Chapter 38- Family Matters
Lucia The old church in Linde Italy had witnessed generations of peace talks and war declarations between families. Tonight, its shadowed pews held representatives from every major family in the city, all watching as Chen made his play.
“The harbor development threatens established territories,” Chen’s voice camed surprising strength for such a small man. “The Romano–Valentin alliance disrupts decades of careful balance.”
“Progress often does.” Dante replied smoothly from beside me. His hand rested on my lower back, a gesture that looked possessive to observers but felt like support. “The harbor project benefits everyone. Unless some feel threatened by legitimate business?”
Chen’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Legitimate! Like the convenient tuning of your marriage alliance? The perfect political solution to territory disputes”
I felt Dante tense beside me, but I spoke first. “Our marriage was a choice. The words cane naturally now, months of practice making the lie feel like truth. “The business advantages were secondary.”
“Of course,” Chen’s gaze swept over ime dismissively. “Love conquers all, even generations of rivalry. How… convenient.”
Before Dante could respond. Julia stood abruptly from her place among the Romano sisters. “Excuse me,” she mumbled, face pate as she hurried toward the back of the church.
1 caught Sofia’s worried glance and gave a slight mad. As Chen–droned on about tradition and respect, I slipped away from Dante’s side to follow
eldest sier
I found Julia in the church’s ancient bathroom, the marble floors and gilded mirrors a stark contrast to her hunched form. Her designer dress pooled around her knees as she clutched the porerlin, shoulders shaking.
Here.“1 said quietly, gathering her hair back before it could fall into her face. The gesture felt strangely intimate the great Julia Romano, always so perfect, now trembling mider my bands,
“Tin fine,” she managed between heaves. Just something Late…
Morning sickness doesn’t care about five–star restaurants I kept my voice soft, matter–of–fact, as 1 supported her
She went very will “How did..” Her eyes met mise in the mirror, wide with fear. “I haven’t told anyone. Not even
cally since your
Tee you keep touching your stomach. I wet a paper towel with cool water, the ancient pipes groaning. “I notice things. Especially brother’s security protocols mean I spend more tine watching people thun talking to them.”
A weak laugh escaped her. “God, is it i
“No” I pressed the cool cloth to her neck, remembering how my mother used to do this for me when I was sick. Tm just particularly observant where Romano serrell pre concerned. Professional lubit now
“Some secret.” Her lund curved protectively over her still that stomach Hound out last week The timing couldn’t be worse…”
Hey, crouched down beside her, balancing carefully in my Louboutins on the ancien tile. “One crisis at a time, okay? Right now, let’s get you locking Romana perfect again. Your mascara’s ninning, and we both know that’s a cardinad sin in this family.”
She managed a real laugh this time, though it was watery. “Says the woman who showed up to last week’s gala in last season’s Versace.
“That was tactical.” I started fixing her makeup with the precision Ed learned from mombs of public appearances. “Had to something to criticize besides my marriage
o give
e the society pages
“You’re good at this,” she said softly as helped her stand. “Not just the makeup. All of it. Being a sister, Broga Romano.”
The words hit harder than any business negotiation. Because somewhere between contract causes and family dinners, between political alliances and holding back hair in ancient church bathrooms, Ed become something I never expected.
Id become real.
The words hit harder than expected. Because somewhere between the contract and the chaos, the Romano sisters had become mine in a way I never anticipated.
When we returned to the meeting. Dante’s eyes found mine immediately. I gave him a slight nod – everything handled. His lips curved in that barely there smile that still made my pulse jaunp.
“The harbor project proceeds as planned,” he was saying as we sat. His hand found mine under the table, fingers interlacing naturally. Those who choose to work with us will prosper. Those who choose otherwise…” His smile held shadows and promises. “Will learn why our families united.”
Later, as our commy wound through city streets, Dance studied my face in the passing lights.
“Julia?” he asked quietly.
“Need her brother soon,” I replied, choosing words carefully. Family maner.”
He nodded once, understanding what I wasn’t saying. His turn traced pattems on my palm where our hands remained linked.
“You handled Chen well,” he said after a moment. “That comment about choice…”
“Wasn’t entirely a lie,” The admission slipped out before I could stop it
His hand tightened on mine, but before he could respond, Marco’s voice crackled through the car’s intercom Activity at Terminal Eight. Glen’s
Chapter 38 Family Matters
prople moving equipment. “
“Testing our response time,” Talyzed automatically. “Seeing if the meeting distracted us.”
“Theyllicam.” Dane’s smile held that dangerous edge Til grown to appreciate. He spoke to the intercom “Standard comainment protocols. Show them exactly what Romano–Valentin cooperation looks like.”
Hich his eyes on me as he gave orders, felt the weight of everything we weren’t saying. Because somewhere between political arrangement and true partnership between contract causes and genuine inst, something hud shifted
“You’re thinking too lud,” he mured as the car turned toward home.
“Someone has to.” But let him pull me closer, his warmth familiar now. “Your sister…”
“will tell me when she’s ready.” His lips brushed my temple. “Like you trusted her to tell me about the mole situation when you discovered it.”
I stiffened slightly. “How did you…
“I notice things tons.” His voice held amusemem and something deeper. “We’re past keeping secrets, aren’t we?”
I wanted to say something. But I didn’t.
“Almost home,” he said softly as the car turned into the estate’s long drive.
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