Aria didn’t try to hug me, though Amo had mentioned that she was a hugger. Maybe once I knew her better, I could hug her. “It’s so wonderful to see you again.”
Luca stepped up behind his wife. He gave me a small smile. I knew he was an imposing man, someone who scared many, but because he reminded me of Amo and because I was used to my father and brother, I actually didn’t feel wary of him. “Greta. Welcome to our home.”
“Thank you. It’s a pleasure.”
Amo led me past his parents and into the living room so our parents could greet each other. His brother Valerio, a man who must be Marcella’s husband Maddox and Marcella who was very heavily pregnant sat on the couch. They all got up when we entered. Even Marcella managed to lift her remarkably big belly quickly. Seeing her, I remembered Mom’s offer. I hadn’t told Amo about it yet. I’d needed time to process it myself and decide what I wanted to do about it. But I knew this wasn’t something I could decide alone.
Marcella came over to me. “Good to see you. If you ever want to talk about my brother’s annoying nature, or anything else, call me.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m glad my brother finally marries a decent woman.”
Maddox shoved Valerio who only laughed. “Ignore him. The filter between his brain and mouth isn’t working. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“I’m not easily offended. My brother doesn’t have any kind of filter between his brain and mouth.”
“Or knife hand,” Amo added.
We all laughed and I relaxed even more. I could tell that I would feel welcome in Amo’s family. Maybe it wouldn’t take long until it would feel like my family too.
Dad didn’t allow Amo and me to sleep in the same room just like he hadn’t in the weeks prior. Since I didn’t want to test his patience, I accepted his order, even if it was ridiculous considering Amo and I had already shared a bed. But I noticed that Amo seemed almost relieved about it. Maybe he worried about his abilities to stay honorable and not claim my virginity before our wedding night.
Mom, Dad and I slept in a suite in the Mandarin like last time.
When I limped out of my room into the living area of the suite very early in the morning because I couldn’t sleep, I found Dad on the sofa, staring into the dark. I limped over to him and sank down close beside him. He wrapped an arm around my shoulder.
“I never thought I would have to let you go.”
“You make it sound as if we can’t see each other. I’m just a flight away.”
Dad looked at me. In the dark it was difficult to make out the details of his expression but I knew him well enough to realize he was worried. “I’ll be safe.”
“Safer than under my watch hopefully.”
I put my hand on his scarred one. “It wasn’t your fault. Nobody could have suspected this. I don’t blame you or Amo or even the guards. Sometimes bad things happen.”
“They shouldn’t happen to you. I need you to be safe and happy.”
“I’m happy most of the time. Sometimes the attack haunts me, especially because my body’s still not fully recovered but I’m a Falcone, Dad. I’ll survive this and come out stronger, right?”
Dad chuckled. “Right.” He fell silent. “I really want to cling to my dislike of Amo. But sometimes when I see him looking at you with that sappy adoration I can’t help but tolerate him.”
I stifled a laugh and squeezed Dad’s hand in thanks. We sat like that for a while before I spoke again. “Did Mom tell you about her offer?”
“She did.” His voice was gentle and loving, a very rare thing even around me. I bit my lip. “I’m thinking of taking Mom up on her offer.”
“You should,” Dad said quietly. “Your mother wants to give you this.” He swallowed. “I could only exact brutal revenge. That’s what I can do, but your mother’s gift is far more precious than mine.”
I leaned my head against his shoulder. “The both of you have always done everything you could to make me happy, and I’ll always be grateful for it. No matter where I live in the world, a part of my heart will always stay in Vegas with you and the rest of my family.”
Dad pressed a kiss to my head. “You should go to sleep. Amo picks you up in a couple of hours.”
“Are you angry that I’m meeting Maximus and even Growl and his family?”
“My grudges of the past don’t have to be yours. As long as you don’t expect me to make peace with my half-brother too.”