Page 35 of Sins
“Would you rather I picked Calli?” He gave me a knowing look. “Don’t play me, boy. I know you two have been screwing around.”
“Don’t call me boy.” I gritted my teeth. I didn’t give a damn if Cameron knew about my relationship with Calli, but the wordboybrought me back to my father days, and I fought to swallow down a mouthful of bile.
“Messing with Calli is damn risky, by the way, given what Calli needs to do with Knox.”
“But Kenna? You know Griple will kill her.”
He tossed his suitcase in the back seat and leaned against the roof to look at me. “She chose what side she wanted to be on.”
Who was this monster?
“How heartless can you be? You didn’t even hesitate when you chose which daughter.” I felt physically ill as a cold sweat broke out over my back.
“We all have choices, Simon. Surely you can understand that one.” He grunted as he heavily got into the car and slammed the door.
Kenna
The flight to Italy was a fun one. Minnie and Tess were in fine form and ready to celebrate the death of my stalker, and I was just happy to be on a vacation where I didn’t have to constantly look over my shoulder. To top it all off, Dad and Calli were six thousand miles away, and I was surrounded by great friends who were ready to party it up mafia style in Montepulciano.
Security was tight on the way in. Our car was third in line with two more following us. Sienna, who had joined us girls in our limo, gave us a brief history on the place as we drove. The sun was just about to set by the time we passed through the gates and started to climb a long, winding hill lined with tall, beautiful trees that came to a sharp point at their tops. I was told they were cypress trees. They reminded me of the ones from my childhood Dr. Seuss book. The Hill house, as Sienna called it, sat at the top of the property, and she said you couldsee anyone approach for miles in any direction. Several houses had apparently been added to the property since it was first purchased, but we would stay at the main house.
I wasn’t prepared for how gorgeous it was. Fields of sunflowers blanketed one side of the hill, while rows and rows of vineyards graced the others. Mason jars of twinkling lights swung from trees and truly showed how vast their property was.
“Welcome to our home.” Niccola grinned as we came to a rolling stop, and he and the guard with us got out and opened our doors. The sunset alone took your breath away. The different shades of oranges and reds looked like someone had tipped over two cans of paint and let them flow together.
“Wow,” I sighed, soaking it in.
“This is my fifth time here,” Tess threaded her arm through mine, “and it never gets old.”
Sienna, absolutely stunning in a soft green sundress, smiled over at us. “It will always be here for you to stay whenever you want.” She was so welcoming and sweet. It made me smile to know she was a mafia princess and married to one of the most ruthless men in all of Italy. “I know it’s been a long flight. Your bags will be placed in your rooms, so let’s get you something to drink.” She waved at the guys, who chatted happily together as they stood near the cars, and they followed us inside.
We were introduced to Elio’s parents, Andrea and Piero, and then to the twins, Marabella and Filippo. They were adorable and were the spitting image of their parents. Francesco, a longtime family friend, was introduced next. Sienna said she considered him like a father. The love that filled the household was tangible and could be felt in every touch and look, especially when Elio came in and scooped up his wife and kissed her like he hadn’t seen her for weeks.
It filled my heart being there, and I found myself looking at Grim where he stood near the wall with a drink in his hand, deepin conversation with Vinni. It looked to be serious, so I didn’t engage in case it burst the happy bubble I was enjoying. I sipped the delicious glass of wine Sienna handed me and smiled at my friends. Minnie and Tess were obviously enjoying themselves as they laughed and talked with Elio’s cousin Niccola.
Sienna came and stood next to me, and we watched the others for a few moments. “Want to see one of my favorite spots? Bring your wine.”
“Sure, I’d love to.” I followed her through the house and out back to a cobblestone patio that looked over a gorgeous field of sunflowers.
“Elio planted those,” she said over her shoulder as I followed her down a little path that hid us amongst the tall flowers. “He wanted me to have a spot that was just mine where I could be alone.” She smiled at me then reached out and pushed aside some of the huge flower heads. I gasped as I took in the white hammock tied up between two trees and tucked into the garden in a way that allowed a private view of the property. “When you’re here, no one can see you. It’s where I come when the outside world becomes too much.”
“It’s beautiful.” I stepped by her and sat in the hammock to get the full effect.
She joined me, and we swayed and sipped our wine in the cool night air. “I know you’re only here for a few days, but I also know you’ve been dealing with a lot. So, if you ever need to slip away, I’d be happy to share my spot with you.”
My father’s face flashed in front of me, and I let out an unexpected sigh. “I appreciate this so much. Thank you, Sienna.”
“I’m happy you came along.” She ran her hand down her necklace and fiddled with the two pendants at the bottom. “I would never pry, but I want you to know I understand the position you’re in. I’ve been there.”
“Yeah?”
“Yes.” She cleared her throat. “It’s been years, but that feeling of thinking you’re adding to the problems that storm around you doesn’t go away very easily.”
“No, it doesn’t.” I knew exactly what she meant. “It’s lonely at times,” I confessed.
“Very.” She looked down. “I know they all love me,” she nodded back toward the house, “but the looks on their faces when…” She shifted in her seat. “The truth is scars don’t always heal smoothly, and the memories don’t always fade completely away either. I’m just saying if you ever do need to talk, I’m here for you. I don’t want you to feel the way I did and think you’re all alone.”
I let her words sink in. “I don’t think I realized how much I needed someone from the outside to say that to me.” I squeezed her hand gently. “Thanks, Sienna.” She smiled, but I could see her own past still hurt her at times. We both tuned in to the night as the crickets started to play their evening song and a breeze swayed through the garden.