There was boldness.
And then there was blatant disrespect.
Anthony Corelli was exhibiting the latter.
Anthony coming into The Dollhouse on his own wasn’t a surprise. After all, he had a thing for Erika. But Anthony hadn’t done that. In fact, Erika was nowhere in sight and wasn’t scheduled to even be in this particular day. No. Anthony had done this purposely. With narrowed eyes, she watched as Anthony sat at the table holding court like he was some kind of king. A cigar in one hand, a glass of cognac in the other, he was the picture of a man without a care in the world.
Everything in her itched to go over, and give him a piece of her mind, but at this point Melina knew it would do no good. Anthony was here for a reason—to disrespect her husband. She knew there was bad blood between the two men that predated her relationship with Mac, but this stunt had only reinforced just how bad the blood really was. If Anthony had come to her place of business with a few men that worked for him, she wouldn’t have liked it. However, she was a savvy businesswoman, and as long as the money was green she would take it.
But this was something else.
These were other Capos.
Capos who had been appointed by Luca Pivetti.
Capos who now seemed to be following the lead of Anthony Corelli.
The jackals had already started to circle, and the prey wasn’t even dead.
As Melina watched the men laughing and joking as if all was right in their world, she thought about Luca Pivetti. There had never been any love lost between her and the Pivetti Don. In fact, there had been a time when she thought the man wouldn’t be satisfied until she was permanently out of the picture. But times and situations had changed. Luca Pivetti’s life would never be the same. It was a shame that the formidable man who was now grieving his wife and the potential forever loss of his freedom probably had no idea he was already being betrayed. While there was a lot Melina would never know about the rules of la famiglia, she did know impatience and disrespect when she saw it.
Melina glanced at the Cartier watch on her wrist. She’d texted her husband ten minutes ago. She had no idea where Mac’s day had taken him, but she hoped that he would be walking through the doors soon to set Anthony straight. Moving behind the bar, Melina quickly made herself a glass of rum and Coke. Taking two large sips, she set the glass down as her thoughts became more dangerous.
It would be easy to kill a man like Anthony.
Maybe easy wasn’t the right word.
She wouldn’t shed a tear if the bastard was dead that was for certain.
In fact, Melina was sure that the Pivetti Organization, as well as she and her husband, would all be better off, but there were rules that had to be followed. The murder of a made man had to be properly sanctioned. To do so without an approved order would equal the killer’s own death sentence. Anthony was safe for now.
At least from her.
No. She wouldn’t kill him, despite the fact that he’d sought to undermine her husband every chance he had. Despite the fact that he’d all but threatened their son. No, she couldn’t kill him right now.
But that didn’t stop her desire from wanting to.
Speak of the Devil.
Melina took another sip of her drink. The velvety feeling of the rum coating her throat as Anthony rose from his seat. With a predator’s smile, he stubbed out his cigar before he came towards where she stood behind the bar.
“Melina, always a pleasure to see you.”
“I’m sure it is for you. Sorry, I can’t say the same.”
He placed a hand over his heart. “You never miss a chance to cut me down, do you?”
“You make yourself an easy target.”
“Or perhaps there’s more to it than that,” Anthony alluded.
Melina took another sip of her rum and Coke before she smirked. “And what would that be?”
“I think as much as you pretend to detest me that isn’t really the case at all.”
Melina laughed. “Your ego is way out of control so let me debase you of this foolish notion. I wouldn’t be with you if you were the last man on the planet. I’d rather die alone.”
Anthony bristled, his brows knitting together. “You never know how you’ll react when faced with certain choices, my dear.”
“In this case I do.”
“Such a strong woman. I’m sure James Jr. doesn’t even realize just how lucky he is.”
Melina fought the urge to grit her teeth. “Mac knows exactly how lucky he is. Anything else is a bullshit insinuation.”
Anthony smiled. “Forgive me, bella. It was not my intention to upset you with my presence.”
“Then how about you and your buddies remove yourselves and everything will be wonderful.”
“This is a public establishment is it not?” Anthony asked.
Melina opened her mouth to answer, but stopped when her husband rounded the corner. Her eyes slid to Mac’s face, and she didn’t miss the icy flames burning in his eyes. He didn’t even acknowledge the other men sitting at the tables. His gaze was reserved for Anthony and Anthony alone.
“Of course, it is,” Mac said smoothly.
Anthony shifted so that he could face Mac, a smirk on his face. “Ah, Mac. Nice of you to drop in.”
“Somehow I doubt that’s true.”
“Well maybe not entirely true. After all you did just interrupt a delightful conversation I was having with your stunning wife.”
Melina’s gaze moved between Anthony, her husband, and the other Capos sitting at the tables watching the confrontation. Things could go south at any moment. Anthony was deliberately goading Mac any way he could.
“I’m sure Melina wouldn’t be of the same opinion, but that’s neither here nor there. I’m more curious as to why you’re calling public meetings these days.”
As if you’re in charge.
Mac’s unspoken words hung in the air between the two men.
“Public meetings? Oh, Mac, my boy. I think paranoia is starting to set in a bit. There’s no meeting. Just a few good friends and businessmen patronizing an up and coming establishment. No doubt you and Melina are grateful for the business.”
Mac’s eyes narrowed and a tic moved in his jaw. Melina didn’t know how Mac was keeping his cool. Anthony was obviously out for blood and using every slick comment he could to piss Mac off.
“Even a blind man can see when a joker tries to set himself up as a king and blind I’m not, Anthony. I know Melina appreciates the invitation you sent to the other Capos to meet at her establishment. However, unless you gentlemen are interested in spending money on the other services The Dollhouse has to offer, might I suggest a change in venue.”
“It seems things have happened that you aren’t privy to. With age comes experience, however, I think we’ve caused your wife enough stress this evening. Until we meet again.”
Anthony smirked before he walked away unhurriedly back to where the other men sat. Melina and her husband watched in silence as he said something to them. One by one, they all stood and put their jackets on before they rose and took their leave. A few of them left wads of money on the tables. Others did not and only barely nodded at Mac. Anthony was the last to leave.
“I really wish I could put a bullet between his eyes,” Melina finally said.
“Me, too, doll.”
Melina came from around the built in bar to stand in front of her husband. She took his face in her hands. “You got here pretty fast.”
“I drove like hell.”
“Why? Surely you couldn’t have thought I was in danger.”
Mac’s eyes held hers. “Not really. Anthony is inappropriately fond of you, but you never know what crosses a mind like his. It doesn’t take a genius to know the best way to hurt me is through you and our son.”
“I think I can safely say that Anthony is not interested in alienating me. In fact, he’s under some misrepresented belief that he intrigues me somehow.”
Mac’s eyes narrowed until she barely could see their color. “On what fucking planet?”
Melina slid her hands down her husband’s neck and to his broad shoulders. “The planet in his mind. When I assured him I’d rather die alone than be with him, he warned me that you never knew what decisions you’d make when situations arose. I think I understand what he was saying pretty loud and clear, Mac.”
“So do I. He plans to set himself up as the new Don, and once he gets me out of the way it’s open season on you.”
Mac’s nostrils flared and beneath her hands his body tensed as he stared off into space. Anthony had all but declared war. He wanted to destroy everything that she held dear to satisfy his own selfish lusts and greed.
“I meant what I said, Mac. I’d rather die than belong to Anthony.”
“You dying will never be an option. Not ever.”
Mac focused his gaze on her. One of his hands came up to cup her face in his hand.
“Good, because I have a lot more living to do.”
“I’m going to stop him, doll. I swear it. No one is going to take you from me.”
“There’s no way I would ever willingly go. There’s not a man alive who could ever take your place,” she told him.
Mac smiled for the first time in a long time. “Good to know. Now why don’t you and I head home?”
“Absolutely. Just let me tell the staff I’m leaving.”
Melina gave Mac a quick kiss on the cheek before she stepped away to go talk to the skeletal staff on duty today. She’d made it down the hallway when she stopped and looked back. Her husband ran a tired hand across his face. The level of stress he was under was evident. He needed a chance to take his mind off things, and she had the perfect distraction in mind.
Melina stood over Marquise’s crib watching him as he slept. The slow rise and fall of his chest. The way he wiggled his nose in his sleep. She could watch him sleep all night, but she wouldn’t tonight. There was someone else who needed her undivided attention. Leaning down she pressed a final kiss on her son’s temple before she went and quickly showered and dressed.
Staring at herself in the mirror, Melina smiled. She looked damned good. Exactly what the doctor ordered. Adding the pair of black spiked heels that her husband loved to her outfit, Melina went in search of Mac. She was surprised to find him in their rarely used solarium that overlooked the pool. Mac leaned against the tempered glass door with his back to her.
He was still, deathly so, but you couldn’t miss the sloop in his shoulders. The way his head was bent forward as if the weight of the world was on him. She wanted to take that weight from him as much as she could. At least tonight. Walking over to him she looped her arms around his waist and leaned against him. She inhaled his scent and they were silent, just the two of them in their own world.
“I can’t remember the last time we’ve had a moment to just be still,” Mac finally said.
“Neither can I. Feels nice, doesn’t it?”
“I didn’t understand just how much I needed it until now,” Mac confessed.
“Are you finally admitting you’re not invincible?” Melina teased.
“Most definitely. I’m man enough to admit that I am not infallible.”
“And that is one of the things that makes you such an amazing man. Not being afraid to admit that sometimes things get beyond your control. But no matter what you just keep moving forward.”
“Motivational speaking, doll? I know some people who will pay good money for a message like that.”
Melina thumped her husband. “I heard sarcasm.”
Mac straightened and Melina loosened her arms around him, stepping away as he turned around to face her.
“Never.”
His eyes roved over her, as understanding dawned on him.
“Positive about that?” she asked.
He nodded, reaching out a hand to touch her hip.
“Then why don’t you let me give you another kind of motivation?”
Melina pushed him until his back was leaning against the glass.
“What did you have in mind?” Mac asked.
“Why don’t you let me take care of everything?” She pressed her hand against his chest as she leaned close to him.
“Whatever my doll wants.”
“Smart man.”
Melina’s hands found his shoulders as their lips met. She kissed him, slow and unhurried. Her mouth opened, allowing his tongue to touch hers. Melina moaned as he kissed her deeper. Her breasts rubbed against him, nipples pebbling through the lace of her lingerie. One strong arm came to settle around her waist as they kissed.
“You are so fucking sexy,” Mac whispered.
“So are you,” she said between kisses.
Mac’s lips traveled from her mouth to nip at the lobe of her ear, and she dug her nails into his shoulders. A pulsating ache was starting between her thighs. It was always like this.
Every touch.
Every kiss.
A pleasure she would never get tired of.
Melina bit her lip as Mac sucked on the lobe of her ear. She was rapidly losing the little control she had. If she wanted this evening to go the way she’d planned, she had to reign herself in. As his hot tongue traced the shell of her ear, Melina reached for his belt and quickly undid it before moving to the top button of his slacks. With one firm tug, his pants pooled around his ankles, leaving Mac in just his black boxer-briefs. The swell of his desire for her radiated hot against her hand, and she touched him through the material.
“Bad girl,” Mac said.
“You have no idea.”
Mac leaned against the glass door, staring at Melina as her hand delved inside his boxer-briefs. When her hand closed around him, he groaned. Fiery and steel all wrapped in one. With her free hand she pulled his boxers down until his thick length was exposed. For a moment, she just stared at the masculine part of him that never failed to excite her. Even now, she could feel the moisture gathering between her thighs.
“You keep looking at my cock like that, doll, and we’re going to have a real problem.”
Melina laughed. “Is that so?” She stroked him slowly from base to tip. “Sounds like I’ll have to do something about that then.”
In one fluid motion, Melina dropped to her knees and took Mac in her mouth.
“Fuck.”
Her tongue teased the tip of his cock, tasting the pre-cum that had gathered there.
Salty.
Tart.
Uniquely Mac.
Her pussy clenched in response as her mouth moved up and down the long length of him. Gently her teeth scraped over him as she sucked him hard. He filled her mouth completely as she relaxed allowing him to hit the back of her throat.
“Look at me, doll.”
Melina kept up her ministrations, but she refused to meet his eyes. She couldn’t. She knew what would happen if she did. Her thighs trembled as the heady desire to please her husband raced through her body.
“Look at me while you suck my cock.”
The need in his voice tugged at her. She moaned around him as she slide up his thick shaft to suck the head of his cock. Her tongue teased his slit, and then she finally met his gaze. If she hadn’t already been on her knees, they likely would’ve buckled at the force of desire in his eyes.
Hot.
Hungry.
Need.
“That’s it, doll. Just like that.”
Melina cupped his balls as she increased her tempo. Her eyes watered as her head bobbed up and down. Mac groaned a strangled sound, and he swelled inside her mouth. She positioned him towards the back of her throat, sucked hard and then he was filling her mouth with the essence that was uniquely Mac. His eyes closed momentarily as he growled his release, before he was grabbing her under the arms and jerking her up from the floor.
Without a word he placed a searing kiss on her lips that stole her breath and nearly made her buckle. Melina didn’t fight as her husband turned her so that she was leaning against the glass. She gasped when her lace panties were ripped from her body. The cool air touched her ass, before Mac’s hand did. His smack to her ass stung in the most pleasant way.
“Do it again,” she whispered.
Mac obliged just as two fingers sunk inside her.
“So fucking wet,” Mac growled.
Any response she might have made was cut off when her husband’s cock replaced his fingers. Melina’s breath hissed in her throat at the fullness she felt. Hot, thick and wonderful, Mac’s cock slid in and out of her slippery wetness driving deeper and deeper with each powerful stroke. His arm held tight around her waist forcing her back against him. She met him thrust for thrust, sending hot tugs of pleasure straight to her pussy.
“Harder.”
Mac’s fingers dug into her hip as he drove harder, faster and deeper than he had before. His breath was ragged on her neck with every pound of his flesh into hers. Her pussy trembled. Her body ached as a dam of bliss exploded between her thighs.
“Yes! Fuck yes,” she cried out.
Rivets of pleasure ran through her body from head to toe as her clit continued to throb in the aftermath of her pleasure. Above her, Mac nipped her ear as he found his own release, spilling inside her. Then they were silent, the only sounds in the room were of their heavy breathing as they struggled to catch their breath.
“You’re … going to be … the death of me, doll.”
Melina laughed. “I can’t think of a better way to go.”
Releasing his grip from around her waist, Mac turned her to face him as he hastily pulled up and secured his pants. A moment later, he had her in his arms.
“Round two in the bedroom?” Mac asked.
“Absolutely. I’ve got more surprises.”
“Lucky me.”
The two of them laughed as they set off towards their bedroom, and Melina was pleased that her evening plans were turning out to be a complete success.
Something soft touched her cheek. Melina groaned, opening one eye to find her husband watching her with a predatory gaze.
“Why are you awake so early?” she asked.
Mac smiled, rubbing his thumb down her cheek. “It’s ten in the morning, doll.”
“What?” Melina opened both eyes and rolled to face her husband. “Why did you let me sleep so long?”
“I figured after last night you could use the rest.”
“Spoken like a man really full of himself.”
“If I remember correctly, only one of us was full of something last night and it wasn’t me.”
Reaching beneath the covers, Mac tweaked her nipple as he wrapped his arm around her pulling her even closer.
“All right you got me. My brain is too foggy for a comeback right now but don’t get used to it.” Melina rested her head on Mac’s chest as his arms encircled her.
“I wouldn’t dream of it, doll.”
They rested, entwined together listening to the sounds of each other’s deep, even breathing. Moments like this were rare. Precious and rare. Melina ran her hands up and down her husband’s back. Then a thought came to her mind.
“Marquise?”
“I gave him a bottle two hours ago while you were still sleeping. He’s still asleep in his bed.”
“You’re such a good father.”
“And you’re a good mother.”
A good mother.
A good mother like Neeya Pivetti.
Melina swallowed around the lump in her throat. It had only been a few days since the untimely death of the woman she’d considered a friend and more. Tears formed in her eyes and she blinked quickly in a futile attempt to stop them from falling. She knew the exact moment her tears touched Mac’s skin.
“Doll, talk to me.”
She cleared her throat as she took a moment to collect her thoughts.
“I was thinking about Neeya. This is the first chance I’ve had to process the fact that she’s gone,” she finally said.
“I know you two were close.”
Melina rearranged herself so that she could look her husband in the eyes.
“She went out of her way to make me feel welcome. She didn’t have to do that or anything else she did for that matter. I don’t use the term friend lightly, but that’s what Neeya was to me. A friend.”
“The boss’s wife was an amazing woman. The only person that could go toe to toe with Luca and come out the winner. Neeya was a formidable woman.”
Melina nodded. “Yes, she was. I think I wouldn’t be half the wife I am now if it weren’t for learning from her example. There are so many fine lines to walk, but she navigated them all with unmatched poise.”
“That she did. I can’t even begin to imagine how Luca is dealing with this right now.”
“Or their daughters.”
The girls.
Rose, Hope, and Lora.
Their mother was dead, and their father was behind bars likely facing a lifetime of imprisonment leaving them to deal with everything on their own. They may have been legally adults, but nothing in the world could prepare you for losing a parent. She knew that firsthand.
“Would you mind looking after Marquise for a little while?” she asked.
“Of course not. We’ll have some father and son bonding time. You going to be okay?” Mac cupped her face in his hand.
“Yeah, eventually. I just want to go and check on the girls. Offer my support. Let them know I’m there if they need me.”
“I know that will mean a lot to them. You’re an exceptional woman, doll.”
Melina smiled at her husband before she threw back the covers. “I’m not exceptional. I just understand what they’re going through.”
“It’s more than that.”
“Maybe. You’re sure you’ll be all right with the baby?”
“Are you insinuating I can’t handle my son on my own?” Mac pinched her hip.
“Hardly. I just want to be sure you’re up to it in case I’m gone longer than I expect, that’s all.”
“Take all the time you need, doll. Us boys will be fine.” Mac leaned close and kissed her on the mouth hard. “Now get going.”
“Yes, sir.”
Melina rolled out of bed and headed towards the bathroom. She’d barely made it inside, when she heard Marquise’s cries.
“I got him,” Mac yelled out.
“Okay.”
Melina turned on the shower, grabbed a washcloth and stepped under the hot jets. As the water flowed over her body, she made a mental note to plan another special evening for her husband. He really was a remarkable man.
Twenty minutes later, Melina was showered and dressed. She’d pulled her hair into a simple ponytail and chosen distressed blue jeans and an off the shoulder black top, paired with spiked black boots. She added small black diamond studs in her ears and tinted gloss before she left the bedroom in search of her husband and son. She found Mac and Marquise in the living room. Mac held their son as he appeared to be watching TV with wild fascination.
“What are you two so interested in?”
“Not us. Your son is apparently fascinated by The National Geographic Channel.”
“Is that so?”
Melina stepped closer and turned her attention to the television where a narrator explained two male lions were fighting each other for mating rights and territory. She watched a few minutes more with her attention moving between her son and the television. Finally she spoke again.
“The beginning of brilliance starts now.”
“On that we can agree. I have a car waiting for you downstairs,” Mac said.
The last thing Melina felt like doing was sitting in the back of a limousine.
“It’s not a limousine, doll.”
She offered him a grateful smile. “Thank you.”
Melina kissed Mac long and leisurely before she turned to her son who had momentarily turned his attention from the television and was staring at her with wide eyes.
“You be good for your daddy, okay? But don’t have too much fun without me.”
Marquise cooed in response, smiling at her. She placed a soft kiss on his forehead and then exited the house. Outside awaited a black Hummer, and standing next to it was a man she couldn’t recall seeing.
“Good morning, ma’am.”
“Good morning. I don’t believe we’ve met.”
He extended his hand. “Leonardo. Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Maccari.”
They shook hands before Leonardo opened the back right passenger side door and helped her inside. Two minutes later they were pulling out of her driveway and heading towards the home where the Pivetti daughters now lived.
It was still surreal to Melina that she would never again visit the Pivetti mansion.
That she would never again hear Neeya’s voice.
Or see the quiet way the regal woman took over a room.
Or be able to seek the older woman for advice.
No.
Those days were gone, and they could never return.
Releasing a breath, she wiped away a tear that spilled down her cheek. No. Neeya was gone, and it wasn’t just the loss of the woman as a friend that pained her, bringing her to tears. It wasn’t just her loss as a mentor and wise confidant. No. It was something else. Something she hadn’t been able to admit out loud yet, even to her husband.
Losing Neeya had been like the loss of another mother.
Melina’s own mother had died when she was barely eight years old. There had been no one there to guide her through life and experience the milestones every young girl dreamed of. Neeya had filled that void.
A steady guide through the world of the mafia and all its clear and hidden dangers.
A warm figure who’d given her a priceless gift at her wedding and a spectacular baby shower when she was pregnant.
A woman who welcomed her with open arms and gave her something she had been missing for a long time … a mother’s love.
Yes.
Neeya Pivetti had filled a void in Melina’s life and now her death had created yet another.
But she didn’t have time to give life to her own pain. There were others hurting worse than she was. Three girls who needed someone they could turn to. Melina only hoped that she could be that person. She was drawn from her own thoughts as the Hummer slowed to a stop in front of a stately but small home. Standing outside in front of the small white columns holding up the half porch were armed guards.
With Neeya selling off her assets before she’d passed, she and the girls had moved, but Melina hadn’t been expecting a place like this. It was understated, with nothing that drew attention to it. Very different from the opulence that had been the Pivetti mansion. But maybe that was the point. Leonardo came around and opened the door for her. She thanked him, and he nodded as he helped her down and walked with her to the front door. Melina didn’t recognize any of the men, and they offered no smiles.
“I’m Melina Maccari, here to see Rose, Hope, and Lora.”
“Any weapons, ma’am?” one of the guards asked.
Melina thrust her purse into the hand of the man and then spread her arms. “Do you need to frisk me, too?”
One of the other guards, a bald man with thick muscles, nudged the one holding her purse.
“No, ma’am. Forgive him. He’s new. The last thing we want is problems with Mr. Maccari,” the bald man said.
“Thank you,” Melina said.
The man gave her back her purse and opened the door for her. Leonardo trailed behind her. They stepped into a small atrium. The walls were eggshell in color, but bare. Melina took a few steps further down the hall.
“Hello?” she called out.
A few moments later, a young woman appeared in the hallway. Slender with bronze skin, high cheekbones and silky black hair hanging gracefully down her back she was the picture of elegance … just like her mother. Even clad in a simple white blouse and black slacks, she moved as if she owned the room.
“Rose.”
“Melina, what an unexpected surprise.” The barest hint of a smile crossed her face.
“I hope I’m not intruding. I wanted to check on you and your sisters.”
“It’s never an intrusion. Let’s talk in the living room,” Rose said.
Melina followed the young woman down the hallway and soon they were in a mid-sized living room. Again the décor was simple. White couches, glass tables, and a small ottoman. Rose took a seat, and Melina sat next to her, putting her purse down on the floor next to her.
“Where are your sisters?”
“Hope is upstairs finishing a paper for her Anthropology class. She insists on not falling behind in her studies. Lora is spending some time with friends. I really do appreciate you taking the time to come here today. We haven’t had many visitors.”
Melina raised a brow. “That I don’t understand.”
Rose offered her a smile that didn’t reach her dark eyes. “It seems these days we’re not high on the list of importance.”
Melina reached for the younger woman’s hand. “That will never be true.”
“Oh I’m afraid it is. You see one thing I inherited from my mother is being practical. My father will likely never see the outside of a prison cell again which leaves his power all but non-existent. The jackals are already at the door ready to tear him apart. That leaves my sisters and me temporarily forgotten until whoever takes over decides how to use us to serve their purpose.”
There was no venom behind Rose’s words, just a simple practicality. Even Melina couldn’t deny the truth that the young Pivetti woman had spoken. These were uncertain times for all of them, but especially for the three principessas. It was only a matter of time before they would have to face even more uncertainty ahead of them.
“You have inherited your mother’s wisdom, Rose. But count me among those who are concerned for your well-being. I know the pain of losing a mother and no matter your age it is never an easy thing to accept.”
Rose nodded. “No, it is not, especially when her death was unwarranted. But I don’t have the luxury of grieving. I have to be strong for my sisters.”
“Rose, everyone deserves a chance to grieve. You are entitled to it. Take it.”
“Perhaps, once the funeral is over.”
“How are Hope and Lora holding up?”
“Hope is unfailingly stable. No matter what storm is going on around us, she holds it together. Lora is volatile. Angry one minute. Sad the next. Dad not allowing us to visit him is not helping matters.”
“I can imagine he doesn’t want you to see him upset. I also imagine that he’s also keeping you away for his own protection. Lora, being the youngest and closest to your father, it’s easy to see why she is a storm of emotions but you’re doing the most important thing … being there for her.”
Rose withdrew her hand from Melina’s and quickly wiped a tear from her eye before she stood up.
“I can see why my mother always spoke so highly of you. She thought of you like another daughter.”
Melina swallowed the lump in her throat and blinked back her own tears. “That means the world to me.”
Before Rose could say anything else, a man’s voice boomed through the house.
“Girls?”
Melina didn’t recognize the voice, or the tall man that walked casually into the living room. Clad in a gray expensive Italian cut suit, his eyes were dark and piercing. His black hair was thick and full with only some slight gray at his temples, giving him an even more debonair appearance. His skin was a deep shade of olive as if he’d spent a great deal of time in the sun.
“Grandfather, what are you doing here?”
Rose flew into his arms, and the man offered her a small smile as he hugged the girl close to him. Melina stood up and grabbed her purse, preparing to leave and give them some privacy.
“Did you think I wouldn’t be here?”
Rose leaned back to look at the man. “Truthfully I know how busy you are in South Africa and everywhere else you go, I wasn’t sure.”
Her grandfather nodded with a tight pinched smile. “Then I haven’t done a very good job being a grandfather have I?”
Rose opened her mouth to say something, but he placed a finger against her lips. “Please, Rose, introduce me to your friend.”
The young woman stepped out of her grandfather’s embrace and turned halfway towards Melina. “Grandfather, this is Melina Maccari, a good friend of Mom’s. Melina, this is my grandfather, Massimo Dinunzio.”
Massimo extended his hand. “A pleasure to meet a friend of my daughter’s despite the circumstances.”
They exchanged handshakes, and Melina was unnerved beneath the man’s gaze. He stared as if he could see straight to her soul.
“Likewise,” she said, honestly unsure if she truly meant it.
When Massimo released her hand, Melina turned to Rose. “If you or your sisters need anything or just want to talk, don’t hesitate to call me.”
“We will, Melina, and thanks again for coming by.”
The two women hugged before Melina left the room to where Leonardo stood waiting in the atrium.
“I’m ready,” she told him.
“Yes, ma’am.”
He opened the door for her, and Melina departed the house glad that she’d come. In the darkest hours, everyone needed someone to be there for them. The arrival of Neeya’s father and her own visit, both would go a long way towards showing the Pivetti principessas that they were not alone.