I nodded then turned back to the lady behind the desk. “We’ll just take one room then.”

“Alright, dear. Here’s your room key. Check out is at eleven.”

“Thank you.”

“My pleasure.”

I nodded to the woman and took the key from her. We headed up to the room which was simple but tastefully decorated. I tossed my bag onto the dresser and flopped back onto the bed with a large sigh.

“I haven’t driven that many hours in one day in a long while.”

“Me either. I feel gross. I need a long hot shower.”

“Sounds good. I’ll join you.”

“Luca,” she scolded, and I pushed up onto my elbows, grinning.

“Don’t get your panties in a bunch, principessa. I’m just teasing.”

She shook her head and rolled her eyes, making me chuckle. I always loved getting a reaction from her.

“You said you had a couple of changes of clothes in your bag. Any chance there’s something in there that might fit me?”

“There should be a button-up shirt or two. You’re welcome to whatever you can find in there.” I jutted my chin toward the bag and Mira started going through it. “It’s not much but there should be something comfortable enough for you to sleep in.”

“Thanks.” She grabbed a white button-up shirt from the bag and went into the bathroom.

Chapter 7

Luca

While Mira was in the shower, I took a few minutes to order some food up to our room, and to call Teo.

“Luca, ciao. Everything go okay with picking up the bassinet?” Teo’s voice was a whisper, and I had a feeling he was trying not to wake Mia or the baby.”

“Yeah—well, sort of.”

There was some rustling around on his end before he spoke again, this time at a more normal volume. “What do you mean ‘sort of’? Did something happen to the bassinet?”

“No, but we got a busted radiator on the way back so we’re having to stay the night. In the morning I’ll see if there’s an auto shop nearby.”

“Oh. That sucks, man. So, you and Mira are staying in Cremona tonight?”

“Actually, okay, don’t worry…”

“Luca, starting with don’t worry is a sure-fire way to make sure that I do worry. What aren’t you telling me?”

“We didn’t break down in Cremona. We broke down in Emilia-Romagna.”

“What the hell are you and my sister doing in Emilia-Romagna? You realize how dangerous and stupid that is, right?”

“We didn’t have much of a choice. There was a detour that took us through a small part of Fabbri’s territory. Everything went fine on the way to Cremona, but on our way back is when the radiator turned against me.”

“You get the part you need and get your asses out of there as soon as humanly possible.”

“I will.”

“And Luca…”