“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“How do you do it? I know you’re here for the boys, but don’t you miss her?”
“Every day. Taking Jace and the boys back and forth to Italy gives me a chance to check in, but it’s never enough.”
“He doesn’t even want to talk to me.”
“I don’t think that’s the truth. I’ve sat with my son. We’ve talked. He feels he’s making the necessary sacrifices for now.”
“I wish I would have been satisfied with what I had. Now I have nothing.”
Lucas clicks his tongue. “You have a lot more than you think, Ny. I promise one day it will get better.”
“Yeah, thanks. I know we shouldn’t be seen together so thanks for the ride too.”
“You let me worry about who sees what. This weekend you enjoy your birthday. I think it will be the best one yet.”
Right in that moment the private jet lands. I had wanted to go to Italy for my birthday, but Lizzy throws tantrums when I’m gone for too long. She hasn’t been sleeping well either. I think she fears I’ll never return.
“There he is.”
I look out of the window to find Jace coming off the plane. Oh my God. He’s gotten so tall. His hair is so much longer. Is that a mustache and beard?
I rush from the car and run into his arms. He drops the bag and huge teddy bear in his arms and catches me as I wrap myself around his big body.
“Happy birthday,” he croons, and his voice is so deep and soothing.
It’s deeper than when we talk on the phone. He smells better than the last time he was here too. Not that I didn’t love his cologne before. I’ve always been attracted to Jace, but oh my God, this is insane.
“Thank you,” I say as I slide down his front. I peek around him at the bear he dropped. “Is that for me?”
He blushes and nods. “I hope it’s not too childish. You said you liked my cologne the last time I was here. There’s a bottle of it inside. When he doesn’t smell like me anymore, you can spray him.”
“Aww,” I coo and lift on my toes to wrap my arms around his neck. “I love it.”
He gives me another squeeze and rocks from side to side. Something in one of the jet’s windows catches my attention. I narrow my eyes and try to focus.
“I’m starving. Come on, I want to buy you dinner.”
I pull back and look up at him. “Really? Like a date?”
He winks at me. “Whatever you want it to be. It’s your birthday.”
Gio
My fists are balled against my thighs. I want to get off this plane and let her know I’m here. She looks so beautiful.
All the dark makeup is gone, and you can see my Ny. She took the braids out and her hair is around her shoulders in long, thick straight strands. I want to comb my fingers through it as I inhale her.
She’s still skinny as a stick. Jace and I have filled out a lot in the last two years. She looks so small in his embrace. It stings to watch her in his arms. However, I told him to make sure her birthday is amazing. I asked my best friend to do what I can’t.
“This is killing you,” Gwen says beside me.
She’s returning from Italy too. Jace and I spent time at the farmhouse with her and Mom for a while. I think she’s running from things with Elijah, but I’m going to mind my business.
As far as Ny knows she’s been away on assignment for the security firm. Knowing how much Ny wanted to come to Italy, I thought it best if she didn’t know where Gwen would be.
“It is, but I’m here to watch out for her, not coddle her.”
“I wouldn’t call showing love to the girl you love coddling.”
“I can’t love her. Not in the open. Look at why I am here,” I seethe.
I’m here for more than Ny’s birthday. It’s come to my attention that one of Riccardo’s men has been looking for a promotion and a way to be noticed.
He’s been asking questions and my mother and girl have come up. I’m here to make sure he can’t ask any more questions. Jace will take care of his buddy.
I can’t allow them to bring attention back to Ny. She’s almost forgotten. I can’t have her back in my life until she is.
This has set that back. I’m not entirely sure Riccardo’s ear hasn’t been pulled and I won’t risk it. However, I’m going to make sure he never has confirmation.
“Once this is done. You’re taking them on a trip. Lizzy should start training. She’s important to Ny. When Ny comes away with me, I need to know everyone she cares about is safe.”