Just as I am about to cave and give in to my temptations, her mother walks in, being louder than ever.
“Tu es encore debout?”Miliana asks.
Nina’s face quickly moves away from mine, looking at her art. She takes a deep breath before answering her mama. “Oui. I have been painting ever since we got back from dinner tonight.”
“As you should, my dear.” Miliana struts toward me. “I just wanted to say goodbye to Giovanni before I head to bed tonight. I am so sorry I missed the dinner, but you know how those usually go.” She lets out a laugh.
Nina’s head whips to mine. “You’re leaving?”
I nod my head slowly and stand up to hug her mother. “Well, no one died today.” I laugh.
“Such good news to hear. Please do let me know when you come back, Giovanni. I love seeing that handsome face every day. Reminds me of the days your mother and I would spend together!”
Her words hurt as I remember my mother. “I will let you know, Mama. See you soon.”
“Are you sure you can’t stay till tomorrow night? We have game night, remember?”
I would just sayfuck itand stay with her, but I can’t. I have to get my priorities straight.
Men like me don’t just give up. I am a Genovese.
But would one more night really hurt?
I should go, but I can’t shake the feeling of something telling me to stay. “I can stay for one more night.”
She throws her arms up in the air as she dances around in a circle.
I raise my eyebrows at her.What the hell is with these Romano women?
“Okay, okay. Get back to whatever you two were doing.” A faint curve lifts her lips into a smile as she turns around to leave.
I look down at Nina, trying to get her head back into painting. I could watch her paint for hours and not get bored.
“Let’s celebrate.”
Her head whips around. “I drank enough today.”
“No, I don’t mean drinking. Just come with me.” I laugh. “And let’s get you changed.”
17NINA
We drive for a good twenty minutes before Giovanni pulls onto the side of the road and parks the car outside a tattoo shop. I thought he’d had enough of them—his arms are covered. They’re even inching up onto his neck.
The lights of the city shine into the car. The sign on the shop is flashing with busted batteries.
I push my palms down on my sweatpants, trying to dry them off. “What are we doing here?” I finally ask.
He falls back into the seat of the car, stretching out his long legs as his hand brushes over his sharp jawline. “Let’s make a deal.” His voice sounds demanding.
“No.” I laugh more than I intend to. “That’s not something that interests me when it comes from you, especially when we are parked outside a tattoo shop.”
“Just hear me out,Donnina.”
“Okay, I’m waiting.” My fingers tap on my legs aggressively as I grow impatient even though it’s only been a few seconds.
He rolls his eyes, letting out a sneer. “I want your father’s phone.”
My head falls back when I hear what he said. “Gio, just stop. Why do you want his freaking phone so badly?”