Page 82 of Heartless Union

CHAPTER 20

Lara

My dad’s coffin is lowered into the ground. It’s a surprisingly sunny day, which is a stark contrast to my mood.

After Rocco killed Carlo, I got to see my father’s body. I cried over him for a long time with Rocco beside me, keeping one hand on my back. I appreciated his help so much. No longer is he the cold, heartless man he once was. Instead, he showed up. He comforted me. He kept me safe, just like my father wanted.

Rocco planned the funeral, so I didn’t have to. Everything has been too painful losing my father. My mother never showed up. I still have no idea where she is. I probably never will. It doesn’t matter anyway. She left me. She was never my family.

I have a new family now.

Rocco is on one side of me, Gabriella the other. Massimo and Emilio are on the other side of Rocco. They’re all here to support me, even though they didn’t love my dad. They barely even knew him. But they are here for me, and that’s what matters.

My dad didn’t want me to be alone after he died. And he got his wish. I’m surrounded by my new family and their support and love. Despite losing my dad, I don’t feel as empty as I thought I would. Having Rocco and Gabriella beside me helps a lot.

I lean against Rocco, and he wraps his arm around me, keeping me from falling over.

Massimo is still healing from his wound, but he looks stronger every day. And just like Emilio, he was shocked when Rocco hugged him after we went back for Massimo. It was one funny moment in a tough day.

Dante is still in the wind somewhere, but Rocco isn’t worried. He’s the head of the Mafia now. His father’s men have fallen in line and follow him. If Dante tries to show his face, he won’t get very far.

I have to believe things will be better going forward. The love between Rocco and me has grown so much after everything we’ve been through. I know I have a husband I can depend on—and not just for safety but for love as well.

The funeral ends. Before heading off to the reception, I spend some time sitting by my father’s grave. Rocco is standing a little ways away, giving me my space but still keeping an eye on me for protection.

I place my hand over the recently shoveled dirt. “I’ll miss you, Dad. But I’ll be ok. When you first arranged a marriage between Rocco and me, I was nervous, but I chose to trust you. Rocco loves me, and I love him. I’ll be safe with him just as you wanted. You can rest now.”

I force myself to find the strength to get up and walk away. I can visit my father again soon, but for now, I need to be with my husband. I need to start healing.

Rocco grabs my hand and doesn’t say anything as we walk to the car. Just having him there beside me is more than enough.

“You’ve been so strong,” Gabriella says over brunch. It’s just the two of us having a girls’ day out. It’s been a few months since my dad passed away, and each day is easier.

“So have you. You’ve lost both your parents.”

“I still my miss mom every day. But my dad …” She shrugs, taking a bite of her waffle. “I don’t miss him at all. The only change has been moving in with you and Rocco. I can’t believe he didn’t let me live in Dad’s house on my own.” She pauses. “No. Wait. I can believe it. I just wish he’d let me live on my own. I want some sort of independence.”

“You’ll get it.”

“Yeah, when I’m freaking married.” She snorts. “That’s the only way us Mafia girls get any independence. Through a man.” She rolls her eyes. “Rocco is going to marry me off to someone I won’t want to marry. Mark my words, Lara.”

I chuckle. “I’ll try to make sure he marries you to someone you want. Is there anyone you’re interested in?”

She gets a faraway look in her eyes for a moment before snapping back to the present. “No one.”

“Really? No one?”

She sighs. “Ok fine. There’s someone I can’t stop thinking about. But you can’t tell Rocco. Please. If he knew, he’d lock me up forever and throw away the key.”

“Who is it?”

She ducks her head, her cheeks flushing red. I’ve never seen Gabriella look embarrassed before. “Dante,” she whispers.

My eyes widen. “What?”

“Shush. You can’t tell anyone. I don’t even know why I’ve been thinking about him. I hate him. He kidnapped me.” She pauses. “But … every time I close my eyes, his face is right there. Tormenting me. I really hate it.”

“Rocco would never allow that.”

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