Page 144 of Mafia King's Secret Baby

“Really?”

I sigh. “Gia, I don’t know what to do. I don’t know what to believe. The facts point to the betrayal of us by the De Lucas.”

“I don’t think they do,” she says mildly. “I think Caterina’s right.”

“Pardon?”

Gia sits forward in her chair. “I think she’s right. I think she’s been right for a very, very long time.”

I turn to look at her. “Why did you not tell me?”

“Because, Elio. You never listen.”

Gia stands then, knocking back the rest of the whisky. She sets the crystal glass down on the table, and the ringing noise echoes in the room.

She looks back over her shoulder. “If you fucked up, you need to make it right.”

“Why?”

“Because Elio. We have a chance at a real family again. I don’t want to start over. I want this. And I think you do too.”

When Gia leaves, I sit for a very, very long time.

I eventually doze. After a long time.

I spend most of the night realizing that I may, perhaps, have been wrong.

And, I have no idea how to make it right.

When I wake,it is to a crashing sound.

I’m on my feet in an instant. I fly down the stairs, noting that Luna’s door is open. My heart in my throat, my phone at my fingers. I’m halfway to dialing Nico when I hear sounds coming from the kitchen.

Slowly, I approach.

I am barely clothed, my usual outfit that usually holds a weapon far from the pajamas I had been wearing. My feet pad against the floor and I creep into the kitchen.

Luna is sitting in the middle of the floor, surrounded by cereal.

From the horrified look on her face, I think perhaps this has not gone according to plan.

“Hello,” I say cautiously. I wonder where Caterina could be, that Luna would be so boldly trying to fend for herself this morning.

“Hi Mr. Mommy’s friend,” her voice echoes in my empty kitchen.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m hungry,” she says by way of explanation.

“Do you need some help?”

She nods.

I walk out of the kitchen, returning with two brooms. I hand one to Luna. “Do you know how to sweep?”

“Yes, duh,” she rolls her eyes.

“Well alright then,” I murmur. “Let us sweep.”