Page 101 of Depths of Desire
I take a deep breath and start talking before I lose my nerve. My chest aches, but if I don’t get this out, I will lose my nerve, and then I will end up being miserable.
“I don’t want to be part ofla famigliaanymore. It has brought nothing but pain and suffering to me and my family. I love you with every fiber of my being, but I just don’t want to live that way. And I know from watching my parents that if you stay involved, we can’t live separate lives because it will drive us apart. I know it. So, we have to figure something out. I…I just can’t be a part of that world any longer.”
I drag my eyes up to meet Nico’s gaze and he’s grinning. “I’m so glad you said that because I feel the same way.”
“Really?” My voice rises two octaves.
“Yes. As a matter of fact, we are already making moves to get out.”
I frown. “Who is we?”
“My brothers and my father. We are all getting out of the business.”
My mouth drops open. “Seriously?”
Nico nods. “Yes. It’s time.”
“What are you going to do?” I still can’t get my brain around it.
“We, as in you and me, are going to run my winery empire.” He pauses. “How would you feel about moving?”
“Moving? To where?” I ask cautiously.
“Nova Scotia. I just bought a new winery there, and it needs some work. I thought we could make it our home base. I know it’s not Europe, but it’s a lovely place. I think you’ll like it.”
My chest is bursting with joy. “I will love it! Oh, Nico, this is the best news ever.”
He leans forward to kiss me. I raise my arms to put them around his neck, but I freeze. I stare at my skin.
“What is it? What’s wrong?”
I stare and then meet his gaze. “Nico, I glow.”
He smiles at me. “You’ve always glowed for me, my life.” Then he wraps me in his arms and kisses me with the promise of forever on his lips.
