Page 77 of Captured Innocence

“You didn’t know that for certain. You assumed.” I tipped my head, noticing Vincenzo’s amused gaze in the rearview mirror. We were in a rugged SUV that had been waiting for us at the train station, which wasn’t unusual but another reminder how powerful Mattia and his influence was.

“Yeah, I did, bellissima principessa,” Mattia said quietly as he lifted his head, his eyes searching mine. “In case you haven’t noticed, we’re facing another war like we did years ago.”

“You mean when our fathers died? I’m sorry. When they were murdered?” Not that the loss of my father had ever bothered me much.

He narrowed his eyes, obviously trying to figure out what I was getting at.

“Now isn’t the time or place to have this discussion.” He shifted his gaze momentarily to his men sitting in the front two seats. Of course. He wouldn’t want me to disrespect him. He was carrying on with the family traditions.

Because he doesn’t know any different.

My inner voice didn’t tell any lies.

The awkwardness had returned between us, the level of tension that I’d hoped we could ignore. I’d need to tell him all my truths, confessing my sins and the thought of doing so weighed heavily on my mind.

Secrets and lies.

Was it possible that typical families didn’t have them? Normal families. Was there even such a thing? I didn’t have the answer and in truth, I doubted a single member of either the DeLuca or Lazarro family could provide one either. What I did know was that the sins of our respective fathers had tainted our worlds and would continue to do so for at least another generation.

That was also the reason I’d given myself for never wanting a child, determined to shatter the great ticking clock all women had. I wanted to laugh but I was shaking too hard from a hard rush of adrenaline.

“I couldn’t take the chance the doctor would bring additional danger our way, risking your life. I hope you understand.” His words were hollow.

“I’m not certain I understand anything, including why we remain connected, Mattia.”

He reached over, taking my hand into his and I bristled, trying to close my fingers. When I attempted to pull away, he issued a distinct growl.

“That’s an easy answer, my perfect kitten. We were always meant to be. I care about you more than you know.”

“I thought that to be the truth years ago.” He was right. Now wasn’t the time or place given Vincenzo and Luis were only inches away. Whatever we had to say would be in private. I fisted my hand, shoving myself against the rear passenger door, sucking in and holding my breath.

“But not now?”

“I don’t know what to think any longer.”

When I looked away, Mattia let go of my hand, tingling sensations remaining. The tension between us increased.

“We’ll be able to rest for a couple days,” he repeated, as if he wasn’t certain himself. “We’ll talk.”

“Are you certain about that? They’re hunting for us. Aren’t they?”

“Nothing in life is certain, Sophia, but every precaution has been taken. We will return to Italy unharmed. You have my word.”

“Another promise you won’t keep?” That I was tossing out barbs one after the other highlighted how much he’d hurt me by leaving me. By finding another life. Wasn’t I a stupid girl after all? There was no such thing as a Prince Charming. They were all toads in disguise.

I could feel Mattia’s heated look as well as his uncertainty over what I was getting at.

Vincenzo shifted in his seat, coughing slightly. “We’re almost to the house, boss. I’ll check out the interior. I’ll make a sweep of everything to make certain there aren’t any explosives.”

“Good,” Mattia said in passing, not concentrating on what his men were saying.

There was too much baggage between us, unanswered questions and concerns.

Secrets and lies.

That had to end.

“And I’ll handle the surrounding grounds,” Luis said from the front passenger seat.

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