Page 110 of Of Grief And Gratitude

“That hasn’t worked so well for women associated with your family, has it?”

A shadow crossed Romeo’s expression before he schooled his features. That was it. I knocked Sloane away from the door and slipped through. “Love you! Don’t be a bitch, and don’t wait up for me!”

I slammed the door and grabbed Romeo’s hand, pulling him toward the elevator. Once the doors closed, he pinned me against the mirrored sides. “I’ve missed you.”

“You’ve come over almost every day,” I said, panting as his lips brushed mine.

“It’s not enough.” Without a thought to my lipstick, he kissed me hard, thrusting his tongue into my mouth. I played back, twining my tongue with his. “You know what I mean. This. Can’t do it with your guard dog around all the time.”

“Maybe we should spend the night at your place,” I said breathlessly.

He nodded. “I think that’s a great idea. Make sure Sloane knows, so she doesn’t send her brothers.”

“I will.” Sneaking out from under his arm, I took my phone out of my purse, shooting Sloane a text and switching the ringer to vibrate. I didn’t want any distractions.

Romeo’s men were waiting by the black SUV when we walked out of the building, seeming more alert than usual. I wondered whether I was still in danger, but Romeo wouldn’t knowingly put me at risk by taking me out on the town if that were the case.

We climbed into the car and made it through the city streets quickly, finally pulling up to Angelo’s. Romeo helped me onto the sidewalk, bypassing the Friday night wait and heading straight back to the room reserved for the Neretti family.

When the server left us seated at a table, I looked around. “You know, I still remember the first time we met here.”

“Let’s not talk about that,” Romeo said nervously, pushing the basket of complimentary bread toward me. “I was an ass.”

“That might be an understatement,” I laughed, taking a piece of the warm bread and slathering butter on it. I sighed as I took a bite, and the sweet, yeasty flavor exploded on my tongue. “I swear, I could eat this all day, every day.”

“I’ll get you a fresh loaf every day, if that’s what you want.”

I shook my head and reached for another slice. “You don’t have to do that. I like fitting into my clothes.”

“I don’t know.” He leaned back and raked his eyes down my body. “I think you’d look amazing at any size.”

“Flatterer.”

“Is it working?”

“Yes,” I admitted.

The server returned to take our order, and I went for the classic carbonara. Romeo ordered the lasagna because he hadn’t learned to make Antonella’s recipe. I didn’t tell him, but I’d asked Dante to find the recipe for me so I could make it for Romeo.

“So, are you going to keep skirting around whatever happened with your uncle?” I asked, aware that the Neretti family couldn’t let Giuseppe’s action go unpunished, especially if they hadn’t been sanctioned by Ettore. Romeo had been tight-lipped about everything for the last week. I knew something had gone down because the day after we returned, he showed up at the apartment looking like a city bus had dragged him.

I could practically see his wall lock into place, hiding any vulnerability underneath. “We took care of him.”

“Is that all?”

“I’m not sure what you want me to say, Riona.” He sighed, toying with the knife on his napkin. “That we talked out our differences? He murdered my mother and tried to kill you, too. He’s dead. That’s all that matters.”

“How do you feel about that?”

“What are you, my therapist?”

I knew he was upset and defensive, but that didn’t give him the right to be mean to me. “That was rude.”

“Sorry.” Romeo reached across the table and took my hand. “I don’t know how I feel. It wasn’t what I expected, and even though he’s paid for his crimes, it doesn’t take your memories away, and it won’t bring my mother back. I’m happy he’s gone, and I won’t apologize for it.”

“I’m happy he’s gone too,” I mumbled. Growing up as we had, evil people were all around us, and I didn’t believe everyone could be rehabilitated. Men like Giuseppe didn’t deserve leniency and forgiveness.

The server brought our food, and we ate in relative silence, commenting on the meal and sipping our wine. By the time we’d finished, the tense mood had passed, and I was relaxed and a little warm from the alcohol.

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