Page 130 of Mafia And Maid
And all the while, the voice in the back of my head tells me that I can’t fix this...
CHAPTER 32
ROSA
The atmosphere of the house has shifted.
It’s different. Buzzing with excitement and anticipation.
It’s palpable as I set down breakfast in front of Ethan. My thoughts haven’t stopped tumbling since the other morning with Camillo.
Divorce.
He made it sound so simple when he brought it up. It’s anything but. Grayden is too well connected, too entangled into Chicago’s world of money and power that he’ll find a way to ruin me and take Ethan away.
And he’ll take Camillo down with us.
There’s no quick solution. Money can’t fix it like Camillo suggested.
And yet a part of me yearns to see it happen—so that I can be Camillo’s in body, heart, and soul.
It’s a fantasy, of course. A pipe dream that keeps me up when he’s fallen asleep.
He asked me if I was his. I want to be, but that fear in the back of my mind won’t go away. What if he gets his fill of me? What then? What’s my backup plan?
“So, what’s the plan?”
The conversation at the table snaps me back to the present. The family is returning from Italy today—well, Marco and Alessio’s wives and children are; Debi and Danio have decided to stay a little longer in Italy. The threat from the feds has finally been dealt with, so it’s safe for the family to start coming home.
“They’ll land in about an hour,” Alessio says. “We’ll pick them up and get lunch. Then, I’m not sure.”
“Then we’ll clear out for a few hours so that you two can spare us the nightmares.” Camillo’s taunting smirk doesn’t quite light his face like it usually does.
“You’re not any better,” Alessio replies.
“We’ll make sure food gets delivered to your room.”
“You’re hilarious,” Alessio says in a dry tone, but there’s a spark in his eyes—something warm and longing.
“Thanks for noticing,” Camillo quips.
“Rosa.” Marco says my name like an order. I’ve gotten used to it, but it still jolts me in my chair—I’m too preoccupied with my own thoughts.
“Yes?”
“Can you prepare a special dinner tonight, please? I’d appreciate it.”
“Of course. What did you have in mind?”
“I’ve left a list.”
“What the special dinner for?” Ethan pipes up.
“The family is coming home,” Camillo says gently to Ethan. “They’ve been, uh, away on vacation.”
“More family?” Ethan asks around his bite of eggs. I can see the anxiety bubbling in his eyes. New people, despite how comfortable we’ve gotten here, bring unexpected challenges. Loud sounds and new temperaments to learn.
“A few more. Every bit the traditional big Italian family.”