Page 81 of Roman

“Did you know I became engaged recently, Gregory?”

Aldo began to shake his head, but I kept talking.

Gregory made a spitting sound. “Like I care.”

“You should. The package you want back…is my fiancée.”

There was stunned silence.

“So, I believe it is I who wants satisfaction,” I said slowly.

There were frantic mutterings. Some cursing.

“We must meet. Neutral ground.”

“The convention hall,” I agreed. “Room C as usual. Ten o’clock.”

I hung up.

Aldo looked at me. “What have you done?”

“Stopped a war.”

“And created another huge problem. She is a target now, Roman.”

“She already was. As soon as this shit happened, she became a target. If I didn’t take her, she’d be in some god-awful place having horrendous things done to her, if not dead by now. I’ve been protecting her since the moment I figured out what Marianne had done. When the building was torched, I knew I would have to continue to protect her.”

“We could send her somewhere. Make her disappear. One of your strongholds where she’d live a quiet life.”

“She isn’t leaving here.”

“You care about her. Admit it.”

“I care enough to want to make up for causing this.”

“You’re lying to yourself.”

“Enough.”

He shook his head. “How are you going to play this?”

“I have a plan. We need to bring their money, plus be ready for whatever they ask.”

He narrowed his eyes. “And once the word is out—and it will be—how will you explain this to your brother? Your nonna?”

“Luca will understand. Nonna, well, I suppose she gets her wish. I’ll take Effie there, and I’ll add more security to the estate. They’ll both be safe.”

“You’re going to marry her?”

I shrugged. “I might as well. I have no desire for a wife, but it will send a message. And Nonna will be happy.”

He regarded me. “And Effie?” he asked quietly.

“She’ll accept it.”

He stood and looked at me. “Vi has become very fond of Effie. And she thinks that your relationship would actually work. She thinks Effie suits you. And, oddly enough, that you suit Effie. She says Effie is too good for this world and she needs someone like you to protect that goodness. But don’t destroy her, Roman. Don’t compound this by keeping her a prisoner the rest of her life. You’re better than that. If you’re going to marry her, give her what she deserves. What you deserve.”

“Which is?”