Page 82 of Queen of Misfortune (Shadows of Redemption)

LUCY

It’s been two days since Aria arrived home. Two days since I killed my mother. To be honest, I’m a little surprised I don’t feel different. I’m a murderer. I’ve become what I despised. I mentioned this to Elena, and she said she too thought that when she killed Romeo but knows now that it’s not true. My situation is different, of course. Romeo was killed in physical self-defense. I was killed in mental and emotional self-defense. Or maybe it was physical too. Had the situation been reversed, my mother would have handed me over to my father and sold me to the highest bidder no matter how depraved the man was.

Today, I’m curled up on the plush sofa, reading a book. I read a lot in Italy when I wasn’t caring for Giuseppe. It’s nice to lose myself in fiction for once. I have the time because Elena is resting and Donovan is off plotting and preparing to kill my father while also managing business.

The sound of footsteps approaches, and I don't need to look up to know it's Donovan. The air shifts, turns electric with his presence. My irritation flares briefly at my reaction to him. It’s a coping mechanism that I try to control now.

"They say truth is stranger than fiction.” His voice is light, but I hear the undercurrent of concern. I resist the urge to smile, keeping my eyes locked on the page, pretending to be engrossed.

“You should know.”

He chuckles, moving to sit opposite me, ankle crossing over knee. I peer at him over the top of my book, feigning annoyance yet secretly savoring the attention. And the view. Donovan is a good-looking man… strong, handsome, and sexy.

"You’re not hiding, are you?” Again, his tone is light, but I know he’s worried about me.

“No. Just taking a breath. Living a regular life.”

I see a flash of something that almost looks like pain, but it vanishes before I decipher it. “You deserve a regular life after all you’ve been through. It won’t be long now before you can be regular twenty-four, seven.”

This time, I’m the one feeling pain because my regular life will be without Donovan. “Speaking of a regular life,” I say, closing my book. "Elena has been telling me about all the plans Niko has for the twins. He seems quite eager to be a father."

"Ah, yes." His face softens, a smile tugging at his lips. "I wouldn’t have believed Niko would fall in love and want kids if I hadn’t watched it happen. I’m happy for him. And I know he’ll make a good father.”

I wonder if he says that to assure me that he won’t be like my father. Niko has issues, but he’s not a monster like my father.

“Elena won’t let him be otherwise,” I say.

Donovan laughs. “The Fiori women are a force, that’s for sure.”

I study Donovan, realizing I don’t know his thoughts on marriage and children. Had he planned to be a bachelor forever? Does he believe in love?

"Have you ever thought about having children?" The question escapes before I can consider the wisdom of it.

Donovan blinks like I caught him off guard. The silence stretches between us, and it makes me feel vulnerable. Like I’ve revealed too much, especially since Donovan’s expression is unreadable. I regret asking the question and get ready to take it back, but Maria appears, and behind her, Luca barges in.

“What the fuck, Donovan?”

I’m taken aback by Luca’s anger.

Donovan slowly rises. “Careful, Luca.”

“You married her?” Luca glances at me and then back at him. “Why wasn’t I informed?”

“It’s none of your business.” Donovan’s tone is flat, dismissive.

“It is my business. Lucia is my business.” Luca strides into the room, not afraid of Donovan. Why should he be? He’s a Boss in his own right. His story is no different from Donovan’s or Niko’s where crime and violence are concerned. “She’s a Conti?—”

“Now she’s a Ricci.”

“You know that I’m in the room.” I’m getting irritated that they’re talking about me like they own me.

Donovan’s jaw tenses. It’s a reminder that he’s bent over backward to go against his instinct when it comes to me. He’s told me more than once that he can force me to do whatever he wants. I hate it, but until my father’s dead, he’s right. The only power I have is what Donovan allows, and I have to admit, he allows a fair amount.

I rise from the couch. A moment ago, it was a quiet sanctuary. Now, I’m in the middle of a war. “Luca, I’m sorry you weren’t informed.”

“I promised my father I’d look out for you.”

“I know, and I appreciate how much you honor your vow.”

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