Page 54 of Queen of Misfortune (Shadows of Redemption)

"Although we took transitional actions in preparing for my father's death, his ultimate demise caused me to have to deal with issues back at home. This is why initially, I suggested thatLucia stay here with you. I understand her sister is pregnant, and I believe she very much wants to be a part of that."

I cross my arms over my chest thinkingso far, this sounds okay.

"But when I got wind of Don Fiori kidnapping his daughters, including Lucia, and then the auction, I knew that she wasn't safe here."

My frown narrows into a scowl because suddenly, this sounds bad. Like he plans to take Lucy with him.

"I told Giovanni that Lucia is not his to sell, but as you know, she's in a bit of a limbo in terms of protection. My father cared for her very deeply and made provisions for her in Italy?—”

"But as you said, she wants to be here with Elena and the babies," I say, not caring whether I'm overstepping Niko.

"That is what she told me as well when I saw her at the clinic." Luca arches a brow at me. I made my apology already, so I ignore it.

"My father made me vow to him that I would look after her, but I can’t do that with her here and me in Italy. I think we can all agree that she would be safer from her father there than here."

My jaw tightens, but I hold back a burst of anger and irritation. I have to play it cool.

"If that's the case, why didn't you just tell Giovanni that she's part of the Conti Family? You made a vow, but it doesn't sound like she's part of the Family," Niko says, and I realize he's right.

Luca shrugs. "As you know, these things can be complicated. Don Fiori seems to believe my father didn't meet up to his part of the deal."

"What fucking deal? Giovanni sold her. Presumably, your father paid." I’m pissed, but this time, it’s for Lucy and all she’s had to endure. It explains so much of why she is the way she is.

Luca nods. "As I said, it's complicated. But that doesn't mean that she's not without help from the Conti Family." Luca turns his gaze to Niko. "And with Giovanni’s sights set on her, she brings more danger into the Leone Family, does she not? Your pretty, pregnant wife is more at risk."

I want to run my fist through Luca's motherfucking face for reminding Niko of the danger. I look at Niko, hoping against hope that he isn’t preparing to hand Lucy over to protect Elena.

"I have things I need to think about before I can make a decision. I think we all want what's best for Lucia."

What the fuck does that mean? Is he seriously considering this?

Luca watches Niko for a moment and then extends his hand toward Niko, who stands to shake it.

"I hope to have your response soon. I need to return to Italy, and I would like to bring Lucia with me."

I seethe with quiet anger as I do my best to give a polite nod to Luca as he leaves Niko's office.

Once he's out of the office and heading down the hallway, I turn to Niko. "Elena won't stand for this." Niko doesn’t care about my thoughts on this as much as he wants to keep Elena happy.

Niko arches a brow as he sits back down on his chair. "Elena? What about you, Donovan?"

I sniff and do my best to act nonchalant. "You're the one bending over backward to keep his wife happy."

He nods as he steeples his fingers and continues to stare at me in a way that makes me think he can see into my soul. I don't like it when he does that.

"I'm also a man willing to do anything to keep his wife and his unborn children safe. Luca is right. Lucia is a liability to all of us."

Mother Fucker.

"But I'm not so certain that Giovanni's tentacles can't reach over to Italy. The truth is that she will never be safe as long as Giovanni lives or?—"

"Then let's go kill that motherfucker. How long have you been dreaming of this, Niko? God, you could've done it when you kidnapped Elena from her wedding to Romeo." This whole situation is pissing me off. And while it's dangerous for me to blame Niko, I can't help it. Giovanni would've been gone already had Niko killed him as we’d planned at Elena and Romeo's wedding.

Niko sits back in that calm way that tells me I should be careful. Niko is one of those people who has a deadly calm before the storm. "Do you know why Giovanni doesn't care about Elena anymore?"

I shrug and sit down, hoping that will help relieve the tension flowing through my veins. "Because she's not a virgin?" But then I remember everyone believes Lucia isn't a virgin either, so that doesn’t explain why he wants her back.

Niko leans forward again, resting his forearms on his desk. "Giovanni doesn't come after Elena anymore because he knows he can't. She is mine. She's mine in name. She’s carrying my children. He’ll need help to take me down, and no other Don will dare come after what’s clearly mine."