Chapter 19
Chapter Nineteen
SERENITY
STAYING AWAY FROM NICO
The moment is real: I’m officially a college graduate. I shake the dean’s hand with one hand as I hold my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in the other.
Scanning the crowd, I look for someone I shouldn’t. Is he here?
Entering a special conference room reserved for my family, I’m immediately surrounded by an outpouring of flowers. Two massive bouquets rest in vases on the table along the wall to my left.
Drawn to the flowers, I lean in and breathe deeply, letting my nose sink into the array of colorful roses.
“Bet I know who sent those,” my brother teases.
I quickly grab the card tucked inside the flowers. A smile lifts the corners of my mouth as I read the message.
Congrats, Princess.
I wish you much success.
Yours truly, Nico
I notice a second card buried in the flowers. I open it and read.
Congratulations, Serenity,
I couldn’t find you until you showed up in New York.
Don’t worry, I’m not planning to strike now. Just want you to know I can get to you. You took everything from me. You will pay.
EV
A heavy hand lands on my shoulder. “Everything all right?”
Forcing a smile onto my face, I shove the cards into my purse and turn to him. “Yes, I can’t believe school is over.”
Dad, Mom, and Krew pull me into a family hug. I breathe them in. I’ll protect my family no matter the cost.
Later that night, I text Nico.
Me: Thank you for the flowers.
Nico: You’re welcome.
I toss the phone aside and peer at the Glock on my nightstand.
My fingers slip through my wavy locks. I asked my dad to increase my security detail now that I’m out of college. He didn’t hesitate to put more soldiers in place.
Nico: Why were you sad when you left the private room?
My heart skips a beat. He was there in the shadows.
Me: Unfinished business.
Nico: Is it that asshole?
Me: No. Something else. Goodnight.
Nico: Serenity, I’m always here. Goodnight.
Dropping my phone on the bed, I survey the bedroom in one of our safe houses, nestled in White Plains, NY. I’d be staying here until the paperwork for my new home in Jersey was complete.
Earlier, I’d contacted Sergio. He confirmed that the Magarellis, Romanos, Espositos, and Pituccos were watching my back.
I mentioned my preference to avoid Pitucco bodyguards. He reassured me those men were borrowed from Nickulas Sr., which eased my worries. Sergio also noted the Bertozzis were causing trouble right now, so they weren’t involved.
I expressed my gratitude for his discretion.
Three days later, I find myself standing at the back of the auditorium. A wide-brimmed tan hat sits on my head, and dark sunglasses shield my eyes. My vibrant red dress hugs my thick curves, while red ballet flats gently embrace my feet. If I need to make a quick escape, I’m ready.
“Don’t you look beautiful?” I turn to the voice.
“Thank you.”
She pulls me into her arms. “Does he know you’re here?”
We step apart.
“Probably. He has a man or men watching me at all times. I had someone watching him, too. It was a little game we played while in college.”
“But you believe he still has someone watching you?”
I chuckle. “Yes, your son likes to be in control of every situation.”
She laughs. “He does. He’s been like that since he was a little boy.”
I laugh too. “I’m not surprised.”
Reaching into my purse, I retrieve a black box. A big green bow is tied around it.
“I have to go. Can you give him this present?”
“No, you should give it to him.”
I don’t argue. The letter p’s are about to take the stage.
“Okay. It was good to see you, Mrs. Pitucco.”
“Likewise, sweetheart.” She struts down the aisle toward her seat.
She would’ve been the perfect mother-in-law.
“Nicola Pitucco Jr.,” the announcer calls.
I watch as the man I still love walks across the stage.
Clapping, I yell, “Nico!”
My heart flutters in my chest. His medium-length dark hair is styled to perfection under the graduation cap.
I need to leave. Maybe I should leave the gift at his house with one of his guards.
Actually, I could hand it to one of them right now.
My eyes scan the auditorium. I see Nico wave to his family, then his gaze locks on me.
He doesn’t sit back down. Instead, he strides in my direction.
Several people notice as he stops before me.
An attendant steps forward.
“You must return to your seat.”
“Just a minute,” Nico replies.
His bodyguard, Miff, leans in to whisper something to the man.
The attendant’s eyes widen before he steps back.
“Why are you still standing?” Nico asks.
“I wanted to watch you cross the stage. I’m leaving now.” I press the box into his hand.
“Congratulations,” I say.
“Thank you.”
He peels off the bow and pops open the box.
A broad smile spread across his face. “A Rolex.”
Nico pulls me close. “Thanks for the gift.”
“You’re welcome.”
He pulls away, looks deeply into my eyes, and kisses me.
Damn, I shouldn’t have gotten him a gift.
I grip the brim of my hat to keep it from slipping as I deepen the kiss.
It feels right, wrapped in his arms.
Serenity, you’re being watched.
I press my palm against his muscled chest and gently push him back before I end up in his bed later.
“Hey, Serenity, long time no see,” a deep voice says.
I peer at the man standing beside Nico. His arm is draped over the woman’s shoulders.
“Nick, it’s good to see you.”
My gaze moves to her. “How have you been, Natalia?”
“Well. I see you’re still secretly driving our brother nuts.”
We all chuckle except for Nico.
I hadn’t seen them since Nico and I were a couple in high school.
“All right, you’ve had your fun,” Nico warns his sister and brother.
Nick takes the box out of his hand. “Not nearly enough.” He opens the box.
Nick’s eyes widen. “Damn, a Rolex.”
“This is some graduation gift,” Natalia adds.
“Nico and I have been frenemies for many years.” I grin.
“Frenemies my ass,” Nico mutters as he switches out his watches.
Nick grabs his wrist. “Looks good, babe, bro.”
“Yeah, thanks,” Nico grunts, never taking his eyes off me.
“Back to your seats, you two. I need a moment with Serenity.”
Natalia then Nick hugs me before darting back down the aisle.
Nico meets my gaze. “Why are you living in New York?”
“I’m just living there temporarily until my new house is ready.”
“I’m going out of town before I start working with Nick at the office. You can stay at my house until yours is ready.”
My smile rises and falls. “I’ll be fine.”
He grips my chin. “Let me in.” I don’t miss the demanding pleading in his tone.
“I can’t believe you graduated a year late. Feels like you did it on purpose,” I joke.
“You have no idea,” he whispers. I can barely hear him over the yelling in the background.
We stand awkwardly in the back of the auditorium, staring at each other.
“Enjoy your summer,” I tell him.
He pulls me into his arms again. I inhale him for the last time. Fuck, I don’t want to let him go. However, this is the end of our story.
Nico pulls back this time, drinking me in. He turns on his heel not saying goodbye and returns to his seat.
Why didn’t he say goodbye? If he thinks we’re not over, he’s mistaken.