33. Matilde
Matilde
The twins watch me curiously while I wrap presents when Maddalena finally returns with Primo. The young guard places his hand on my sister’s shoulder, whispers a word or two and then retreats to the hallway to talk with Ugo and Enio.
“Che cosa?”
“Primo just wanted to be sure I’m okay.”
“Good, but what did Nico want? Where have you been?”
Maddalena sighs, taking a seat on the floor and smiling when Lucia reaches for her. “What are you wrapping?” she asks, picking up her niece and delaying the answer.
“Nico’s Christmas gift.”
“What did you get him?”
“A surprise. I have no idea if he will like it. I ordered it yesterday. Mad?”
Amadeo joins his sister in Maddalena's lap, and she cuddles them both. My heart nearly melts, seeing my family growing closer, but I still want answers. “Nico asked me more questions about living at Mrs. Esposito’s apartment and then we went there.” I push the presents I was wrapping out of the way, scooting closer.
Nico trusted the widow of a soldier to care for my sister after our mother’s murder, but her husband had been in Antonio’s crew.
Apparently, she held no love for the Morelli family after her husband’s death, some old grudge with Arturo that Nico wasn't aware of. She squandered the money Nico had given her for Maddalena’s care, treating herself to an expensive lifestyle and a second, much nicer apartment she spent more time in than she did with my sister.
“Che canaglia!”
“Yes, but Nico was so scary when he confronted her, Mat. Like some hideous monster. I would’ve had a heart attack if he’d been threatening me like that, but he was doing it for me.
And because of you. I know I haven’t been his biggest fan, especially since he forced you to marry him, but I think he must love you. ”
“He doesn’t love me,” I protest. I may secretly hope for love, but I know better than to expect it.
“I understand if you don’t find him attractive with that ugly scar, but I think-”
“That is not… We made an agreement. I care for his children. He protects us. It’s a good arrangement for us, Maddalena. We’re safe. We want for nothing.”
“Everything except freedom.”
I sigh, understanding Maddalena’s frustration. “We have a home. Together. That can be enough, yes?”
The floor creaks, and I startle when I realize Nico is standing in the doorway. I’d assumed Primo had brought my sister back alone, and my husband wasn’t here. “I see you are busy and have helpers with your present wrapping.” He nods at the children.
“Yes. Would you like to join us?”
“No, I have to go back out.”
His expression reveals nothing, but my heart is in my throat, wondering what he heard.