Page 99 of Savage Union
So instead, I simply nod once before closing the door behind me, leaving Vito standing in the foyer—so close, yet separated by more than just a wooden door.
Tomorrow, I'll see my family. Tomorrow, I'll figure out how to navigate this increasingly complicated situation with the Irish, with Liam, with my own conflicted feelings for Vito. Tomorrow, I'll face the consequences of whatever game we're playing.
But tonight, I'll dream of white dresses and dark eyes, of gentle hands and whispered promises—and try not to think about how quickly I'm losing myself in the man I once swore to hate.
CHAPTER 31
Vito
The roadto the Hamptons stretches before us, Manhattan's concrete jungle gradually giving way to more verdant landscapes. I keep my attention divided between the traffic ahead and Caterina beside me. She's been quiet since we left the penthouse this morning, her nervous energy evident in the way she fidgets with the silver bracelet on her wrist.
I chose to drive us personally rather than have Dante handle it. Some journeys warrant a more... intimate approach. Marco follows in a second vehicle with additional security, but this moment—Caterina's extended visit with her family following their brief lunch together last week—feels like something I should oversee directly.
"Excited?" I ask, breaking the comfortable silence between us.
She turns from the window, expression thoughtful. "Yes. That lunch at Eleven Madison Park was wonderful, but it was so short. Public." Her fingers trace the bracelet absently. "This feels different."
"It is different," I confirm. "A full day, in private surroundings. No time constraints."
"Thank you for that." Her gratitude seems genuine, another small shift in our evolving dynamic. "Sofia barely had time to tell me about her art projects during lunch. And my mother..." She trails off, a shadow crossing her features.
"Your mother seemed well at lunch," I observe. "But I understand limited time in a restaurant isn't the same as being home together."
She nods. "Exactly. Elena and I hardly got to talk at all with everyone there. This is... better."
"We're about twenty minutes out," I inform her, changing lanes smoothly. "The Greenhouse has been prepared for your visit."
"The Greenhouse," she repeats. "Such an innocuous name for a gilded cage."
"It's hardly a cage, Caterina. The property spans fifteen acres, with gardens, a pool, tennis courts." I glance at her briefly. "Your mother has developed quite an appreciation for the rose garden since you saw her last."
This catches her attention. "She always loved roses. But my father would never give her a garden, so she could never grow them properly."
"She has free rein of the gardens now. The staff tells me she spends most mornings there."
Caterina studies me, something unreadable in her expression. "You keep tabs on them."
It's not a question, but I answer anyway. "Of course. They're family now."
"Family," she echoes, testing the word like it's written in a foreign language.
"Yes,bambola. Family." I turn onto the private road that leads to the estate. "Which means they fall under my protection and care."
She falls silent again as the Greenhouse comes into view—a sprawling estate of glass and stone nestled among manicured grounds. Secluded, defensible, beautiful—the perfect place to keep precious things safe from the world's dangers.
Security personnel positioned discreetly around the perimeter come to attention as we approach. The main gates swing open automatically, recognition software identifying my vehicle long before we reach the entrance.
I pull to a stop in the circular driveway, cutting the engine just as Marco's SUV arrives behind us. Caterina seems momentarily frozen beside me, her eyes fixed on the front entrance where her mother now stands, Sofia beside her.
"They're waiting for you," I say gently.
She turns to me, vulnerability naked in her eyes for just a moment before she masters it. "Thank you for this."
"Go," I nod toward the door. "We have all day."
She doesn't need further encouragement. In an instant, she's out of the car and hurrying toward her family. Sofia breaks away first, running to meet her sister halfway. Their collision is a tangle of arms and laughter, more exuberant than the restrained greeting they'd exchanged at the restaurant. Olga Gallo approaches more sedately, but the emotion on her face is unmistakable as she enfolds both her daughters in an embrace.
I remain by the car, allowing them this moment without intrusion. Marco approaches, positioning himself at a respectful distance.
