Her inability to look him in the eye pained him deeply. She kept her head down and her long locks shielded most of her face from view. Dominic sat next to her. He scooped her hair back and placed her soft locks behind her shoulder. “You can’t be in here, Catalina. We agreed to honor Giovanni’s wishes and stay apart.”
“We need to talk,” she said softly. Even now she had the sweetest, softest voice. One word from her and his convictions wavered. Her head lifted, and she looked at him with sincerity. He stared into her lovely eyes. He’d had many women, known quite a few, but Catalina was by far the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen. She’d blossomed before his eyes. At seventeen her flawless skin, luscious curves, and thick dark brown hair captured the attention of every man in her presence. Giovanni was blind to it. Dominic never was. He’d even beaten a man on the staff ruthlessly with the butt of his gun for staring at her too long. Now she was here, broken and lost. It was his fault.
Catalina smiled. “Ti amo, Domi.” She touched his hand then drew hers away. “You shaved. The bruises aren’t as bad this morning. I’m so sorry Lorenzo hurt you.”
“I’ll heal.”
She nodded. “You know what I’ve always liked about your face. Your eyes.” She touched his brows. “Under these thick brows, they are so compelling. They have this lowered slant to them.” She brushed the tips of her fingers over his left eye. “And your dark lashes. You have dreamy eyes, Domi. That’s what you were for me since I was thirteen. Dreamy.”
“Stop.” He removed her hand from his face. “Don’t do this.”
She placed her hand in her lap. “It’s about the baby.”
Dominic waited.
“I lied.”
“I had to consider that it was a lie. I’m not surprised. Disappointed, yes, but not surprised.”
“Forgive me.”
“I do.” He kissed her brow, and she eased her arm around his waist to hold him as they sat. “Gio sent Carmine to the store. He brought me back three different pregnancy tests. Three of them. I’m to take all three and bring them to Gio.” She dropped her head and cried. “He wants proof Domi. What are we going to do?”
“It’s okay.” He pulled her under his arm. Soon he’d be gone, and she’d mourn him. But he knew she’d get over it and possibly move on to someone more worthy of her. “I’ll handle Gio.”
“No. We have to try. I can stall Gio. I can convince Mira to do it. Did you see how she handled him? She’s really good, and she’s our friend. She understands our love. I’m thinking that we need to start trying to get pregnant immediately. I know I will be able to. I might already be. We didn’t use protection the other night. You never know.”
“It’s best we come clean with him and tell him the truth.”
“No!” She snatched away and stood. “You can’t. Gio is not a forgiving man. He’ll punish us!”
Dominic smiled. “He’ll do that either way. Right now all we have is Christmas.” Dominic brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “Share it with me.”
Catalina smiled sadly and sat on his lap. “And after? After we will be together?”
He didn’t answer. He kissed her, and she drew him with her when she reclined on the bed. Her tongue swirling over his and her lush curves under him he took liberties he shouldn’t have. But he was a condemned man. There was nothing more to lose.
****
The day was much warmer. Giovanni looked up to the weathered stone steps of the Arch of Trajan. Its arc stood magnificently regal during Roman times and was carved of limestone. The sculpting engraved in the enclave and along the arch depicted victories and sacrifices. All of it drew tourism into southern Italy. The public setting should alleviate any stress Don Bonaduce had about entering southern Italy. If not, Giovanni didn’t give a shit. He was done with the old man’s interference. And since the last Calderone was now a charred corpse, he considered this meeting only a courtesy.
Giovanni started up the cobblestone path. Bonaduce watched his approach. He wore a fedora like his father used to wear. His sons were on either side. Giovanni squinted at the men and then cast his gaze over to Lorenzo who also took note of their smug stance. Something felt awry.