Page 2 of Killian

“As they should.” I smirk, making him chuckle.

Antonio, one of the guards, opens the door to the house as we approach. “Grazie.” We both tell him as we pass and make our way down the hall.

“Ready?” Enzo asks over his shoulder.

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” I murmur. Enzo raises his hand and knocks. He opens the door once given permission and lets me pass.

“I’ll be right outside, Miss Catalini,” he says formally to appease myNonno, shutting the door.

“Sit,bambina.”Nonnonods toward the chair in front of his desk.

“Is everything okay,Nonno?”

“How was today? You worked in the fields, yes?”

“I did, but we both know you don’t want to talk about the olives, so how about you tell me what has you late for dinner.” I raise a brow.

“Bambina,” he scolds. “You know you shouldn’t speak to your elders like that.”

“I apologize,” I say solemnly, making us both smile.

“Your brother called,” he says as his smile drops. “Is there anything you need to tell me,bambina?”

“Not that I know of.” I frown, trying to think if I’ve done anything that would get back to Bash.

“I know you spend all your time with those computers.” He sighs. “Can’t get into much trouble between in there and out in the fields.”

“Nope,” I say innocently. If only he knew what I did on those computers. “What did Bash want?”

“I’m afraid you’ve been summoned back to the States.”

“For how long?” I ask, going stiff.

“He never said, but I’m sure he will want you to stay and get to know the baby.”

I hum, not completely sold. “When do I leave?”

“Tonight, I’m afraid.”Nonnostands and rounds his desk. I stand and take his hand. “Be good, yes?”

“Always.” I lean in and kiss each of his weathered cheeks, breathing in the scent of tobacco that clings to him. “Ti voglio bene.”

“Ti voglio bene, bambina,” he whispers, kissing my forehead. “You have a safe flight and hurry home.”

The fifteen-hour flightis long and turbulent, but we make it in one piece. As we pull into the gates of Bash and Sofia’s home, I cannot help but feel cold.

This is where I grew up, and yet, it never felt like home.

Not like Geraci-Siculo.

A hand drops onto my knee, holding it in place.

“You need to calm your jitters,” Enzo whispers. “They make you look guilty and we both know we can’t afford that.”

“Sorry,” I say under my breath. “Blank face, keep a blank face,” I coach myself.

Enzo removes his hand from my leg and gets out once the car comes to a stop. He holds his hand out for me and helps me out before dropping it and walking in front of me.

“Welcome home, Miss Catalini,” the guard at the door says as he lets us pass. I offer him a nod but say nothing.

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