Page 122 of Vicious Heir

“Okay. Lucy. I’d be happy to take your money. It’ll help a lot of people. Serenity Steps is always understaffed and working on a shoestring budget. This money will go a long way.”

“Then good. Talk to the right people. Loop them in. Send my assistant the paperwork. We’ll get the money deposited into your bank account tomorrow.”

Finally, she looks like she believes me. Her body seems to relax, and she laughs like she can’t believe it. “Thank you so much. Seriously, this is… this is incredible.”

“I’m happy to do it.”

We talk logistics for a little bit longer. She tells me stories of the single mothers they try to help. Serenity Steps focuses on drug and alcohol rehabilitation for underprivileged Philadelphia folks, and it’s one of many organizations doing good work throughout the city.

When we’re done, she gives me a quick hug. “Thank you again. This is life-changing for our clients. If there’s anything you ever need from me personally, please reach out.”

“Actually, there’s something.” I squeeze her arm as we walk to the door together. “Email me the names of more organizations like yours. Any you think are doing good work and need some help.”

“I mean, I’d be happy to.” She shakes her head. “Thank you, Lucy.”

“Good luck.”

Maria heads out into the morning. I turn away and can feel him right behind me. Adriano’s smiling, his beautiful lips turned up, his eyes dark and stormy.

“How’d it go?” he asks.

“Easy-peasy. Always is when I’m throwing money at them.”

He snorts a laugh, and we leave together. Vittorio’s still inside, paying the bill. “How much is she getting?”

“One point two. Think it should be more?”

“Start there and see how they do with it. Then we’ll reconsider.” He puts an arm around my shoulders and hugs me close. I lean my head into him, smiling a bit. “With this new art income flow, we’ll have the funds to send your way.”

“Never thought a crime family would be so into charity.”

“Normally, we wouldn’t, but the Don is very smitten with his lovely wife and will do whatever she asks.”

“Lucky girl.” I stop and give him a quick kiss. “I should get home to Alessia.”

“You don’t have to rush. Donatella’s got her.”

“You know how I am. New mom and all that. She’s only six months old.”

“And she’ll be fine for a few hours.” He tugs me against him and buries my mouth in a blistering kiss.

“Easy there.” I sigh and lean tighter. “Otherwise, we might make another one of those kids.”

“That’s the plan.”

I kiss him again, but we’re interrupted when Vittorio calls Adriano’s name. “You two just going to stand there and make out on the sidewalk like a couple of freaks?” he asks, smirking as he leans against the car.

“Probably.” Adriano scowls at him. “Is that how you talk to your Don?”

“Only when he’s being a freak.” Vittorio waves. “I’m taking the BMW. You two can walk.”

“Happily,” I say, holding Adriano’s hand. “I always say he needs more exercise.”

“Well, shit,” he grumbles.

Vittorio drives off, leaving me with my doting, dangerous killer of a husband. We head down the shady West Philly sidewalk, moving toward the South Street Bridge and beyond that, our little kingdom.

“You know, the pieces haven’t come together perfectly, but I’m happy with what we built,” Adriano comments. “Marcy DeLuca’s a pain in my ass, but we have more allies than we ever did before.”

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