Page 29 of Illyria

Sal sighed, releasing me as he looked around the building and all the new renovations. “You’ve done a wonderful job with this place. It will look amazing when it’s done.”

“Did you expect anything less?”

He chuckled. “From you? Hell no.”

“Have you heard from Gio?”

“He took Layla and the kids to the island.”

“So, it’s all yours now, then? It’s done?”

He nodded.

“How do you feel about it?”

“It wasn’t supposed to be this way. So much has changed. We’ve lost so much. I don’t know how to move forward.”

I’d never heard Sal talk this way before. Reaching for his hand, I said, “Just keep moving forward, brother. That’s all we can do. Is Lorenzo going to be here?”

“No. Once Giovanni transferred the family over to me, he took Donatella and left. I do not know where they are.”

“What about Antonio?”

“Last I heard, he and Grace were heading to an undisclosed destination. Grace is pregnant again and Tony doesn’t want his family anywhere near this life.”

“So, it’s just us?”

“Just you and me, kid.”

The doors to the club opened and in walked Renaldo Romano, the head of the Italian Mafia in New York City, along with two of his men. Renaldo was a stunning man. Tall with broad shoulders and jet-black hair, with piercing dark chocolate eyes that saw everything. Walking over to us, Renaldo smiled, leaning down to kiss my cheek. “You look ravishing, Illyria.”

Sal growled.

I laughed, slapping his chest as I smiled at Renaldo. “And you, sir, are a flirt.”

“Only with you.” He winked before shaking Sal’s hand. “Valentinetti.”

“Romano,” Sal said gruffly, as Renaldo looked around the place. “You’ve done this place a great service, Illyria. I can’t wait to see it finished.”

“Thank you.” I nodded, moving over to the table I had set up in the middle of the main room. “If you two would like to take your seats, the others will arrive shortly.”

Just as the words left my mouth, the doors opened and in walked Montana Stone, the President of the Soulless Sinners motorcycle club, along with his V.P., Mercy, and his enforcer, Malice. I heard what happened to him and the others after the Gala last night. To say it was a shock seeing him here was an understatement. I would have thought he would be beside his Tessa.

Montana quickly greeted Salvatore and Renaldo before quickly kissing me on the cheek. “Hey, beautiful,” he muttered, his voice hoarse and strained. He looked tired. Worn out. I had a feeling before this mess ended, we would all be feeling the same way.

Hugging him, I asked. “How is she?”

“Breathing. She hasn’t woken up yet. As soon as I’m done here, I’m heading back to the hospital.”

“If there is anything I can do?”

“Just get me out of here quick.”

Nodding, I pointed to the table before motioning to Maria.

“As soon as the last guest arrives, have the waiter serve dinner.”

Maria nodded and left, heading for the kitchen.

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