Page 27 of Pretty Little Disaster

“Well, we know he’s no fucking Russian.” Dario sighs, heading to the mini bar in the corner of his office to top himself up and pour me one, too.

“Not for me, I have to drive home,” I refuse.

“It’s never stopped you before.” Dario stares back at me.

“Yeah, well, things have changed. I have responsibilities now,” I remind him and he nods his head almost looking proud as he retakes his seat.

“So, Nic.” His voice sounds much more tolerable than it did before. “What do you suppose we do?”

“I don’t know, I guess you talk to Amanté, tell him we’re working on the name, and in the meantime watch Doyle closer. He only had three cases down in that basement, supply looks to be running out, which means…”

“He’ll be needing more.” Dario scratches his fingers through his stubble. “You're off this one, I’ll have Vito cover it.”

“No.” I shake my head. “This isn’t about who does the fucking job, Dario. This is about Lorna’s feelings. No one is killing her dad.”

“And since when have you given a fuck about Lorna’s feelings?” Dario tests me.

“Since she became the woman who’s carrying my baby. Come on, Dario, you out of anyone should understand. The whole time my sister was pregnant all you ever went on about was how stress was bad for her. Lorna cares about her father, I could tell when I asked her about him on the way here. She thinks he’s a pharmaceutical rep for Christ’s sake. I can’t allow you or anyone else to kill him. At least, not while she’s in the condition she’s in.”

“Nic, Lorna is Madalina’s best friend, do you honestly think I would do anything to hurt her? She’s family now.” I’ve spent a lot of years hating Dario DeMarco, but over the past few I’ve seen a different side to him. He’s a man who loves even with a stone-cold heart and he’s fiercely loyal to the people he cares about. Right now, I’m really thankful that the mother of my child is one of them.

“I’m going to trust your word on that.” I reach over his desk to shake his hand.

“You can, but I will still be keeping a close eye on him. We need a name for Amanté. The person who shot her dumped the gun near the scene. Maybe soon they will need to buy another one.” He makes a valid point before he finishes his drink.

“Let’s rejoin the girls, I’ll already be in trouble for talking shop on Serena’s special night.” He rolls his eyes as he stands back up.

“Madalina mentioned you played golf, today. You hate golf,” I mention as we make our way toward the door.

“I do, but it is rude to turn down an invitation.” He opens the door for me.

“And who was the invitation from?” I already have my suspicions.

“Gio Ferrazza.” Dario clears his throat after saying the name because he knows I won’t be happy to hear it.

“Gio Ferrazza as in Bruno Monti’s nephew?”

“Yes.” Dario stops and turns to face me.

“I didn’t realize the two of you are friends.”

“You know we are not. Gio wanted to offer me a proposal, he intends to make a claim on his uncle’s district when the time comes. He feels, as Bruno’s sister’s son, it’s a strong one and, of course, it is backed by Bruno.”

“And is it a strong one?” I do my best to hide my frustration.

“Nic, to be respected and trusted as a leader, I must be fair. To just hand a district over to my brother-in-law would be questionable to some. I had to hear Bruno out, I have to give him my consideration, much the same as I will give it to you.”

“Dario, your father ruined my family and took our district. I have been working my ass off to prove to you that I can handle the responsibility, I have a family of my own to think about, now.”

“Right now, Nic, all you have is an illegitimate child. There are many men in our world who have that. You will be considered for the district when the time comes. Until then keep doing what you are doing. Show not just me, but others, that you are worthy. Make my decision an easy one.” He slaps my shoulder before moving into the living room and scooping up my niece. “Did I miss something, my angel?” He kisses her cheek, and when I see Lorna sitting on the couch reading Carlotta a story, I manage a smile when her eyes lift up from the page and meet with mine.

“It’s been a long time since I saw Serena that drunk.” I toss my keys on the table as I step through the apartment door.

“She was funny, some of the stories she was telling about your father were a little graphic. I could have carried on happily through life without knowing the skinny dipping in the St Tropez story.” Lorna heads straight for the refrigerator to grab herself a bottle of water, and when she struggles to unscrew the lid I take it off her and do it for her.

“Thanks,” she offers me that sweet, little smile before she takes a sip.

“I texted my mom and told her we’d visit Saturday afternoon, does that work for you?” she checks.

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