Page 55 of Aldo

“I don’t feel it that way either. You just don’t seem the nickname sort of guy.”

He laughed in agreement. “I’m not.”

“What about your future, Roman? Will there be another soft spot? Will the warrior take a bride?”

He shook his head. “No. I have no interest in a bride or a family. Luca, yes. I see Aldo with you and a family. Me? No. I think my father killed that in me. He took something from each of us. That was what he stole from me. He took Luca’s youth and innocence and twisted it. Mine too, I suppose, but even worse, he stole my future—my ability to love.”

“That is so sad. And wrong.”

“It is what it is.”

“No. I mean you’re wrong. I think you can love. I just think you need to find the right person to show that love to.”

He flashed me a grin, but I saw the pain in his eyes. “I doubt it, doll, but thanks for the vote of confidence.” He stood. “Now, how about some dinner, and I’ll tell you all about Aldo as a kid.”

I knew the subject was closed.

“Sure.”

Aldo

I watched Vi, fascinated at her display of bravery. She insisted on going back to the deli. A week of “doing nothing” was enough for her. She donned a new uniform, one with longer sleeves, tied a pretty scarf around her neck, and walked into the restaurant as if it was just another day. Wanda greeted her with open arms, and I felt the wave of pride wash over me as I studied her. I knew Violet was nervous and hiding it. But I was the only one. To everyone else, she was simply Vi. They all thought she’d had the flu—she wanted no one to know about the attack. Wanda suspected something but kept it to herself. That was one reason she’d been such a longtime employee. She kept her thoughts and ideas to herself.

Roman came up behind me, folding his arms over his chest. “How is she?”

“Brilliant.”

He huffed a breath. “Hardly surprising.”

I had to laugh. He was very fond of her, which surprised me since Roman didn’t tend to like many people. But he found her funny and smart. The fact that he visited her during her recovery told me how much he liked her. Roman rarely left the casino unless it was for his nonna or brother. I liked the fact that he approved.

“Everything ready for the wedding?”

“Yes. Judith has it all in hand. Luca and Justine want it over so they can move on with their life together. Her father is a bit of a stickler, to say the least. Her brother is slowly coming to terms with the fact that he can’t control her anymore. He and Luca lock horns almost daily, though. It is rather amusing listening to Luca tell Mason to fuck off.”

“Luca wants her to fly,” I commented, watching Vi smile and slide a plate in front of a woman. She glanced up and saw me looking at her. She shook her head and walked back toward the kitchen, but she was still smiling. She knew I would check in on her frequently. It was a compulsion for me. The man who attacked her was dead and gone, but we both had scars that were still healing from the ordeal.

“Mason is remarkably old-fashioned when it comes to his sister. I wonder what his wife is like,” Roman mused. “I suppose I’ll meet her this weekend.”

I nodded, not speaking. I cast one last glance toward the restaurant and turned to go into the hotel.

“What about you?” he asked as we walked the lobby, checking on everything before heading to the high-roller room.

“What about me?”

“When are you going to admit you love Vi and put a ring on her finger?”

“Leave it alone, Roman. That is between us.”

He shook his head. “Don’t lose the best thing in your life because you’re scared. That isn’t the Aldo I know. He faces his fears head on.”

Then he turned and walked away, leaving me staring after him.

CHAPTER 17

ALDO

The day of the wedding, Vi spent at the hotel. I was making sure everything was running all right, freeing up Roman to have time with his brother. Vi spent a few hours at the spa, the massage and beauty treatments helping her healing, to get ready for the evening. The ceremony was at six, pictures happening before and after. The reception began immediately, followed by dancing.