"He will be, Mrs. Agosti. That I promise."
Hanging up, I get out of bed and put Luca in his little cradle. A smile pulls at my lips as I watch his sleepy expression. My fingers trace his features, noticing both Enzo and me in him. I know that babies' eyes tend to change color, but Luca's seem to be the same spring-deep green as hispapa's. Somehow this tugs at my heartstrings, as I realize I'll forever see Enzo in Luca.
When he's older, maybe he'll understand me and why Ihadto do this. Maybe he'll hate me, but maybe someday he'll forgive me.
At least he'll never become a criminal.
I lay a kiss on his cheek and move back to my bed, stopping when someone enters my room.
"What are you doing here?" I ask, shocked to see the one person who should have been my dearest friend but ended up being my worst enemy.
42
ENZO
Rocco decreesI need to go to New Jersey just as Allegra is about to be discharged from the hospital. Since he won't take no for an answer, I quickly dial her to let her know.
"Yes," she answers, her voice odd.
"I'll be away for a couple of days. But I'll see you at home, okay?"
"Take your time," she replies, asking no questions. I frown but shrug it off.
I go about my work, aiming to finish the meetings faster and get home earlier. I already miss Luca, and it's barely been half a day since I've seen him.
With Luca's birth, Rocco had officially initiated me into the unsavory part of the family business. Seeing that I'll be taking over the clubs in Midtown, I'd decided to surprise Allegra with our very own apartment, away from my father and everyone else in thefamiglia.
I know I screwed up when I killed those men in front of her, and I doubt she will forgive me anytime soon. But I'll still do my best to make her see that everything I do is for her.
Everything.
The thought that something could have happened to her had paralyzed me with a fear I'd never known before. I'd reacted the only way I knew how—with bloodshed.
I need to make it up to her.
As soon as I'm back home, I go to our room, looking for Allegra and Luca. The room is empty save for a cradle in the corner. I take a few steps.
Surely she wouldn't.
But as I reach the little bed, I see Luca fast asleep, completely unattended.
"What the fuck," I curse, lifting him into my arms and holding him close.
Taking him with me, I run into Ana and demand to know where Allegra is.
"She's having tea with your father in the conservatory," she says, and I feel my rage mounting.
"And who was watching Luca?"
She shrugs.
"I thought Signora Allegra was."
I head to the conservatory, shocked to see Allegra and my father discussing things as if they're long-lost friends.
"Allegra," I call out, my voice curt.
"Son, there you are. We were just talking about my grandson," he guffaws in his fake manner.
