Page 94 of The Deal

Chloe lifts one shoulder. “I don’t remember much about that time in my life,” she replies, bowing her head.

Her mother is watching her from across the room, and my heart goes out to her. I can see the love she still carries for her child.

I’m unsure if Chloe says that to hurt Angelina’s feelings or if she genuinely means it. I can relate to blocking out the past. Forgetting comes easily the majority of the time.

The hard part isn’t letting go of your trauma, it’s learning how to start over.

“Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes,” she says, giving us her back again.

I’ve had the pleasure of eating her food on many occasions over the years, and since I’ve barely eaten over the past few days, I’m looking forward to a home-cooked meal.

“We’ll be heading back to Sydney later this morning,” I say to nobody in particular. “You can stay with us, Lina.”

That statement has Chloe’s head snapping in my direction, but I ignore the glare she’s now giving me.

“Dante’s being transferred sometime this afternoon, so I’d like to be at the hospital when he arrives.”

“Have you gotten any more updates on his condition?” Angelina asks.

“I spoke with his doctor this morning. He’s still stable, which I’m thankful for. He’s not out of the woods yet, but he seems to be improving a little each day.”

“That’s good,” she replies, nodding her head. “Have you given any thought to the funeral arrangements for your father?”

“Not yet. I’ve been too preoccupied with Dante and …” My eyes flicker back to Chloe, but she’s staring at her lap again. “I’ll look into that later today. I can guarantee my brother would want to be there, so I’ll need to check if that’s possible.”

“Okay. Let me know if I can be of some help.”

“I appreciate that. I’ve already sent money to the families of the other men involved to cover any expenses they may have.”

“That’s good,” she says, doing the sign of the cross when she turns back to her cooking.

I reach up to rub my temples, feeling a headache settling in. There’s so much to do, and I feel like I’m being pulled in a thousand different directions.

Chapter 30

Alexander

Ishove my hands deep into the pockets of my trousers as I stroll down the long corridor towards my brother’s room.

We’ve been back in Sydney for five days, but nothing much has changed. Chloe only speaks when spoken to, and she avoids her mother at all costs.

They are only in the same room together when we sit down for a meal, and the air becomes so thick you could cut it with a knife.

Giovanni spends his time either locked away in Chloe’s room—where she hides for most of the day—or in the kitchen with his newly found Nonna. Sophia’s parents cut her out of their lives years ago when the whole Giovanni-not-being-mine debacle came to light. It’s been a long time since he’s had the chance to experience a grandparent’s love.

The poor kid lost just as much as I did during that time, including my father’s affection. He is the innocent party in all this, which only makes me love him even more.

When I reach my brother’s room, I nod at the armed guard I’ve stationed outside his door. The hospital wasn’timpressed with the round-the-clock security I’ve assigned, but I don’t give a fuck. I’m not taking any chances in case any of the Mortellis plan to come and finish the job.

Dante is sitting up in bed when I enter, and the sight has a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. He’s come a long way since the shooting. His recovery will be extensive, but he’s still here and improving every day, which is the most important thing.

I move over to one of the chairs by the wall, dragging it towards the bed, and take a seat. “How are you feeling today?” I ask.

“Same as yesterday when you asked me … shit.”

“You at least have your colour back today.”

“Hmm,” he hums, totally bored with our conversation already.

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