Chapter 102
ONE HUNDRED TWO
ANSON
Istared down at the message on my phone. Dom had given me his safe house address. I’d texted him earlier to tell him it was urgent.
I pulled up to the pretty log home situated in the middle of nowhere and got out. Vincent rushed out to greet me, worry on his face.
“Hey, what’s going on?” he demanded.
I opened the back door on the SUV I’d rented, and Vincent peered inside.
“Oh my god,” he choked out.
“Grab him out,” I murmured before going to the other side and opening the door. I took out the car seat that held Dom’s newborn son.
Sante Domenico De Santis.
Vin took Kingston, Fallon’s son, out, and we went into the house.
“Dom!” Vin shouted. “Dominic!”
Dom came into the living room, looking like he’d been in the shower since he wasn’t wearing a shirt, had wet hair, and was only wearing sweatpants.
His green eyes widened as we approached with the babies.
“G-Get Fallon,” he choked out.
Vin handed off Kingston to him and rushed from the room, calling for Levin and Fallon.
“Here.” I handed him his son. “Sante.”
“Oh my god,” he rasped, placing the car seat next to Kingston’s and staring down at the babies asleep in their onesies.
The guys came back into the room. Fallon rushed forward and went to his knees next to Dom, weeping softly as he fumbled with unhooking Kingston from his seat.
I watched with a tight throat as both the guys took their babies out and held them.
“How?” Dom asked. “Why? Is Bianca OK?”
“She’s fine,” I murmured. “I had to get the babies out.”
Dom kissed Sante’s head tenderly. “My boy,” he choked out, tears streaming down his cheeks. “Fuck. Shit. Damnit.” He winced. “I-I shouldn’t swear, right?”
Vin chuckled.”I think it’ll be OK. He doesn’t know what you’re saying.”
“Is there anything in the car?” Levin asked, tearing his eyes away from the guys.
“Yeah. I brought a couple of bags. Some clothes, and Bianca was pumping to try to give them breast milk. There’s some formula and bottles for them. Little bit of everything.”
“Vin, help me,” Levin said. Vin left with Levin. They were gone for several minutes before Dom spoke.
“What’s going on?” Dom asked.
“I’m leaving. I got Rosalie back. She’s waiting for me at Matteo’s.”
Levin and Vin came in and placed the bags on the floor.
“Rosalie is with my dad?” Levin asked tightly.
“No. He’s not there. She hasn’t seen him,” I said.
Levin frowned at that information. “Where is he?”
“I don’t know. Matteo said he needed some time off to sort through some personal matters. That’s all I know.”
Levin’s frown deepened at that information, but he didn’t ask more questions. It wasn’t like I had more answers for him anyway.
“What will happen to B?” Vin asked. “If you’re leaving?”
I breathed out. “Um, I need you guys to be calm, OK?”
Dom glanced at the guys, but he nodded tightly, Sante cradled in his arms.
“Carmine can’t be held off any longer. Matteo tried. I honestly don’t even know why he’s doing what he’s doing, but he said Sylar told him.”
“He’s listening to Sylar?” Dom frowned.
“You’re familiar with him?”
“Yeah. He’s… different.”
“Well, it’s the only reasoning he has. It’s why he’s done all of this.” I gestured around uselessly. “I don’t know. Anyway, he’s-he’s going to marry Bianca.”
“What?” Dom roared.
Vin reached out and took Sante from him as Fallon’s face paled. Sante let out a soft cry at Dom’s outburst. Immediately, Dom looked upset and went back to the baby, whispering to him as Vin held him.
“Daddy’s sorry. I’m sorry,” he murmured. “It’s OK. Everything is OK. Shh. It’s OK. I’m here.”
Sante quieted a moment later. Dom turned back to me.
“Call Sylar,” I said. “I’ll text you his number. He’s moving a lot of pieces around the board. He said to trust the process.”
“She can’t marry him,” Dom rasped. “She fucking can’t. He will break her.”
“I think she’s breaking him,” I said softly.
“What does that mean?” Levin asked.
“Matteo and Bianca have grown closer. I know you sent her to kill him.” I stared Dom down. “But I don’t think she’s going to.”
Dom visibly shook. “Did-Did she fall in love with him?”
“No.” I shook my head. “I think she and Matteo have something else entirely planned. Her message to you is to wait for her. That’s all she said.”
Dom looked at his guys, then at the babies.
“OK. We will wait.”
I was surprised he wasn’t putting up more of a fight.
“I trust her.” He looked back at me. “I do. I trust her.”
“Good.” I nodded. “My job here is done.”
“You and Rosalie?” Dom called out.
I gave him a sad smile. “Not like that. She signed her recording contract. We’re going to California for her. I’ll be supporting her. I’m her manager.”
“You’re going to marry that girl,” Fallon murmured. “Just wait and see.”
I let out a sad huff of air. “I really hope so.”
“Faith.” Dom clapped me on the shoulder. “She loves you.”
I nodded tightly. “Timing is never right.”
“Fuck timing, Alessandro. If you love her, tell her.” Dom hugged me tightly. “I’ll try to keep the horsemen from killing you.”
I hugged him back and laughed softly. “I appreciate it.”
We broke apart, and Dom looked back at his son. “Thank you for bringing our boys home. I can never repay you for all you’ve done for us, but I damn well want to. Name your price.”
“Take care of them and Bianca,” I said. “That’s the only payment I want.”
“Deal.” Dom clapped me on the back and went to Vin and took Sante from him. I watched as he settled on the couch, murmuring to him.
“I need to go,” I said, backing away. “I don’t know anything about babies, so…”
“We have Google.” Vin frowned, not looking convinced.
“Natty is nearby,” Fallon said. “I’ll call her if we have trouble. Or Stella, if we get really desperate.”
It seemed like a sound plan. I bid the kings goodbye and left, unsure of what would happen next, but I really hoped Matteo would make it through.
He was my father, and I did love him. I didn’t want to lose him, but something told me that was the plan.
And that really fucking hurt.