Page 67 of His Vow
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Rap, rap, rap.Knocking on my father’s office door is nothing like how it felt a week ago. A lot has changed since then. Most significantly is my husband beside me with his large hand engulfing my free one, our fingers interlocked. There’s nothing my father or anyone else can do to tear us apart. Not that I think that’s my father’s intention today.
He’s been different this week, with me, Dante, and Mamma. Like the threat of losing any of us has made him realize what’s truly important. It’s not the money, big houses, fancy cars, or glitzy events for you to show the world your success. It’s family.
Antonio and his brothers taught me that the first summer we met. It’s a shame it’s taken my father until this late in life to learn the same lesson.
“Entra,” Papa commands from the other side of the door, and I turn the handle to lead us in. My cheeks still glowing from the steamy kiss I shared with my husband.
The scrape of my father’s chair against the parquet flooring sounds, and he’s on his feet, stepping around his desk and walking toward us. My grip tightens in Ant’s. I’m not scared of Papa, more shocked that he’s standing in front of us with his hand held out in greeting to Antonio. Even before Ant has had a chance to lift his.
They shake, and Papa gestures us to move to the sofa. “Sit.”
Again, I’m having to pick my jaw up so I’m not gawking at my father like he’s a stranger.
“I’m glad we’ve got this chance to speak.” His almost-black eyes drill into each of us in turn. So maybe not everything is different.
“Yes, sir. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for keeping my wife safe while I was recovering.”
My father’s heavy brows draw down into a frown. “She’s my daughter. Of course I should protect her,” he growls.
“Papa, I’m …”
My father’s gaze falls on me first, then turns to Ant. “But I understand. She’s your wife now and therefore your responsibility to keep her safe.”
I cringe at how sexist his words sound, but then, Rome wasn’t built in a day,and my father’s long-held belief in the patriarchy isn’t going to change in a week.
I cover Antonio’s hand on the sofa between us and give it a light squeeze. He’s well-versed in dealing with a domineering father, and I know he’s got this. The touch is more to settle me than him.
“Genero, I owe you an apology for believing you were not the right man for my daughter, as her friend then or husband now. I was wrong to blame you for the mistakes of your cousin. I believed Bruno when I shouldn’t have.”
A gasp slips from my lips. My father has just called Antonio his son-in-law and admitted he was wrong. Two things I never thought I’d hear him utter.
“Unfortunately, we’ve all made mistakes with Bruno. If I can speak frankly to you, sir, I’d like to explain some of what we’ve discovered?”
My father nods, his face stern as he focuses all his attention on my husband.
“For a few months now, Giovanni and I have been investigating anomalies in the financial reports for the Barbieri Foods subsidiary. Money has been transferred out of the company accounts, and large amounts of our product have gone missing from the Port of Naples.” Ant turns to me beforecontinuing. “We’ve recently learned that Bruno was the man behind this.”
“What?” I wheeze the word out, not meaning to interrupt.
Antonio turns his hand over and links his fingers through mine. I knew Bruno was capable of sexual assault and was overall a nasty, horrible human being. Now I can add the labels of thief and family traitor. A shudder runs through my body, and Ant moves closer on the sofa to press against my side. His body heat and scent surrounding me like a soft, warm blanket.
“Sadly, it’s true. Bruno owes some very dangerous people a lot of money, and he’s been systematically using the company to pay off those debts. When he learned Gio and I were close to discovering who was behind the missing money, he decided to threaten us. He was the one who sent those men to assault me.”
“Does your father know?” Papa asks, his tone flat and heavy.
“Gio and my brother Nico were going to see him when I left Florence. They’ve also spoken to the carabinieri,who are currently looking for Bruno.”
“Then Lucia is still not safe.” My father’s voice rises.
“No, sir, but I have my own security at my villa. I love your daughter, and I would never let anything happen to her.” Ant releases my hand and wraps his arm around my shoulders, holding me even closer, and I melt into the embrace, placing a hand in the center of his chest. Not even a little bit embarrassed at the show of affection in front of my father, who hates any demonstration of emotion.
Papa stands and walks over to his desk. It’s time for us to leave too.
But before we do, he has one last thing to say. “If you or your brother need any assistance, let me know. Otherwise, keep my daughter safe.” Then he shakes Ant’s hand and kisses me on both cheeks. His expression softer than I think I’ve ever seen on him.
The click of the door closing as we leave him alone in his office doesn’t have the same finality as it has in the past.
