15. Anna
Anna
I can tell when Sophia relaxes, her body visually softening from being so tense.
They came in with a plan, even a backup plan if Vincenzo didn’t allow Delz in but the relief in her eyes tells me she’s put that to rest for her and Massimo and Leandro.
At least they know I’m not being held against my will now, at least that’s how it appears.
Sophia swipes a tear. “I hate that I missed your wedding.”
“That was our one regret, having to do it so quick because the timing was everything. But Vincenzo did have it taped for me. I’ll send it to you soon or better yet maybe we can get together and watch it with a glass of wine some evening.”
I narrow my eyes at the men in the room. “As long as these three can manage to get along.”
Massimo stands and moves toward his wife, which causes Vincenzo to stand and then Nicolo and Leandro to do the same.
“Seriously,” I huff. “We are all adults here and if I were in trouble, you know damn well I’d let you know in no uncertain terms. What we need to be doing is coming together to make sure that Bastian doesn’t get to any of us because it’s not just me that he has a vendetta against. It’s anyone and everyone who helped me and got his brother killed so he’s after us all.
“He is going to want to ruin anyone who he thinks helped in deceiving them about me being dead, anyone who helped hide me or anything. I think we need more guards around Addie, too.”
Massimo and Vincenzo say it at the very same time. “Already done.”
Sophia and I look at the other and laugh.
“I guess the Cassone women certainly do have a type in men,” she drawls, giving her husband a sexy look that I’ve seen many times over the course of living with them for those six months after my rescue.
I swear my sister has that man wrapped around her little finger, but I know it’s because she adores the ground he walks on.
Massimo shoots his wife a look, but she’s not fazed by that alpha at all. “When we get home, we’ll look for dates to get together again. Don’t make it too long, no? I miss you,” she says, squeezing me tight. “All I ever wanted was for you to be happy and to know that you’re safe.”
“I am all that and more.”
Sophia smiles and then looks up at Vincenzo. “You make sure you keep her that way or you won’t need to worry about dealing with Massimo, you will deal with me.”
Vincenzo’s laugh is hearty. “I look forward to getting to know you more, Mrs. Roselli. Your sister only has good things to say about you. She was looking forward to seeing you very much today. I’m glad we could make that happen.”
Massimo begrudgingly nods. “You know Leandro and I only want the best for you and needed to make sure you were safe.”
“I understand,” I tell him.
Massimo looks to Vincenzo. “Leandro and I meant no disrespect to Anna or you or your home. I’m grateful that you kept her safe but that doesn’t mean I like the way it went down.”
Vincenzo nods. “I can understand that. I did what I thought was best knowing Bastian would target you and your home right away in search for her. I wouldn’t change what I did, but I can understand and respect your feelings on the approach.”
Massimo nods. “We’ll continue to disagree on that particular point, but I think everyone here can agree that what’s important is Anna’s safety and not who provides it.
Anna is a well-trained adult, well versed in our ways.
She would have made it known if she were being coerced and that’s not the case.
And she’s clearly happy and confident in your abilities. ”
Leandro heads to the door and places one hand on the knob. “When we meet again, the women should visit while we discuss a plan for the man who caused all this, no?”
Nicolo nods. “Now you’re talking.” Massimo, Vincenzo and Nicolo all grin in agreement.
Massimo takes Sophia’s hand as he guides her across the room. “On that good note, let’s plan to get together again but soon. Gallini’s men hit one of my supply trucks. You would have thought the fuckers would have learned the last time,” Massimo says.
Nicolo’s eyebrow goes up. I don’t miss the gesture.
“It’s not like Vincenzo didn’t fill me in on the reason he got indebted to the Rosellis for his brother’s part in a supply issue gone wrong.
I’m just fortunate that because of it Vincenzo was in the right place at the right time to save me from certain death. ”
Nicolo looks surprised that I know as much as I do but it doesn’t seem to bother him at all.
Vincenzo places a comforting hand to my back.
He may feel comfortable now that everyone has broken the ice, but the fingers around my waist make it clear he doesn’t want me to get anywhere near that door with the Roselli brothers.
I know all about the last-minute plays after everyone’s guard has been let down.
I honestly don’t think Massimo and Leandro would make a grab for me, but I also feel my husband’s tension and slow my pace, just in case.
One good conversation that didn’t turn into a bloodbath between the Rosellis and the DeLuca
s is probably not enough to put my new husband at ease, which becomes even more clear as Nicolo positions himself closer to the door.