Page 98 of Vengeful Vows

Clara busies herself elsewhere while I bring him up to date with the Morettis, though I know he still sees the don regularly.

Roberto tells me a couple of questions he might have asked on the financials. “Dario is gifted.”

In addition to having an Ivy League MBA.

“Tracking the cash flow and accounting for it is a considerable responsibility.”

His job is vast. Money comes in from numerous activities, and it needs to be channeled into appropriate places so that government agencies have no reason to launch investigations.

“It’s part of your job to advise him if you see potential conflicts.”

If he missteps, he may go to jail, and potentially Don Raffaele as well. That’s the one thing I cannot allow to happen.

No wonder Matteo lost his shit with me earlier.

I vow to return to the house tomorrow and study the reports more carefully.

Roberto coughs for a longer period of time than ever before, and he’s left wheezing.

Clara rushes to his side and kneels next to him. With patience, and kind, soothing words, she cares for him. And even though he’s clearly struggling for breath, he pats her hand.

Pure love passes between them.

Touched, I observe them in silence for a few seconds before quietly showing myself out.

As I stand on the front porch, a chilly wind whips around me, and I glimpse my own future. Alone, trapped in misery of my own making.

I will not ever know anything as deeply profound as what Roberto and Clara share, a relationship in which each moment is cherished.

For a brief moment, I recall the way Bella looked at me when I was courting her.Manipulating her.Annoyed, I shove that awful truth aside.

When she would first see me, she’d smile. And there was a softness in her eyes. Adoration. Maybe even love? I scoff at the irrational notion.

With Sergio holding the door for me, I stay where I am with my aunt’s words replaying in my head.

“What do you think that means that she hasn’t responded?”

And then,“Be the man she needs.”

For the first time, I glimpse what that might mean.

Being vulnerable. Taking a risk. Putting someone else first.

Fuck.I have no heart. As much as I aspire to be a noble person, I’m not capable of it.

CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR

Bella

How canI be in the middle of hundreds of people and feel completely alone?

Amelia was relentless in insisting I join her and Sean for New Year’s Eve celebrations at the beautifully restored Hotel Bernardo on Galveston’s seawall.

I have a gorgeous room with a water view and a comfortable bed, and I’m here with my bestie and her charming boyfriend. It should be a perfect evening.

But I can’t shake off the misery I’ve known since I received the divorce papers.

I spent Christmas by myself. Alessandro and Adriana are on a cruise. Amelia traveled home to be with her family.

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