Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 70928 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70928 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
Valentina stares at me for a moment, and I watch as emotions flash over her face. Exhaustion, frustration, pride, anger, and even hopelessness.
“Things aren’t always such a mess,” she tries to defend herself.
Pulling back, I nod my head at her food. “Eat so you can get to bed.”
Will comes into the kitchen with Talia in his arms, and looking at Valentina, he asks, “She says she doesn’t feel well.”
When my sister begins to move, I snap, “Eat!”
I climb to my feet and walk to my brother-in-law. He bristles when I get close and moves Talia in front of his chest as if he’s using her as a shield.
My temper flares again, but by some miracle, I don’t lose my cool as I take her from him. Keeping my tone soft, I ask, “Where do you feel sick, baby-girl?”
She presses her fingers to her hair, and her voice sounds small as she whispers, “My head.”
When I open the cupboard, Valentina points out the right medicine and how much to give Talia. Once I’ve taken care of my niece, I walk to the living room and sit down beside Asher, who’s happily watching his show.
I cradle Talia against my chest and lovingly brush my hand over her black hair while murmuring, “You’ll feel better soon.”
She snuggles against me and sucks her thumb until she falls asleep.
After an hour, everyone creeps out of the kitchen, and Valentina says, “It’s time for bed.”
“Aww…” Asher begins.
“Listen to your mother, little man,” I say, which has him letting out a huff.
He gets up and switches off the TV, then he comes to give me a sideways hug and mumbles, “Night, Uncle Christiano.”
“Sweet dreams,” I reply while carefully passing Talia to Valentina.
The instant it looks like Will wants to go upstairs with them, I say, “Take a seat, Will.”
I savor the pain tightening his features as he sits down across from me, and while we wait for my sister to return, I glare at him, loving how terrified he looks.
When Valentina comes down the stairs, relief washes over his face. He’s gravely mistaken if he thinks my sister can stop me from killing him.
I hate how exhausted she looks and pat the space beside me. As soon as she sits down, I wrap my arm around her shoulder and press a kiss to her temple, then I level Will with a look that has him shaking in his shoes.
“If I ever see you sitting on your ass while my sister runs herself into the ground when she’s fucking sick, I’ll kill you.” I feel her stiffen against my side and brush my hand up and down her bicep. “I never fucking liked you, Will. This is my one and only warning out of respect for Valentina.”
His head bobs like crazy while he swallows hard, his Adam’s apple moving visibly. “I’ll try to put in more effort around the house.”
Slowly, I shake my head. “Try again.”
Sweat beads on his face, the drops forming rivulets from both his temples to his neck. “Sorry. I will help out more.”
I press another kiss to my sister’s hair, then order, “Go get some rest.”
She turns so she can hug me, and whispers, “I’m so sorry about this. You caught us at a bad time.”
I push her back so I can lock eyes with her. “You deserve so much better.”
“Don’t start. Please.”
Because she’s not feeling well, I let the subject go, and as I climb to my feet, I give the worthless piece of shit another look filled with warning.
When I let myself out of the mansion, Nico falls into step beside me and mutters, “Look at you learning to control your temper and not killing him.”
“I did it for the kids.”
But if he fucks up one more time, I’ll rid them of their useless father. I’m sure Remo wouldn’t mind stepping in to do a much better job of loving my sister and raising her kids.
Chapter 5
Sienna
After seeing Christiano at the wedding, I spent the whole day in bed yesterday, watching Big Bang Theory for the hundredth time. There’s just something about the show that’s calming and allows my mind to shut off.
I’m actually looking forward to today.
As I bring my Porsche to a stop near the coffee shop where I’m meeting Raya, my phone beeps.
While Alfio, the guard who’s assigned to me, parks behind my car, I reach across the console. Grabbing my handbag, I pull the device out of the pocket I always keep it in. Seeing another message from Christiano, I read the short preview at the top of the screen.
Ignoring me won’t make me go away, princess.
I swipe across the screen, and just like I’ve done with his other messages, I don’t reply.
Knowing Christiano loves me so much that his feelings won’t change makes things worse for me.
Every time he interacts with me, it makes the heartache grow. I wish I weren’t so messed up and I could be with him, but if he were to learn the truth, he’d lose all respect for me. No capo wants a weak woman who’s nothing but a liability.