Page 23 of Single Malt Drama
Both women stared slack-jawed.
I ran my hands over my head and turned to Shanna. “First off, you need to know that Nico has zero interest in Enzo. My mother and her father have been pushing them together for years.”
She huffed out a humorless laugh.
“You don’t believe me?” I arched a brow.
“Considering the way she was acting before Gabe’s wedding, no.”
“She was trying to alienate Enzo.” Nodding toward the front of the house, I asked, “Think about it. Does she seem like the kind of woman who has to chase men down and force them to be with her?”
“No. I guess not.” Shanna sighed.
Hildie poured what felt like pure alcohol onto the wound.
I bit back a few choice words and focused on Shanna. “Nico snuck out of her father’s mansion with people shooting over her head. Dante and I spent eight hours in the yacht with the throttle wide open to get to her. When she got to the States, she had to hide in a cargo hold for hours while her brother had armed men search our company jet. She’s in trouble, and I offered to help. If you or my brother have a problem with her being here, you can suck it up.”
She sank into the chair beside me. “My God. No wonder she looked so different…so scared. I’ll talk to Enzo and get him to lay off.”
“Thank you.”
Hildie narrowed her eyes. “Do your parents know any of this?”
I shook my head. “Gabe and Leo are in the loop, but I doubt they’d say anything to them.”
“They won’t hear it from me.” She pressed a bandage over my wound. “You should go to the hospital for stitches.”
“I’m not leaving Nico’s side. Not until things calm down.”
She pursed her lips. “I figured as much. I’ll dress it with Steri-strips.”
“Thank you.”
Shanna tilted her head. “I didn’t realize you two were close.”
Doctoring me up, Hildie said, “They were practically raised together when they were babies. After the Marchionnis moved to the States, Marco and Nico spent their summers and holidays together.”
I took Shanna’s hand. “I know it’s a lot to ask, but please be nice to Nico. She’s been through a lot.”
“Of course.” She stood and rubbed her hands on her thighs. “I should go check on her. Enzo seemed pretty determined to send her away.”
Hildie waited until she’d gone before turning to me. The concern in her kind eyes broke my heart. “I don’t pretend to know what went on in Sicily between Nico and Enzo, but I do know your mother is planning their wedding.”
“Ma can plan all she wants. It’s not going to happen.” I was tempted to show her the ring in my pocket, but I didn’t want to give her the wrong impression.
She gave me a dubious look. “Are you sure about that?”
“Enzo seems to be getting serious with Shanna, and Nico doesn’t want the marriage either. Not even my mother can force two people to get married. It would never stand in the eyes of the Church.”
She tilted her head. “This doesn’t have anything to do with the way you feel about Nico?”
My stomach did a backflip. What the hell is that about? “Nico and I are friends, but I’d do anything for her. Even if that means marrying her to save her from being stuck with Enzo for the rest of her life.”
Hildie gave me a patient smile. “She’s a lucky woman to have such a good friend.”
“I’m the lucky one.” Oddly enough, I meant it. Besides my whacked-out family, Nico was the one constant in my life.
“You know I disagree with the way your mother involves herself in you boys’ personal lives, but she ain’t about to change anytime soon.” Hildie dipped her chin. “If you keep helping Nico, you’re going to have a fight on your hands, and it won’t be just your mamma. Your father and Pietro Lazio aren’t going to sit idly by. Are you ready for that?”