Page 69 of Wicked Knight 2

“It looks amazing.” I ambled around the table and picked a few pieces of cheese from the charcuterie board. “Are they coming tonight? This cannot wait anymore.”

“They’re on their way. Rex called.” She inhaled and then looked upward. “I’m glad we have a few minutes alone. There’s something I think you should know.”

“Oh no.” I raised my eyebrows in mock surprise. “Not a ‘there’s something you should know’ conversation. What are you going to tell me, that I’m adopted?” I leaned toward her and whispered, “I know.”

“It’s actually the opposite.” She placed her hand on the back of the chair.

I always admired her grace and delicate gestures. Aunt Vittoria could be terrifying, but somehow, she always managed to do it with a touch of elegance. Though, tonight, there was something new shining in her eyes—fear. She’d been scared she would never see me again.

“If I didn’t know any better,” I popped a strawberry in my mouth, “I’d say you’re stalling.”

“I’m not.” She stood taller. “I am.” She winced. “Give me a second. I never thought I would find myself in this situation. Given the circumstances, and everything that’s happened in the past couple of months, I think it’s best you learn the truth. The whole truth about your birth.”

“What?” I furrowed my brows. This was going to be heavy.

“Looks like we’re right on time.” Santino barged into the room. “She already knows.” He slapped Rex on the back.

“It’s crazy, isn’t it?” Rex asked. “We’re siblings.”

“Oh, Rex.” Aunt Vittoria rubbed the creases on her forehead. “I didn’t tell her yet.”

“What?” I repeated. “Siblings? What the hell does that even mean?” I asked Aunt Vittoria. “What are they talking about?”

“Maybe we should wait outside.” Enzo pulled Santino toward the door. “Let them talk.”

“No.” Santino shook his head. “I need a hug first. It’s so good to have our queen bee back.” He wrapped his arms around me and planted a kiss on my cheek.

“It’s good to be home.” I released him then threw my arms around Enzo’s neck. “Thank you for coming.”

“I would’ve come earlier, but we were told to wait.” He winked.

“Yeah. I needed a shower.” I turned to face Rex. “Where’s my hug?”

“Of course.” He swallowed, then brought me in for a tight squeeze. “Those fuckers are going to pay for what they did to you. I promise.”

“Thank you.” I met Aunt Vittoria’s gaze across the table. “You were in the middle of a confession. Go on. Siblings?”

“We should go.” Rex kissed my forehead, then wrangled Enzo and Santino out of the room.

“What’s going on? Dad and Rex’s mom? That’s crazy, right? Even for Dad.”

“I should probably start there.” She inhaled. “My brother and his wife were not your biological parents. You’re my daughter. My and Giovanni’s daughter.”

“I’m sorry.” I squinted at her. “As in the late Don Valentino.” I pointed at the door. “As in Rex’s dad.”

“Yes.”

“Wait.” My eyes flicked to her. “You’re my mother. And you’re telling me this now? Almost thirty years later?”

“Like I said, given recent events, I thought it would be better if you knew.”

“Yeah, you thought right. Why didn’t you tell me before? You let me grow up as an orphan.” My voice cracked, as I thought of all the times I wished Aunt Vittoria was my mother. “Why would you do that to me? It’s too cruel. Even for you.”

“For your own safety, Donata. I did it for you. Do you know what Jimmy Gallo would’ve done if he found out you were my daughter. And not only that, that the new king was your father. Out of spite, he would’ve killed you.” She gripped the back of the chair until her knuckles turned white.

“I know what he’s capable of. Remember? We warned you about that coup he was planning. He wanted to kill Rex’s dad.” I stopped to clear my throat. “My dad.”

“Jimmy Gallo killed Giovanni. Stabbed him thirteen times.” Her eyes watered. “I’m sure he thought it to be poetic.”

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