and talk,” Cristian says after we’ve left Elio and Beatrice to put the finishing touches on the baked goods in the kitchen.
“Okay.” The grounds are huge here, and I wouldn’t mind exploring. I borrow Sabina’s coat and boots. My feet are a bit squished as she’s a size smaller than me, but I’ll manage. “I hope your sister won’t mind I’ve borrowed so much of her stuff,” I say as we head outside through a back door.
“I spoke to her earlier, and she said to take whatever you need.”
