Page 19 of Brightness

“Ora vaffanculo!”

The soldier spins on his heels and scurries off without saying another word.

In amusement, I raise my brows at Dash, who’s trying to hold in his laughter.

Tony holds out his hand to me. “Come, signora. Let’s take you to meet Mia.”

Taking Tony’s hand, I smile as he starts walking me toward the entrance of the giant house, but I make sure to peek over my shoulder to ensure Dash is following. He’s walking behind me alongside Matteo, so I relax a little, now being more at ease.

I’m glad Dash has my back, but I do wish Void were here.

Tony ushers me inside the lavish two-story mansion.

My eyes widen as I take in what’s in front of me. A grand staircase leads up to the second floor, with plush cream carpet lining the stairs. Gorgeous polished wood banisters and ornate ironwork railings lead to the top.

To my right is an offset coffee area with a built-in seat. Plush white and silver cushions are placed perfectly, giving it a homey feel. The opaque curtains are pulled to the side, and the coffee area overlooks the sparkling waterway and marina out the back—a perfect spot to spend the afternoon reading and relaxing, I would imagine.

Tony leads us through and to the left, which opens to a spacious living room, the colors warm and earthy, brown leather and chestnut wood. Red cushions are scattered along the huge black chesterfield sofa, which seems excessively large in the floor space. A matching armchair sits at the end of the sofa, in pride position. It’s worn, like maybe it’s been in the family for generations.

At the rear of the living area, the kitchen is sleek and modern in design with accents of red, black, and stainless steel, but Tony guides me away, leading us up a set of stairs before I can take a good look at it.

Damn! I really wanted to investigate the house further. It has an old-world charm about it, but it’s still really freaking beautiful and tasteful. I’ve never seen anything like this. Ever.

The soft sound of a television flows through the air when we make it to the top, and it’s just as stunning up here. As we reach the landing, it opens onto another living room, only this one is a hell of a lot smaller. This might be more of a chill-out zone, with a two-seater love seat and two smaller recliners facing the massive television mounted on the wall between two giant windows. They, too, gaze out over the glorious waterway. The views from this home are to die for.

“Seriously, Tony, how rich are you?” Dash quips.

Tony doesn’t reply as he leads Dash, Matteo, and me across the expanse toward the room where the sounds are coming from. “Money isn’t an issue,” Tony finally replies.

“I bet it’s not, you ol’ dog.”

I roll my eyes, and Tony doesn’t respond.

We approach a door, and Tony knocks gently on it.

“Come in,” a gentle voice chimes from the other side.

Tony opens the door and tilts his head for us to follow him. As we enter, I take in a beautiful blonde woman sitting on the pink princess-themed bed, running her fingers over the bald head of a little girl. She must be six, maybe seven at most.

Mia.

The woman stands and smiles wide at Matteo, but bypasses him for Tony. She slides into his arms and gives him a polite kiss on the lips. “Amore mio.”

“How is she doing?” Tony asks, as Matteo moves in to sit on the edge of Mia’s bed. Matteo stares lovingly down at her.

The love Matteo obviously has for Mia pours off him in waves as he sits back, leaving her to sleep.

Dash and I stand by the door, letting the scene play out in front of us, not really knowing what to say or do.

“She’s doing better today. It’s a good day,” the woman says, appearing happy.

“Excellent news, Amalia. Our family would be lost without you.”

Is Amalia Tony’s wife? Mia’s mom?

“We’d be lost without you, Antonio.” They lean in and kiss again.

I widen my eyes at Dash, suddenly a little uncomfortable with the DeLucas’ public display of affection. Matteo groans.

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