Page 139 of Mafia Virgin (The Kings of Italy)

As I approached my father’s bedroom the next day, I was surprised to see Enzo coming out. Had they been discussing business?

Enzo didn’t smile when he saw me, but I didn’t expect it. He only smiled for Gia and his kids. The rest of the time he looked like he was five seconds away from ripping someone’s head off.

“Ciao, Enzo,” I said. “Come stai?”

I expected him to keep walking, but instead he stopped and folded his arms. “Your sister is worried about you.”

This wasn’t exactly news. Gia brought it up every time we were in the same room, which was why I started attending my classes in person. I needed to have a routine again, something to take my mind off Giacomo, or I’d go bonkers. “I’m fine. I’m going to sit with my father for a few minutes while he’s still awake. Excuse me.”

I started to walk past him, but Enzo blocked my path. “Are you talking to Buscetta?”

“No.” I hadn’t talked to Giacomo since he left over a week ago. “Why?”

“We are wondering why you haven’t signed the annulment papers.”

I wished I had an answer. All I knew was that I grew sick to my stomach when I thought about putting my signature on that document.

Which made no sense.

“I’ll sign them in my own time. And everyone should mind their own business and stop focusing on my disastrous marriage.”

“From what I saw this was no disaster. He came to protect you as soon as he heard Virga was in Toronto. He nearly died to save you. And I saw the way he looked at you.”

My throat tightened, a ball of emotion lodged right in the center. I swallowed hard. “Yeah, well. I don’t see how it could ever work between us.”

“Mamma mia.” He shook his head. “I never thought I’d meet a woman more stubborn than Gianna.”

“Thanks?” I really didn’t know what to say. This was the longest exchange I’d ever had with Enzo, and talking about my husband with him was too weird. “I guess I should go visit with my father. See you later.”

I started toward Papà’s room and opened the door. He was sitting up in bed, looking over some paperwork. He removed his glasses and set the papers aside when he saw me. “There’s my baby girl. Come in and sit down. I’ve missed you.”

“Hi! I’m sorry. I meant to stop by before class.” But I’d been too busy sulking. I sat on the edge of his bed and moved in to kiss his cheek. “I saw Enzo coming out a second ago.”

“He’s smart, that D’Agostino. Gia hasn’t always made good decisions, but ending up with that man is the best thing she’s done.”

Though he made it sound like a joke, I knew Gia was sensitive about his opinion of her. “Papà, she’s desperate for your approval. Don’t tease like that.”

He sighed and briefly closed his eyes. “I’ve been hard on her over the years, but she should know that I’m proud of her. I’m proud of each of my girls.”

“Well, she’d like to hear it again, I’m sure.”

“Always trying to bring peace to the family. You’re like your mother that way.” His lips curled into a wistful smile. “I can’t wait to tell her about each of you when I see her again.”

My eyes began burning, but I didn’t want to cry. I’d come to terms with his death months ago. Now I just wanted him to go peacefully, without any suffering. “You’re not dying yet.”

“Not until you make up with your husband, at least.”

The story of my marriage had tumbled out to my father days ago. He was furious over Virga’s manipulation and Uncle Reggie’s betrayal. I knew he blamed himself. But I also told him all the good things about Giacomo, how happy we’d been for that tiny stretch in Palermo.

Now my father wouldn’t let the idea of reconciliation go.

“I’m not moving to Sicily,” I said. “I’m going to stay here with you.”

“Your place is at your husband’s side.”

“No, it’s here with my ailing father.”

“Bull-fucking-shit, Emma.”

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