Page 172 of Vita Mia

“I haven’t crossed any lines Domi. I would never.”

“You just did. Don’t ever touch her, Nico. You know that.” Dominic warned.

Nico nodded. “Si, certo. She’s a strong woman Domi, but no one can go at it alone. She’s right. The isolation will eventually get to Giovanni. Fighting, we understand. Surviving like Lorenzo we can do. Not isolation. No contact. No one. Every day out of the week. Just our memories and our demons to keep us company. How long would you last Domi?”

“Keep your fucking hands off of her!” Dominic grunted. “We’ll get him out, and the last thing we both need is for him to walk through the door and discover his wife survived it all with you.”

Nico sat back down.

Dominic let go another deep sigh. He sat down. He looked at the glass of water. “I’m off the sauce again.”

Nico frowned. “There a reason?”

“Only one.” Dominic looked at his hands. “I’m becoming someone else. I can feel it Nico. I care less. Every day, I care less.”

“You’re the fucking boss of Palermo. It comes with the job,” Nico said.

“That’s just it. I spent my life believing I wasn’t qualified for this job. That you’re born with something to do this bullshit. Nobody normal signs up for this.” Dominic put his face in his hand. “Maybe we are cursed. Maybe we have to be monsters because we’re meant to be monsters. Maybe that is what Flavio was trying to teach me. What I never understood.”

“Sounds like you’ve been drinking,” Nico chuckled.

Dominic smiled.

“I’m going to see Sera tonight. I’ll make sure she sticks to the plan. I’ll do my part.” Dominic’s gaze lifted and nailed Nico. “You need to be the one to bring me Brian Smith. Can you handle it?”

“I thought I was to protect the kids and Mirabella? At all cost?”

“She’s home, with me. She needs her husband. Not you.” Dominic said. “The kids have a father. It isn’t you.”

Nico nodded. “Yes. I understand.”

***

“MIRABELLA?” CATALINAsaid.

She turned to see Catalina with Leeza in her arms. Mirabella wiped her tears and smiled. “Hey? She’s fussing again?”

Leeza reached for her mother and Mirabella’s heart melted. Since she returned home all of the kids have been clingy. She’d only spent a few days away but with Giovanni gone it was too much change.

“Hey baby girl,” Mirabella cooed. She kissed her and hugged her.

“I’m waiting to hear from Domi if we are going home or staying the night.” Catalina said and took a seat.

Mirabella glanced to her. “You two doing well?”

Catalina gave her a weak smile.

“It’s a process.”

“Process?” Mirabella asked. “Falling back in love is a process?”

“A big one,” Catalina chuckled. But there was something empty in her laugh.

“Do you still love him?”

“Wow? You too huh?” Catalina sighed.

“Me too?”

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