Chapter 47

Her tears spent, I held her close until her body went limp in my embrace.

Only then did I maneuver onto my knees and then rise, still holding her close.

Turning off the shower with my elbow, I carried her wet and clinging to my neck back into the bedroom. With one hand, I tossed back the blankets and crawled into bed, using its warmth to dry our bodies.

Neither of us spoke.

I clung to her until her body stopped trembling with emotion and finally stilled.

Brushing the hair away from her face, I stared down at her closed eyes. She had fallen into an exhausted sleep.

Breathing in the clean scent of her skin, I kissed the top of her head and whispered, "You're safe, baby. I'm here and I'm going to fix this. God help me, I'm going to fix this."

Her lips rested near my tattoo.

I stared at the bright purple and gold colors of the passionflower with the Triad crown over a crimson pomegranate.

One of the proudest moments of my life was standing next to my father during the brotherhood marking ceremony. At the time, I'd felt an almost divine purpose to my life. Knowing that, unlike so many who squandered their wealth and privilege on selfish pursuits, I would have a higher calling.

This moment superseded that.

My life's purpose was now solely focused on keeping this beautiful, delicate creature in the light. I would not let the cold darkness of her treacherous family consume her.

With slow and gentle movements, I shifted her away from my chest so I could slide from the bed. Standing over it, I watched her curl up under the blankets like a little rabbit.

Padding barefoot and naked over to the window, I drew back the curtains and stared down at the courtyard below.

Unlike the usually serene view of the winery and the vineyards beyond, there was disorder and an ominous energy that hung over the place like a dark cloud.

The aftermath of any disaster, whether it be natural or manmade, was always the same.

Shock. Disbelief. Rage.

As if the tangled mess of sodden rubble and charred remains offended our human need for control and order in the universe.

Father Luca's car appeared, slowly navigating around the hoses, discarded shovels, and lingering groups of exhausted villagers.

And I knew what needed to be done.

Marching over to my closet, I drew on a fresh pair of jeans, socks, and a soft cotton T-shirt to cover the scrapes on my back before tossing on a charcoal cable-knit sweater. I then selected a pair of dark blue sweatpants and another cream-colored knit sweater. Having no other option, I grabbed a second pair of thick wool socks.

I knelt down by the side of the bed and caressed Ella's cheek. "Baby, I need you to wake up."

Her eyelids fluttered as she moaned and turned to bury her cheek in the pillow.

God, she was so beautiful. Even with her tearstained eyes, tangled hair, and no makeup, she was easily the most stunning woman I'd ever laid eyes on.

"Baby, I need you to sit up."

She groaned. "Why?"

I sat on the edge of the bed and scooped her onto my lap. Knowing she'd immediately feel the loss of the warm blankets, I swept my sweatpants over her legs. "Lift your hips."

She leaned against my chest and did as she was told.

"Good girl."

Capturing her left foot, I slipped one of the socks on as she rested her head against my shoulder. "Please, I don't want to face it. Not yet."

"I know, baby. I know. But there is something that can't wait."

After slipping on the second sock, I leaned back and grabbed the sweater. "Arms up."

She crossed her arms over her breasts. "Where are we going? Are you sending me away?"

"Never. Now arms up."

The sweater fell over her slim arms and form like an oversized poncho.

I flipped her still damp hair out from the collar and smoothed it down her back. "It won't take long and then you can go back to bed, okay?"

Cradling her in my arms, I carried her out of the room and down the stairs into the parlor, where I settled her in one of the plush chairs. Snatching a crocheted blanket from the back of the sofa, I wrapped it around her hips. I then leaned over her and kissed her forehead. "Wait right here. I'll be right back."

She reached out and grabbed my wrist. "No, please don't leave me."

I stroked her cheek. "You're safer in here. Plus I don't want you to get a chill from wet socks. I promise I'll be right back."

My chest warmed at her need for me. While the circumstances were the most horrific I could imagine, it pleased me that she was finally turning to me for support.

Heading outside, the first person I encountered was Sebastian.

We hugged, then he patted me on the back. "Alfonso was the best of us."

A lump formed in the back of my throat. "That he was. Thank you for all your help."

He gave me a rare smile. "Your uncle is more of a father to me than my own. There is nothing I wouldn't do for your family. Nothing. I hope you know that."

His intense look matched mine.

The true meaning of his statement was left unsaid. No words were needed.

We both knew today's actions would fracture the Agnello syndicate and lead to a mafia war.

One we were now heavily involved in.

Sebastian promising the support of the Diamanti dynasty wasn't just symbolic, it carried a significant weight. By getting involved, he risked shattering the myth that the Diamantis were nothing more than a powerful diamond empire.

Once he lifted that veil, there would be no going back.

It was an enormous sacrifice. One I knew he didn't offer lightly.

Despite his closeness with my Uncle Barone, Sebastian had a secret.

One only my father and I were aware of.

One that demanded his sacrifice, even though it was freely given.

My grip on his shoulder tightened. "Always."

Gesturing behind me, I asked, "Can you watch over Ella? She's in the parlor. I need to find Father Luca."

He nodded and headed into the villa.

After several minutes, I located Father Luca. He was wiping something from his face with a handkerchief as he leaned against a stone wall. "Dr. Pantona said he gave your Aunt Gabriella a sedative, but let me assure you, it has not taken effect yet."

I grimaced. "Sorry, Father. She's upset. As we all are."

He nodded as he straightened and pushed the handkerchief which now smelled like Scotch into his back pocket. "Your Aunt is an amazingly passionate woman. It only makes sense that she would grieve just as passionately."

I couldnt resist. "You too, Father?"

A ruddy blush stained his cheeks. "Not in that way of course, I'm an honest man of the cloth. But I doubt there's a man alive who hasn't fallen prey to your aunt's charms. She's a very engaging woman. Eve had nothing on her."

A scratch formed in the back of my throat as my eyes misted. Rubbing my jaw, I cleared my throat as I forced myself to focus on the issue at hand, Ella's safety.

Alfonso would be pissed as fuck looking down on me from heaven if I put my grief ahead of protecting my girl. He loved all our girls like daughters and now that he was gone, it was our duty to honor him by keeping them safe.

"Father, I need a favor."