“You rub your fingers together when you lie,” I said softly. “Do not lie to me. I beg you to tell me the truth.”
He looked at Klaus, who stared back at him, looking completely miserable.
“Who told you he was alive?” Vincenzo asked.
“My… girlfriend,” Klaus said softly.
Vincenzo widened his eyes. “Girlfriend?”
“Klaus is seeing someone, yes,” I said. “She said she’s seen Stefan recently. We are trying to confirm.”
“Maybe she’s lying to you. Stefan is dead.”
Klaus closed his eyes and breathed out. All was silent for a moment before he opened his eyes and stared at Vincenzo.
“I have been a terrible husband and an even worse father. These are things I know, but if I could have a second chance at them, I would do things differently. Vincent, if my son is alive, please tell me.”
“What about Levin? Why don’t you love him like you love Stefan?” Vincenzo whispered. “He needed you in his life, and you only hurt him.”
“I am a monster, and none of my reasons are good. I do not deserve forgiveness, but I still want the chance to ask. So please, Vincent, if Stefan is alive, I need to know.”
“And Levin?”
“If he is willing to hear me out, I would also like to speak to him. No games. No harm. Simply… a drink and conversation.”
“We don’t trust you. None of us trusts any of you.” He looked directly at me this time. “It is hard on us because we miss our families.”
“My son,” I murmured, reaching across the table to place my hand over his. I gave it a gentle squeeze. “I love you more than you will ever know. I am like Klaus in that I want forgiveness, but understand if it cannot be given. Just know that I do love you, and I am sorry for your pain.”
“You’re only saying that,” he muttered, yet he didn’t pull his hand away from mine.
“If you know anything about Stefan, please tell us,” I said. “There is nothing treacherous that’s going to happen because of it. I swear it on my life, I would not betray you.”
Vincenzo was quiet, his Adam’s apple bobbing.
“Would you always love me, father?” he asked, staring me down. “No matter what?”
“Yes,” I said, my hand still on his. “Always. No matter what.”
He licked his lips. “I-I’m in a relationship with Levin.”
I stared at him for a moment, confused.
“What?” Klaus asked, frowning.
“I shouldn’t tell you this, but I think it’s important to know that he is everything to me. So are Dom and Fallon. Even that shithead Drake. He’s not part of our group any longer, but I still give a damn.” He breathed out. “But I am in love with Levin. And he loves me. We’ve been together for a few months now. We’re happy.”
“And Bianca?” I asked.
“She’s with us. It works for us. We’re all happy. At least we were until you stole her.” He gave me a sour look.
“You and Levin… together?” Klaus frowned deeper. “My son is… bi?”
“It’s not my place to say things on his behalf, but I am bi. So if that’s a problem, father, then I’ll go.”
“It is no problem,” I murmured. “If you are happy, then I am happy.”
He gave me the smallest of smiles before he looked at Klaus.
