“He won’t hear it from me,” Lyle says. “I know my place.”
I come down the two steps separating us and nod. “Good. Loyalty is rewarded. Please have the maids clean up the dining room. Give them something extra today for all the mess.”
Lyle nods and walks off. I stand at the bottom of the stairs. I am Don Rossi, I am a man of action and am not someone to be questioned, but right now, I’m questioning everything.
I have a son.
Of all the things I thought she’d done when she was away, that one had never crossed my mind. It makes sense that her father forced her out, but I had spies everywhere. I tried everything to see if she had been made to leave, but there was just no trace of her.
I look upstairs and slowly walk up them and to her room. I can hear her sobbing through the door.
Chapter 23 - Kira
It feels like all I do is fight and sob. I sob into my pillow, but I feel as though my heart is broken. I have put Raphael in direct danger now, and now Miguel knows about him and will want to claim him for himself. I sob until I have nothing left in me, and I fall asleep just as I am.
When I wake up, the room is dark, the sun hasn’t risen yet, so it must still be late. There’s a blanket pulled over me and a weight on my bed. I curl up and look down to see Miguel sitting at the end of my bed.
I sit up and hug my knees, keeping the blanket on. He is staring ahead at the shut door. He looks disheveled and haggard, as though he’s been up all night. I didn’t think the idea of having a son would have that much of an impact on him. Not with him being so cold and ruthless.
“Tell me about my son.”
His voice is low but not mean, not horrid. He is simply talking now. I remain quiet because I don’t know what I can say to him that wouldn’t put Raphael in danger. I’ve already said too much. I don’t want Raphael to get to know Miguel. I wanted him to choose his own path.
“Tell me about my son,” he says again. This time it’s a command and the threat, although veiled, is there. He is out of patience and won’t be jerked around on this topic.
I swallow hard, and my voice is raspy as I speak, “He’s twelve. Last month was his birthday. He speaks Italian and English, and he is obsessed with ninjas. He wants to be a samurai when he is older.”
“A samurai is not a ninja,” Miguel says. “It’s completely different.”
I sit there for a moment before he speaks again. “What happened, Kira? How did they find out?”
“I don’t know, Miguel. You were away with your family for two days, and that’s when they came for me.” My voice is quiet now.
Thirteen Years Earlier
I miss Miguel so much. He’s only gone for today and tomorrow, so I’ll see him tomorrow night, but dammit, I miss his face. I also can’t wait to give him the news. I know he’s going to be as excited as me.
I took the test twice and then went to the clinic to confirm. Now that I have the confirmation, I have an elaborate plan to announce that he will be a father.
I don’t know what we’re going to do about our families, but maybe they will accept us together now that I’m pregnant. I touch my belly softly before I pick up my book bag and head out of the dorm room. I have two classes, and then I’m free for the rest of the afternoon. I can go to the frat house and set everything up in his room to surprise him.
As I exit the dorm room and turn to walk toward class, I hear someone shout, “Kira! Hey Kira!”
I recognize the voice instantly. It’s my brother Joey. I smile and whip around, and I run toward him. He’s walking up the walkway toward the dorm room. I launch myself into his arms, hugging him tightly.
“Hey, baby sister,” he says affectionately.
“Why didn’t you call and let me know you were coming?” I ask, smiling.
“Well, I wish I could say it was because I wanted to surprise you, but Pa sent me. He needs you at home today. It’s urgent.’
“Is everything okay?” I ask as he takes my book bag. “Do I need anything?”
“I don’t know. He just asked me to come and get you.” He shifts his gaze, and I frown. “You’re lying; you can never look at me when you lie.”
“Let’s just get home,” he says quietly, taking me by the arm.
“Is Mama okay?” I ask desperately.