Page 327 of Mafia Kings: Valentino

Cat sat on my lap, her arm draped lovingly around my shoulders.

Everybody was happy –

Except for Niccolo.

He just sat back in his chair, frowning the entire time, a dark cloud over his head.

After we finished lunch, Dario said diplomatically to Isabella, “I’m assuming your days in Sicily have probably come to an end.”

“Yes, but that’s alright. Lu and I have lived our entire lives on one tiny patch of land. It’s time to see other places.”

“Well, you’re welcome to stay with us until you figure out where you’re going,” Alessandra offered.

Dario looked at his wife in surprise.

“Well?” Alessandra asked. “Isn’t she?”

“…yes,” Dario said, recovering with a polite smile. “We would be delighted to have you.”

“That’s very kind. Thank you.”

“Oh, so now we’re taking in strays,” Niccolo grumbled. “And in the middle of awar.”

“Niccolo,” Alessandra snapped.

Nic just drained his glass of champagne and didn’t say anything else.

“Do you have funds to travel?” Roberto asked Isabella.

“No, but I’m sure we’ll figure something out.”

“Let’s talk when we get back to Tuscany,” Roberto said. “We can provide you with something to get you started.”

“So now we’re givingmoney away after nearly going broke?” Niccolo spat.

“We’re flush with cash at the moment,” Roberto reprimanded him. “We can afford a wedding gift.”

“A wedding gift,” Niccolo said sarcastically.“Wonderful.As if nearly gettingkilledwasn’t enough.”

“Niccolo!” Alessandra snapped.

Dario looked annoyed with Nic, too, but everybody else was downright uncomfortable.

Cat squeezed my hand nervously.

Lars and Rachel kept their eyes on their plates.

Mei-ling held Roberto’s hand in a show of support –

And Massimo shot Nic a look like,Can you please shut up?

Lucia, on the other hand, was highly entertained. She kept glancing back and forth like she was watching volleys at Wimbledon.

Isabella looked embarrassed. “I’m very touched by your offer, but we don’t want to be a burden – ”

“Nic’s not pissed at you, Isabella,” I said loudly. “He’s angry atme.So Nic, why don’t you and I take a little walk and hash this out, huh?”

“Gladly,” Niccolo snarled.

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