Page 101 of Maddest Temptation

“Your mother… she had a relapse this night,” he began. I shot from the bed. He quickly added. “She’s okay, but the doctors…”

“No.” I shook my head.

“Francesca.” He came to stand beside me. “I’m sorry, but they think it won’t be long now.”

“Bullshit,” I snapped. “I saw her today.”

I saw her. I saw her and…Mamma was not okay. She was weak, tired, and in pain. My heart dropped as I realized my mother might not beat this cancer and that she might not survive it.

Despite the fear, I stood straight. “Does Donato know?”

He shook his head. “I told them to call me.”

“Thank you.” I was slightly relieved. “Shit.” I ran my hand through my hair. “Marco, I need to call my brother.” My voice cracked.

I needed to tell my little brother who had lost so much that he was about to lose more. How could I be strong for him when even I couldn’t be strong right now?

“I…I should be the one to tell him that—” tell him what? That Mamma was dying?

“I will call him, go get dressed. I’ll make sure he gets there. Okay?” I nodded because a lump had formed in my throat, and I couldn’t swallow it. “Remember what your doctor said. One step at a time.”

I did just do what he told me, I focused on the small things and gave them my full attention.

We arrived at the hospital a half hour later, the nurses led me to her room and before I could go in, I froze. Cassio placed a hand on the small of my back and stood there with me, waiting.

“I can stay out here if you wish,” he said, but I shook my head. He must have seen the plea in my eyes because he leaned in and kissed my forehead. “I’m here with you, Principessa,”

I inhaled deeply and took the final steps towards my mother’s room. I stared at the machines, specifically the one showing her heartbeat. They were weaker than ever.

“Mamma, noi siamo qui.” I reached for my mother’s hand.

Mamma looked at us and for a second, she looked lost but then smiled. “What took you so long?” I choked on something that sounded like a laugh or a sob.

“We were…”

“I mean him.” She looked at Cassio. “My daughter has a good heart, Cassio Moretti, one you broke and threw away, yet still she found it in her to let you in once again. If you ever break her heart again, I promise I will come back from my grave and I will haunt you till your dying days.” Mamma stopped to cough, and I immediately went to her side.

“I won’t?—”

“I’m not done,” she interrupted. “Unfortunately, the asshole I fell in love with, who happens to be her father, does not see or appreciate the woman she has become. I ask you to promise me something, Cassio,” she appealed to him, and he nodded instantly. “Promise me that whatever happens between the two of you, you will make sure she is safe and cared for, that no man will ever touch her without her permission, and that she’s allowed to make her own destiny.”

“You don’t have to ask me that. Francesca is safe and taken care of, she always will be. The man who dares touch her will lose his hand—if she wishes for it. She has been a free woman since the day she came back into my city, and she will remain that way,” he assured her.

“Even from you?” she asked. “She will be safe and protected from you?”

“Yes.”

“Promise me, boy.”

“Prometto,” he promised.

“Good, now let me speak to my daughter.”

Cassio said his goodbyes and left the room. I stood there with my Mamma, holding her hand, and wishing I could save her.

“Mamma.” I came closer to her, but she stopped me.

“I don’t know how much longer I have, Francesca, and I need to ask something of you as well.”

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