Page 55 of Queen of Misfortune (Shadows of Redemption)

I nod because in this weird criminal world we live in, there are certain rules. Then again, Giovanni Fiori often breaks them. Like now. "Lucia is a Conti. That should give her protection no matter where she is."

"In theory, yes. But Giuseppe is dead. She has the Conti name by marriage, but everyone knows that she was sold to him. She came here before he died, which could make some question their relationship. Luca has a vow to his father, but that means nothing to Giovanni Fiori."

I stare at him, wondering what he's getting at.

"The point is, Lucia has very little protection. She isn't in my Family or the Conti Family, technically. The default is that she's a Fiori, which is how I suspect Giovanni is thinking this through."

"So, what's the answer?" I feel like I’m missing something that Niko is trying to tell me. Or maybe I don’t want to consider that he’s saying Lucy needs to go back to Italy and marry Luca. “She becomes a Conti again by marrying Luca? Her stepson?”

Niko's lips tug up in a smirk as he sits back again. I'm wondering what the hell he's finding so amusing.

"Marriage can solve all sorts of problems for Lucia.”

Several hours later,I stand outside the kitchen holding a large, flat box, hesitating and feeling a little nauseous. Inside the kitchen, I hear Elena and Lucy chatting away and sometimes even laughing. It’s Lucy’s laugh and desiring to hear it more often that propels me into the kitchen.

Both ladies looked up, startled and then concerned.

"Lucy, you need to come with me."

Elena stands, her hand going over her heart. "Is something wrong? Where's Nico?"

"Nico's fine. He's in his office."

Elena looks at Lucy. "I need to go see him."

Lucy nods. "Of course."

I let Elena go past me as she hurries out of the kitchen.

“Come on.” I nod toward the door.

She purses her lips at me and jabs her fist on her hip. “What’s going on?”

"I'm not kidding around here, Lucy. You need to come with me. If I have to pick you up and toss you over my shoulder, I will."

She looks at me with disdain I haven’t seen in a while. I can't deny that it hurts a little bit. I'd like to think we had a moment those few days ago when we'd heated up the sheets.

"What is this about?"

"I'll tell you in a minute.” There’s no way I’m having this conversation in an open part of the house.

Tired of waiting for her to comply, I wrap my hand around her arm and tug her with me as I make my way out of the kitchen and to the stairs.

"You don't need to grab me."

"The fact that you don't listen tells me that I do." I lead her upstairs and into her room, only releasing her when we’re both inside and I can shut the door.

"What is wrong with you?" She whirls on me, anger flaring in her eyes.

This is going to go so horribly badly, but I’ve faced worse things than Lucy Fiore Conti.

"Luca was here earlier today. He wants to take you back to Italy with him."

She rolls her eyes. "We've had this discussion before. I told him I didn't want to go." She cocks her head to the side and studies me. "Careful, Donovan. I might think you're jealous."

She doesn't know the half of it. "As you're aware, your father is trying to auction you." Immediately, I regret reminding her because her expression turns stricken.

I take a step toward her, wanting to comfort her, but she steps back and holds her hands up. "What is this all about, Donovan?”