Page 49 of Prideful Union
“It’s not,” I agree with her. “And I know I’ve been harsh. I didn’t realize how much you’ve been struggling with the news about your mom and … father.”
“Learning you were lied to your entire life? You didn’t think that would hurt my feelings? You want to know what hurts the most? How you’ve acted like this was your secret to reveal. How it was your problem? It wasn’t, Santino. It was between my mom and Luca and me. My mom should’ve been the one to tell me on her own time., except you forced the issue because you needed to know if the rumors were true.”
“Of course, I did. My reputation?—”
“Exactly. It was for your reputation. But this is my mom’s life. My brother’s life. My life. We’re the ones affected by this. Not you. You didn’t even tell me you were doing the test. I had a right to know about it. You never should have kept that from me.”
There are so many things I want to say. Natural defense mechanisms that make me look like the good guy.
But … “You’re right,” I say. Her eyes widen. “Didn’t expect me to say that, did you? I wanted to know for myself. I wasn’t thinking about you. And that was wrong of me to do.”
She blows out a breath. “The great Santino Ricci just admitted to being wrong. What is this world turning to?”
“Our marriage is not what I expected.”
“Me either.”
“I’m starting to realize,” I say, “I’ve been hard on you. I don’t want a repeat of yesterday. I don’t want you to hurt someone or yourself. And it’s not just for my reputation. It’s also because I just don’t want to see that. We need to overcome this. I need to stop pushing you away. And I have a way I can do that.”
“How?”
I inhale deeply, steadying myself for what I’m about to ask next. “Care to join me on a date?”
Later that evening,Lucia and I arrive at the most iconic place in all of Rome.
The Colosseum.
With my money, I was able to pay for a private tour of it for the two of us. No one else around.
A table full of food and wine is set up on a platform overlooking the tunnels below. The stars are out. The candles on the table give everything a soft glow.
No one will bother us.
It’s just Lucia and me.
“Wow,” she says, taking her seat. “This is beautiful, Santino.”
“I’m glad you like it. A lot better than Roma World, in my opinion.”
She smiles slightly. “I have to agree with that.” She takes a sip of her wine. “This is amazing. I’m sure you’ve never done this before. Too touristy for you.”
“True. But I knew you’d like it.”
Her breath hitches. “Why are you being kind all of a sudden? One moment, you’re cold, and the next, we’re sharing a fun moment together.”
“I saw how you were yesterday. How upset you were. It dawned on me how much you’re struggling. It made me look beyond myself.”
“For once.”
My lips twitch into a small smile. “Yes. For once. We’re married, Lucia. There’s no changing that. I can’t blame you forever for a lie your mom told. That’s not your fault. Even though it’s been interesting fighting with you, I started to wonder what it would be like to just … be with you. No fighting.”
“Possibly laughing instead?”
“Possibly laughing instead. Except I can’t remember the last time I truly laughed.”
She smiles over her wine glass. “Then I’ll just have to get you to laugh someday. I can make that my new mission.” She reaches across the table and takes my hand. “This is all I’ve ever wanted, Santino. A happy marriage. I wanted to be a power couple.”
“A power couple? Seriously?”
