The soldier drops my arm as Tony and Matteo storm over with anger crossing their faces.
“What the hell is going on? Why are you aiming your weapon?” Tony’s voice is louder than necessary.
Grabbing Dash’s loaded hand, I pull it down, placating him. “Simple misunderstanding. Everything’s cool here, right guys?” I offer as the two men stare each other down.
Dash curls his lip but stows his weapon as the mafia soldier rolls his shoulders.
“I was bringing her over for you, Tony.”
“Ivy is a guest in this house. We treat her as such, capisci?” <You understand?>
“Yes, sir.”
“Ora vaffanculo!” <Now fuck off!>
The soldier spins on his heels, scurrying off without saying another word.
In amusement, I raise my brows at Dash, who’s trying to hold in his laughter.
Tony holds out his hand to me. “Come… let’s take you to meet Mia.”
Taking Tony’s hand, I smile as he starts walking me toward the entry of the giant house, but I make sure to peek over my shoulder to ensure Dash is following. He’s walking behind me with Matteo, so I relax a little, now being more at ease.
I do wish Void were here.
Tony ushers me inside the lavish two-story mansion.
My eyes widen as I take in what’s in front of me—the grand staircase leading up to the second story. Plush cream carpet lines the stairs with gorgeous polished wood banisters and ornate ironwork railings leading to the top.
To my right is an offset coffee nook with a built-in seat. Plush white and silver cushions are placed perfectly, giving it a homey feel. The opaque curtains are pulled to the side overlooking the sparkling waterway and marina out the back—a perfect way to spend the afternoon reading a book and relaxing I would imagine.
Tony leads us through and to the left, which opens to a spacious living room, the colors all warm and earthy. Leather with chestnut wood and red cushions are scatted on the huge black leather sofa, which seems excessively large in the floor space. A chesterfield armchair sits at the end of the sofa in pride position. It’s worn like maybe it’s been in the family for many years.
At the rear of the living area, the kitchen is sleek and modern in design with accents of red, black, and stainless steel, but Tony turns me leading us up the stairs before I can take a good look at it.
Damn! I really wanted to investigate the house further. It has an old-world charm about it, but it’s still really freaking beautiful and tasteful. I’ve never seen anything like this. Ever.
We round the stairs, the soft sound of a television flows through the air when we make it to the top, and it’s just as stunning up here. As we reach the landing, it opens onto another living room, only this one is a hell of a lot smaller. This might be more of a chill-out zone with a two-seater love seat and two smaller recliners facing the massive television proudly mounted on the wall between two giant windows. They too gaze out over the glorious waterway. The views from this home are to die for.
“Seriously, though, Tony, how rich are you?” Dash quips.
Tony doesn’t reply as he leads Dash, Matteo, and me across the expanse toward the room where the sounds are coming from. “Money isn’t an issue,” Tony finally replies.
“I bet it’s not, you ol’ dog.”
I roll my eyes, and Tony says nothing more.
We approach a door, and Tony gently knocks on it.
“Come in,” a gentle voice chimes from the other side.
Tony opens the door, tilting his head for us to follow him. As we enter, I take in a beautiful blonde woman sitting on the pink laden bed, running her fingers over the bald head of a little girl. She must be six, maybe seven at the most.
Mia.
The blonde stands in the princess-themed bedroom, smiling wide at Matteo, but bypasses him straight for Tony. She slides into Tony’s arms, giving him a polite kiss on the lips. “Il mio amore.” <My love.>
“How is she doing?” Tony asks as Matteo moves in, sitting on the edge of Mia’s bed. Matteo stares down at her lovingly.
It confuses me, the love Matteo obviously has for Mia because it’s pouring off him in waves as he sits back leaving her to sleep.
Dash and I stand by the door, letting the scene play out in front of us, not really knowing what to say or do.
“She’s doing better today. It’s a good day,” the blonde states, appearing happy.
“Excellent news, Amalia. Our family would be lost without you.”
Is Amalia Tony’s wife? Mia’s mom?
“We’d be lost without you, Antonio.” They lean in kissing again.
I widen my eyes at Dash, suddenly a little uncomfortable with the DeLucas’ public displays of affection.
Matteo groans.
Tony chuckles, pulling back from Amalia, who wipes her lips, moving over to me. “Sorry… my husband has a profound effect on me. You’ll understand it one day when you meet someone you can’t get enough of.”
My mind flashes instantly to Void.
The way my body reacts when he touches me.
The way I want to let all my inhibitions go when I’m around him.
I could get lost in him—if only he would let me.
Amalia smirks. “I know that look, you have someone. Someone you feel strongly about already.”
Dash turns to face me, his eyes lighting up.
Amalia tilts her head. “You do, too, prospect. Hmm… this is going to be a fun excursion for you both.”
“Hmm,” Mia mumbles under her breath making us all turn to look at her.
“Mia, principessa? Are you waking up?” Matteo whispers, his hand moving out to caress her pale cheek.
Her eyelashes flutter, her bright green eyes blinking leisurely. A slow smile lights her face as she sees Matteo sitting on the edge of her bed. Suddenly, with all the energy she can muster, Mia shoots up, throwing her arms around Matteo’s neck pulling him in for an embrace. “Uncle Matty, you’re here, you’re here!”
My stomach clenches as Amalia’s palm moves to her chest, her face drooping like she’s sad but happy at the same time. Matteo embraces Mia tightly, but there’s a little hesitation in him—he doesn’t want to hurt her. He adores her.
It’s only now I realize the blond hair of Matteo, the blonde hair of Amalia, the fact Mia called Matteo ‘uncle’ that I believe Amalia and Matteo are siblings. Matteo is Tony’s brother-in-law. The reason Matteo cares for Mia so much is because he’s actually Mia’s uncle. They are family.
I get it.
She’s his niece, and he wants to protect her.
“I’ll always be here for you, Mia-bear, you know that,” Matteo tells her pulling back, planting a tender kiss on her bald scalp.
“You’re showing your hand, Matteo,” Dash quips.
Elbowing Dash in the ribs as he snickers to himself, I widen my eyes when everyone turns to face us. Their eyes widen as well—it’s like they forgot we were here.
Matteo grunts, standing from Mia’s bed, straightening out his suit. “The thing is, prospect, the way you look at Ivy, you’ve played yours, too. Guess it makes us both vulnerable.”
I scrunch my brows, Dash flaring his nostrils as he lashes out, “You don’t know shit!”
“Enough with the pissing contest, we’re here to introduce Ivy to Mia. Nothing more,” Tony interrupts Matteo and Dash in whatever the hell that little display was all about.