My heart melts a little.“Brian.”
“What?” He makes a quickit’s nothinggesture. “I’m just saying the truth.” He stops. “Anyway, I know you guys need to go greet everyone. Make sure everything is running smoothly. I’m going to hit the buffet again. But I’ll talk to you later.”
“He’s a good man,” Nico says once Brian’s back at his table. “I’m glad you have someone like that.”
“He was like a dad to me,” I reply. “Especially when I was younger. I know he has his own family. But he treated me like family, too.”
Pain darkens Nico’s gaze. But he quickly hides it. “I’m glad. And he’s always welcome to come for a visit. We can put him up here, or at a hotel… Or we could buy a place in Florida, if you like. A nice vacation spot on the beach.” He pauses before adding thoughtfully, “Or maybe an island nearby.”
I’m not sure what he has about islands. But hey, if Nico really wants an island, who am I to say no?
The next hour or so is a flurry of activity. Nico makes the rounds to speak with each employee, thanking them for their hard work and loyalty. He gives each one a small envelope as well, which I know contains a prepaid credit card for ten thousand dollars. Nico liked that idea better than messing with cash, and he liked that they wouldn’t know how much he gave them until later.
By the time we talk to everyone, I can tell Nico’s feeling a little down. Everyone else has their family there, but Nico doesn’t have anyone.
Well, he has me. And he has Knight, Jester, Houdini, and Wraith. But his father obviously isn’t here, since he’s currently in prison serving a thirty-year sentence. According to Luca Caruso, who stopped by Nico’s office to discuss the matter last month, it would be better for the Cosa Nostra if Elio didn’t testify in court. So theyencouragedhim to accept a plea bargain.
I’m glad. It means he’s out of our life and Nico didn’t have to testify against him.
Nico’s mother is different, though. Nothing was found connecting her to any of Elio’s crimes. But Nico still doesn’t trust her. He claims that although she might not have known everything his father was doing, she hadto know that something was off with his business.
So he hasn’t talked to her, aside from a few text messages. I’m not going to push him to do more, but honestly, I hope they can have some kind of relationship, even if it isn’t a close one.
When we get a minute alone, I pull Nico into a quiet corner. Then I frame his face with my hands and pull his head down for a kiss. Then I hold his gaze and say, “I love you, Nico Parisi. With all my heart. And you are the best man I know.”
Nico stares at me for a second. He swallows hard. “I love you, too. And I will always try to be the best man for you.”
God, I love him.
From across the room, a glass rings. Then Jester stands and calls out, “Hey, Rogue. You ready for the big announcement?”
Nico casts a glance in Jester’s direction. Wryly, he replies, “Well, I guess I am now.”
“Everyone sit,” Jester urges with a wide grin. He gestures for everyone to come back to the tables. “The boss has an important announcement.”
As we pass Jester’s table, Nico swats the back of his head. Jester smirks. “I knew you’d drag it out until later. This way, we can get on with the celebration.” Jester’s gaze moves to me, and he lifts his chin. “Good luck, Sofia.”
My stomach erupts into nervous flutters again. “Thanks.”
Nico holds my hand while we walk to the front of the room, where a microphone is already set up. He glances at me and says, “You’re going to be great, Soph. I’m not the only one who believes in you. We all do.”
Once we’re at the microphone, Nico flicks it on and flashes everyone a warm smile. “Thank you for coming,” he says. “And thank you so much for being a part of Fox & Falcon Securities. When I first started the company, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would it be a success? A flop? Could I find people I trusted to work here?”
He scans the room. His gaze lingers on Knight, Wraith, Jester, and Houdini. “Five years on, we’re not just still here, but we’re thriving. I won’t pretend it was always easy. We’ve had some struggles.I’vehad some struggles, as you all know. But through it all, you’ve had my six. And I appreciate it more than you’ll ever know.”
Around the room, people raise their glasses.
“I’m not going to drag this out,” Nico continues, “because I know no one likes long speeches. But I do have one other special announcement to share.”
He pauses. Everyone leans forward in their seats.
“You all know Sofia, of course.” Nico glances at me with pride in his eyes. “She’s one of the hardest working and smartest people I know. Not just that, she’s stubborn in the best way. She doesn’t back down when things get hard. She fights for people when they need help. And she understands how it feels when the world seems like it’s working against you.”
A lump swells in my throat.
No,I command myself firmly.Donotcry. Not now.
“So, with that being said,” Nico adds. “It brings me to my announcement. Or should I say, ourannouncement?” He takes the microphone off the stand before adding, “I am so pleased to announce the launch of a new division of the company.”
