Page 33 of Vicious Redemption

Their intentionally vague language feels pointed, though Don Moretti never acknowledges me. I try not to let it feel personal. We’re in the hospital, after all. There could be countless reasons not to discuss business in this current setting.

“And the police?”

“I’ve got it under control. Johnny’s taking over a few of my less pressing responsibilities, so I can act as don until you return.”

“Good.” Marco Moretti sinks back into his pillows, the tension seeming to ease from his shoulders at the rapid-fire exchange.

And suddenly, it hits me that I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed Leo and his father share a tender moment. Even now, when the don has only just woken from a near-fatal bullet, they’re talking about the family business. Leo spent the entire night in the hospital, waiting to hear if his father would survive surgery. And now that he has, it’s just back to life as usual.

It’s as if their rule is Leo’s sole connection to his father, the only reason they communicate.

It breaks my heart.

Thinking back to this morning, I recall how Leo spoke so lovingly to my tummy. How he promised to spoil our baby and give her a big family—and assured her that she was so deeply loved.

I hope we can break out of our parents’ mold. I want to raise our child with open affection and kindness—and maybe even set aside the ambition of ruling over territories to teach our children that there are more important things in life.

We stay with Don Moretti a little longer as he and Leo discuss the family business and their plans moving forward. And when we leave, Leo assures his father he’ll be back as soon as they’ve made headway.

Leo places his hand on the small of my back as I rise, and he guides me into the hallway and past his father’s silent sentries.

“Thanks for letting me come see him with you,” I murmur, wishing I could have done more.

“I’m glad you wanted to.” He presses a quick kiss to my temple, and then he pulls me closer as a mischievous grin spreads across his face. “Since we’re out, are you up for another stop?”

My stomach somersaults at the playful question. “Sure. What did you have in mind?”

He winks, sending my nerves into a tizzy. “It’s a surprise.”

17

LEO

Taking Tia into the heart of downtown Piovosa, I pull up to the curb in front of Arthur Mae’s—a designer boutique known for fine women’s apparel. Rounding the front of my car, I open the door for Tia and offer her a hand.

She accepts it with a smile and continues to scan the street in search of where our adventure will lead. When I turn toward the boutique, Tia glances up at me in surprise.

“We’re going shopping?”

“You’ll need a dress for where we’re going next,” I hint.

Excitement colors her cheeks as her smile grows. Yes, this was a good choice. Getting Tia out of the house was necessary to salvage our relationship. Because while I can’t trust her to her own devices completely, I don’t want her to feel like a prisoner, either.

I may have a thousand and one things on my mind right now, but it’s worth taking some time out of my schedule to see her smile.

The bell over the door tinkles softly as we enter, and a tall blonde strides forward with a red smile to greet us. “Welcome to Arthur Mae’s. Can I help you find anything today?” Her eyes flick between us before settling on me.

“We’re here to pick out a nice evening dress for my wife,” I say, letting my hand rest on the small of Tia’s back.

“Of course.” The blonde nods politely and turns her attention to Tia. “You look like a size four. Do you have any style preferences you would like me to pull from the rack?”

“Um…” Tia glances up at me for guidance.

“Let’s have some fun. Why don’t you bring her some fashion week favorites? We’ll peruse in the meantime.”

“Very good,” the boutique employee says, getting to work.

“I have plenty of nice dresses at home,” Tia points out as we find a rack of elegant evening gowns—some with lace, others with sequins or frills, all with chic patterns meant to flatter the wearer’s figure.

---