Page 145 of The Last Ones Standing, Part Two

“Nice place,” I say.

“Grazie.I finished it with my wife in mind. Now, I’m afraid I’ll have to build her a new one.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Reeshemah wants to be where Nyla is. If I can’t talk you into moving here. It looks like I’m coming to the States.”

“Well, welcome to America,” I snort.

“I thought you would say that,” he says as he eases into a chair in the study. “Forgive me. I’m still in a bit of pain. You’re welcome to a drink if you don’t mind pouring it for yourself.” He points to the wet bar in the corner.

“I’m good.” I sit and smooth down my tie. “Tell me what you want from me.”

“I want what my title and parents have denied me. I want to know my other family. I find myself more like you than the prince my parents wanted to raise. I didn’t think twice about covering Ava even though my men were close by trying to get me to safety.

“I think my bank can serve you in business. Allow me to be a resource,cugino.I have many connections I can share.”

“We can discuss.”

“Bene bene. You should know Riccardo is here. He’s searching for allies.”

“Location?” I bite out.

“That I don’t have. He’s keeping on the move.”

Figures. He has no idea what’s going on with Dario and the promotion. It’s been over five months. By now the announcement should have been made. He needs information or a planB.

“I’ll find him,” I reply.

“One more thing before we get to business. My wife wants to remain one of your…bambole? Did I get this right?”

“Sì. You have.” I nod.

“Yes, this was her…how do you say…hard limit. However, now she thinks you and Nyla are going to release her because of what happened.” He points to his side, where I’m assuming he took the hit. “Please, don’t take this from her. She’s had enough pain in her life.”

I smile. “Holly has nothing to worry about. She could have returned to the farm already. We don’t blame her. Ma misses her as it is.”

Gianni looks genuinely relieved. “Grazie.Now, about that help. Tell me what you need. I have more reach than you know. I’ve been waiting to join you.La mia famiglia.”

Chapter 61

Mia Nipote

Nyla

Time is up. We’re all returning home. My sister is engaged. Dario and Carleen are married, and I have a wedding I’m actually planning.

We bring Ava home as soon as Gio and Kington dot the finali. Seven months. He promised no more than seven months. I’ve waited this long. This is the closest I’ve been to an actual date.

“Ah, Nyla. You came,” Nonno croons as I slip into his office.

“Of course. You wanted to see me.”

“Come sit.”

I move to take a seat beside him on the couch. He pulls me into a hug. I embrace him tightly. For some reason, this feels like a goodbye.

“Michelangelo has asked to use the house in Italy for your wedding. I can’t help feeling like it’s my fault you’ve waited so long for this day.”

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