It wasn’t just that Layla was a Capribella. She was also a Fedorov.
In essence…she was a real Mafia Princess.
And that changed everything.
“You have to tell her,” Sal whispered as he looked at me.
I knew my brother was right.
She had the right to know where she came from.
Who her family truly was?
But I couldn’t reconcile what she’d already been through. She was still dealing with the trauma her birthfather put her through, her captivity, her brother’s injury, the death of her best friend and sister-in-law. Could she handle more? I feared that if I told her that her uncle, her mother’s brother was a man who made her birthfather look like a kitten, that she would lose it.
She had just accepted Don Victor, who adored her. She has cousins who support her and welcomed her home. She has the Golden Skulls and my family, who only want to protect her and keep her safe. If I told her about her uncle, I would only be putting her in more danger, and that was something I refused to do.
I still didn’t know if Angelo knew who she really was, and as far as I was concerned, I hoped he never found out. Because if he ever did figure it out, he would come for her, and only the heavens would know what he would do to her then. Add in Maxim, and the dread of fear that raced through my veins was immense.
No. I needed to keep this information to myself.
I would tell her when I killed her father, at least I could give her that peace. But her uncle, he was a whole other ballgame.
34
Giovanni
The cars moved quickly through the compound's gates, closing immediately as the last vehicle came to a stop. Men stood guard at every post. The compound was on total lockdown, and when Marko gave me the okay to exit the vehicle, I did so.
Taking Layla’s hand, I helped her out of the large SUV. She went immediately to Don Victor, who was standing next to Carmine and Mattia. Walking to the front door, I was greeted by my mother, who hugged and kissed my cheeks. Seeing Don Victor, she smiled and said, “Don Victor, you honor me. Welcome to my home.”
The elderly man grinned, “I see a woman now where once a young girl stood. Thank you, Nicoletta. It has been a long time.”
My mother nodded, stepped aside, and allowed Don Victor to enter. When all of us were inside, my mother announced, “Lunch will be served in a few hours. I have arranged rooms for everyone. Dario, you and Mattia will be on the same floor as Layla, as requested by Giovanni. Don Victor, I have you downstairs in the east wing. I remembered how much you love watching the sunrise. Your room opens to the garden. Carmine will be in the room next to you.”
“Gio!” Illyria squealed as she swept into the room, looking beautiful as ever. Jumping into my arms, she gave me a big hug and a hearty kiss on my cheek.
“Illyria,” our mother scolded. “Stop bothering your brother and come greet our guest.” Chuckling, I pushed Illyria towards our mother, and what happened next was priceless.
The second Illyria turned to face Don Victor, Dario, Carmine, and Mattia both stepped forward and bowed, halting Illyria in her tracks.
“It is an honor to meet you Ms. Valentinetti.I am Dario Capribella.”
“Hello.”
Carmine pushed Dario to the side, took Illyria’s hand, and kissed its top. “If I had known Giovanni had a sister as beautiful as you, I would have made my introductions sooner. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Carmine Capribella.”
“Hello,” Illyria blushed then saw Mattia bashfully standing still. “And you are?”
“Lost in your beauty,” Mattia whispered, making several of us chuckle. I laughed heartily, as did Don Victor. Sal, however, rolled his eyes and took Illyria by the arm, ushering her from the room.
“Young love,” Victor smiled as he took my mother’s arms. “It’s a beautiful thing, isn’t it, Nicoletta?”
“Yes, it is.” My mother agreed.
“Boss,” Marko whispered, standing next to me. “Giuseppe is here, and he found your runaway.”
Nodding, I turned to Layla, “Tesoro, would you please show our guests to their rooms so they can freshen up. I have something to take care of before lunch.”