Page 22 of Heartless Union

I glance over at Nico, who’s talking to Massimo. So, he didn’t hear my father’s words. Of course not. That would be too easy. My father has always been good at hiding his true nature. “I’ll keep both women in line. Don’t you worry.” I walk away from him before he can say anything else to me.

As we settle down at the dining table, Gabriella is already talking Lara’s ears off. I take my place next to Lara, noticing how she tenses. Her eyes flick to mine and back to Gabriella in a heartbeat.

Massimo and Emilio sit across from me while Nico sits at the head of the table and my father sits at the other end. Even though it isn’t his house, he thinks he has the right to sit there. Everywhere he goes, he acts like the boss.

Soon, that will be my role.

“My maid, Sarah, made this wonderful dinner for us.” Nico nods at the many plates of food on the table. “Dig in.”

Lara eats very daintily. A woman with manners—something I like to see.

“Is it just you and your dad?” Massimo asks Lara as he takes a large bite of his steak.

She ducks her head again. I just want to place my finger under her chin and keep her head up for once. “My mother isn’t with us anymore.”

“Shit. I’m sorry.”

I level a look at Massimo. “We’re at dinner, Massimo. Act more mature.”

He grumbles under his breath.

“Actually,” Nico says, “Lara’s mother left us when Lara was a little girl.”

“She left you?” Gabriella asks. She places her hand on Lara’s arm. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s ok,” Lara whispers. “I haven’t seen her in years.”

“I lost my mother a year ago. I know how hard it is. She died, though, instead of abandoning us.”

I sigh. “Gabriella. Filter.”

“What?” She bats her eyes as if she’s innocent. “I was just saying. It’s the truth, Rocco. It’s ok to speak the truth.”

“I agree,” Massimo says, sliding his eyes toward our Father. “The truth is always a good thing.”

Father’s eyes tighten. “Yes. I agree. My wife, Angelica, died. It was tragic, but this doesn’t make for good dinner conversation. So, let’s change the subject.”

My father—always avoiding the truth that he killed my mother. The moment I can prove it is the moment I’ll gain closure for her death. Well, after I kill my father and take his place.

“The wedding is becoming a big deal,” Nico says. “A lot of people want to come.”

“I’m well known in this city,” Father says. “Of course, people will want to be there for the wedding of my son.”

“And my daughter,” Nico adds.

“Right. And your daughter.”

Lara keeps her eyes glued to her plate.

“Well, I’m looking forward to seeing Lara’s dress,” Gabriella says. “I bet it’s beautiful.”

“Oh, I … haven’t found a dress yet.”

I look at Lara. “You don’t have a dress yet? The wedding is next week.” Everyone gazes turn onto her.

Lara ducks her head once again. “I just haven’t found the perfect one yet. But I will.” She tentatively meets my eyes. “I promise I will.”

Those sad, large blue eyes of hers make me feel something I’ve never felt before. I have no idea how to even explain it.

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