“But that’s not Lina’s fault.”
“Nobody’s saying it is. I’m just explaining the unfortunate situation you’ve been thrown into.”
“Mr. Bellomo, are you saying my sister is in danger?”
“Nothing that can’t be avoided. But until the situation is fixed, I prefer to have you both as my guests at my mansion, where I can keep things under control.”
They both exchanged glances silently, holding each other’s hands, but, strangely, neither of them was afraid. Well, I could have exaggerated it, scared them for real, if I really wanted them to live with me. But I toned it down, and they were smart enough to know even the Mafia wouldn’t harm them just because of a few talks. I knew not even a psycho sadist like Enzio Lanza would. This whole thing would disappear if Leo set a fucking date.
“Mr. Bellomo, as much as we appreciate your concern and your offer, I’m afraid we can’t accept it,” Nicole said.
“Why not?”
“I’m quite capable of protecting my sister, and with all due respect, I don’t believe we’ll be safer at your mansion. Your son will be at your mansion, and that is more dangerous in my opinion.”
I couldn’t agree more. “But he won’t. Leo doesn’t live there.”
“Still, he can visit. He’ll have easy access to Lina. He might even ask you to move in as well. He’s your son. You won’t kick him out for my sister.”
“What about what I’ve just told you? About the girl’s family?”
“Thankfully, you said you could fix it, and the danger is nothing that can’t be avoided.”
I grunted. “Angelina, is that your decision, too?”
“Yes. I’d like to stay here with my sister,” Angel said. “The Bellomos have done so much for us, and we’re forever grateful, but I think we should leave it at that. Like I said, we just want to live in peace.”
“Understood.” I rose, convincing myself that I had done everything in my power to grant my son his wish, even though it didn’t work out in his favor. I wasn’t even sorry.
The only thing I was sorry for was the night I invited him to the penthouse. I regretted it as much as I regretted his mother’s death. My son and my Angel were never meant to cross paths. I should have known he’d get obsessed with her like I was. He was my son after all.
Leo and Angel would stay away from each other until my girl would turn eighteen in a few months. Then nothing could stand between us ever again. Everything was back according to my plan.
“You haven’t touched your coffee, Mr. Bellomo,” Nicole said, getting off her seat.
“Some other time. At Angelina’s scholarship award maybe or your graduation. I hear amazing things about you, Nicole. Keep up the good work.”
“Thanks. Let me see you out.”
“It’s okay, Nicky. I will,” Angel said.
“Sure. It’s been an honor to meet you in person, Mr. Bellomo.” Nicole excused herself while Angel walked me to the door.
“Thank you for not telling her,” she whispered. “Is any part of that story you told us true?”
“Every word.”
“Wow. I’m such an idiot.”
“No, you’re not.” Leo wasn’t playing her. He didn’t believe he was engaged. He resented our life, and only for her, he was ready to forsake everything and be a man he never wanted to be. But she didn’t need to know that. “I’d like to know as well. Is any of what you told me true?”
“About?”
“The vigilante. Is it true that he’s not bothering you anymore?”
Her chin quivered. A haunted look took over her eyes as they glistened. “He’s long gone.”
I believed Leo when he said she was angry and sad about it because that was what I liked to believe. Now I could see it for myself, and it warmed my heart a thousand times more.
