Becoming Mrs DeLuca novel Chapter 53

Chapter 53

VALENTINA

The next day, I browsed party ideas for sixth birthdays. Stefan’s special day was in a week, and I wanted to surprise him with a cake and a themed birthday party, Clutching the edge of the sofa, Sofia pulled herself up to her legs beside me, grinning proudly.

“Good,” I cooed while I kept an eye on Stefan and Milo.

He was throwing her ball, and she dropped it in front of him every time. It was beautiful and I wished Adrian

could see.

My phone pinged with a message. Surprise rushed through me when I saw it was from Marco, telling me he was in the area and wanted to visit. I hadn’t seen him since the wedding.

In the past, I would only see him every two months because we lived in different cities, but now that had changed, at least until he returned back to rule at Dad’s side- whenever that was going to be. I hurried into the kitchen to tell Sybil to prepare a few sandwiches and coffee.

Fifteen minutes later, his car pulled up in front of the house.

“Your uncle’s coming to visit,” I told Stefan, who’d been following my every step all day.

I carried Sofia on my arm, despite her squirminess. She wanted to crawl but she was quick and it was difficult to keep an eye on her in the vast house.

Stefan’s eyes grew wide, a mix of shock and hope marking his face. His reaction surprised me. Adrian only had a sister. Had Serena had a brother? I didn’t remember. The bell rang. Milo stormed out of the living room, barking. She jerked to a stop in front of the door, scratching it.

“I’m getting the door!” I called before Sybil could come forward from the kitchen.

Elia and Domenico could see the front step with the surveillance cameras surrounding the house so they’d know it was only my brother.

“No, Milo,” I said sternly as I carefully pushed her to the side with my foot before I opened the door. Milo tried to squeeze past me again, but I nudged her back again.

Marco wore a thick coat against the bitter cold December air and gave me a curious look. “Of course you’d keep the dog.”

Stefan stared at my brother then turned around and rushed upstairs. Puzzled, I smiled at Marco as I kept Milo away with my foot. She growled at Marco. We really needed to work on her treatment of guests.

“What’s with the kid?” he asked, indicating Stefan who’d disappeared from view.

I shrugged and opened the door wider so he could enter.

Marco came in and hugged me with one arm, trying not to crush Sofia, who made a sound of protest at his closeness. The cold clung to his coat and seeped into me.

Спартет за

I quickly pulled back and closed the door. For a moment, I didn’t pay attention, and Milo dashed past me, jumping at Marco with angry yaps. He glared down, not impressed,

“Go away,” he said, shoving her away with less gentleness than I had done.

“Milo!” She finally stopped and trotted a few steps away.

“How are you?” Marco asked as he slipped off his coat and hung it up at the coatrack. It was obvious that he’d been here before and knew where everything was. The worry in his voice was unmistakable.

I touched his arm. “I’m fine.”

His eyes narrowed. “I can tell that you’re lying.”

“I’m fine, really. Just a bit overwhelmed. Stefan won’t talk and he barely eats. I’m trying to break through his walls, to find out what happened, but I don’t know how.”

I led Marco into the living room, even if I worried about Stefan. I’d check on him later if he didn’t come down soon. Milo followed close behind, never letting Marco out of her sight. She was brave, I had to give her

that.

We settled on the sofa where I’d had Sybil set up cake, sandwiches, and cookies as well as coffee. “The kid lost his mother. Of course he’s traumatized.”

“I know, but it’s more than that. He’s avoiding Adrian.”

“Maybe you should just let the past rest, Valentina.” The way he said it was more a warning than advice, and his worried expression only affirmed my suspicion.

I set Sofia down on the floor when her squirming got too much. She crawled off at once, heading for her blanket with her toys.

“What do you know that you’re not telling me?”

Marco’s mouth thinned. “I know that Adrian doesn’t want people to rummage in his past, especially where Serena is concerned, and I think you should respect his wish.”

“To protect him or me?”

Marco took a cookie and bit it, obviously biding his time. “Both… and those kids too.” He motioned at Sofia, who squeezed a stuffed unicorn that laughed shrilly every time she did, causing her to giggle too. Her eyes flashed with joy as she gazed at me.

“How can I help Stefan if I don’t know what happened?”

“The boy will come around. He’s going to be Underboss one day. His mother’s death won’t be the last trauma he suffers.”

My stomach tightened at my brother’s cold assessment.

“You’re worried Adrian will hurt me if I try to find out what happened to his late wife.”

Marco picked up his coffee cup and took a sip, contemplating his next words if his expression was an indication.

“I don’t think you need to worry. Adrian has been good to me so far, and he’s good to his children.”

Marco touched my hand, looking at me the same way Adrian sometimes did- as if I was a naïve child. “Let me tell you something about men like Adrian that I know because I’m that kind of man. Like him, I’ll be Underboss. Like him, I’ve survived and done horrible things to make me strong enough for that task. To get in a position of power in the mafia, you need a dark side. The stronger that dark side is, the more likely you’ll get into a position of power and stay there. Nobody threatens Adrian’s power.”

“I know you all have a dark side. You, Dad and Adrian, but none of you have ever hurt me nor do I think you

will.”

Marco laughed bitterly. “Sometimes the dark comes out when it shouldn’t.”

Elia appeared in the doorway. “Everything all right?”

My brows snapped together. “Sure.” I glanced at the clock. It was almost five. “Why don’t you leave early? You’ve been working long hours these last few weeks. Marco will stay and protect me.”

Elia peered at my brother. I couldn’t read the look in his expression, but it definitely held a hint of suspicion. “Adrian ordered me to keep an eye on you.”

The way he said it sounded less like protection and more like surveillance. Did I need to have another talk about trust with Adrian?

Marco narrowed his eyes. “I can protect my sister, you don’t need to worry.”

“Leave,” I ordered.

Elia nodded, but it was obvious that he didn’t like the idea. Still, he turned and left. After a moment, the front door opened then closed. Would he report back to Adrian again?