I’ll be there.
Maximo’s gaze lingers on me as I head for my room to get ready. I have to go shopping, I can’t show up to my sister’s and cousin’s baby shower empty-handed. The fact that I can’t spend my own money sours my stomach. I ignore Maximo, my anger at him rising to the surface.
As I get ready and head out of the penthouse, I can’t believe how I’m acting like everything’s fine in the world. Like men on motorcycles didn’t try to kill me a few nights ago. This is madness. But I suppose this is how everyone does it, goes on with their lives despite the ever present danger.
That’s one way to move past a traumatic experience. But I’m not sure if I’m overcoming it or shoving away my emotions. It’s almost like a mental barrier has cemented in place. I know it’s not safe to leave the penthouse, but as I enter the elevator there’s a disconnect, a denial that I’m putting myself at risk. It’s strange.
“I’ll see you tonight for dinner,” Maximo states from the entry.
I meet his gaze and nod.
The elevator doors slide shut, then I’m traveling down to the garage.
Of course I’m not going out alone. In the town car, two mafia soldiers sit across from me, with a third in the passenger seat. The driver’s armed as well.
This is the safest I’ll ever be here. Surrounded by men with guns.
Gah, I hate this life.
Istumble into Arianna and Ravenna’s joint baby shower with an armful of wrapped gifts. A purchase I reluctantly put on Maximo’s black AMEX card since I don’t have access to any of my own money. And he said there’d be consequences if I refused to use it. The reminder leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.Stronzo.
Blues and pinks decorate the sitting room in Sophia’s home. My sister, cousins, and a few of their friends sit on the furniture as they nibble on blue and pink sweets in the shape of bottles, rattles, and onesies.
Everyone gives me a warm welcome. Sophia stands up to greet me with air kisses on each cheek. “Thank you for these, I’ll add them to the gift table. Grab a drink and join us.”
She fetches the gifts from me and deposits them on a table that’s practically overflowing with pastel packages. The sight makes me happy for my twin and cousin. They’re both well-loved by everyone in our family, and we’re all excited to welcome the next generation.
Someone tugs at my sleeve and I glance down. Katerina, Arianna and Dimitri’s adopted daughter, gazes up at me with her sweet child eyes. “You can have my spot on the sofa, Auntie Elena. I’m done sitting.”
I grin down at her. “What are you going to do instead?”
“I’m going to go outside and look at all of the spring flowers.” She takes my hand and leads me toward a couch. “You should sit here and talk to Mama.”
Amusement lights Arianna’s eyes as she watches her daughter get me seated, then hands me a pink frosted cookie.
“Bye.” With a wave, she heads out the back patio doors.
“Shouldn’t someone be watching her?” I ask Arianna, who’s beside me.
“Someone is watching her, I promise. Between the grounds keeper and the guards on duty today, she’ll be fine. She won’t go far. She’s going to smell every flower in the back yard and then beg Roman to let her take her favorite one home. At least that’s what she did last time we were here. You should have seen it. The man didn’t stand a chance, he folded like a house of cards.”
Honestly, I have a hard time imagining Roman De Luca giving in to anybody, much less a precocious seven year old.
“That would be a sight to see.” I glance around at everyone, give my sister a smile, then return my attention to Arianna. “How are you holding up?”
She grunts. “I’m about to pop. This big boy is ready to grace the world with his presence any day now, I can feel it. I’m so ready for him to arrive too. I can’t even see my own toes anymore.”
She and Ravenna both seem like they could give birth any moment, their stomachs look so round and heavy.
“At least I know it’s a strapping Kozlov boy kicking around in there. Who do you think is inside your sister?”
I gaze at my twin. She and her husband opted to keep the gender a mystery, but they know they’re having twins.
“I think she’s carrying two girls.”
Arianna hums in thought. “My bet is one of each, a boy and a girl.”
“We will find out in just a few more weeks.” I bite into the heavily frosted pastel cookie. “Mm, this is good.”
