Page 62 of The Mob Boss' Pet

His words may have been true days ago, but at this moment, right here, I’m not so sure. Would I leave if he opened the door and let me out?

“You’re not alone, Vincenzo. That’s what I mean.”

“I trusted my brother.” His voice cracks and he quickly turns to his side, away from me. I touch his arm, but don’t push him. He needs to figure out things for himself, but I won’t leave him. I won’t let him disappear into himself.

“There has to be a way to deal with this that doesn’t make it worse,” I say quietly and slip beneath the covers.

“Go to sleep, Stephania.” He’s gone into a dark space. I can’t pull him out right now, but I won’t let him think he’s alone.

“Yes, sir,” I say and kiss his bare shoulder before scooting down beneath the blanket and pressing my body against him. If I could take in his pain, I would, but I’ll just have to settle with snuggling him until he falls asleep.

Chapter Eighteen

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Vincenzo

The wind whips across the cemetery, smacking me in the face. It’s going to start raining soon; the priest better hurry the fuck up.

Aunt Nancy stands at the edge of the grave with her friends holding her in their arms. More to keep her from drunkenly stumbling into the grave than to comfort her.

Anton and Maria stand behind her with Roberto and Sarah beside them. Stephania slips her hand into mine, squeezing gently.

It’s been two days since I stumbled into my room after drowning myself in whiskey. She’s been quiet about that night. Maybe she thinks I don’t remember it, but I do. I remember her sweetness, her touch, her concern. Every moment of it.

I remember her admitting she wanted to submit. I recall her words convincing me I’m not alone in this.

She snuggles up to me when the chill of the wind blows again. The back of Anton’s head is directly in front of me, making the chill in the air warmer than the blood in my veins.

The priest steps forward again, making the gesture of the cross over the lowered casket. I haven’t been to church since Mama was here to force me, but I remember the motions and mumble along with the prayer. Stephania prays with the rest of us.

She didn’t know Sergio, but she takes in the pain from the mourners gathered. We’re a large crowd. Not only the Manetto family, but representatives from the other major families in Chicago. Out of respect, they come to bow their heads and pray. None of them aware it was my own brother making all of this necessary.

Off in the distance, parked at the end of the line of cars, Detective Anderson gets out of his car and watches us. My jaw clenches and I pull Stephania even closer to me.

Finally, the priest calls the ceremony to a close. The funeral home director makes the standard invitation for everyone to meet at a nearby restaurant for a luncheon. Aunt Nancy’s cries start up again, and her friends help her away from the grave.

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