Page 14 of The Don
Dominic approaches us and holds his hand out for Rose. “May I?” he asks.
“Of course.” I lift Rose’s hand and kiss the back of it. “Thank you for the dance, Rose.”
Dominic takes over, and I head over to Dante. “When Dominic leaves, take Eliza back to his house, have her pack her bags then return her to my home.”
“Yes, sir,” Dante says. “I’ll make the arrangements.”
“Good.” I shove my hands into my pockets and head back to the table.
It’s nearing four in the morning and I’m pacing back and forth in the foyer as I wait for word from Dante that they’re enroute. My phone vibrates and I get a text from Dante. ETA 8 minutes.
“Signore, coffee?” Maria asks as she appears in her bed clothes.
“Why are you awake, Maria?”
“I’m making focaccia and I need to start it early for good bread.”
“And you’re making bread in your pajamas?”
“First, I make coffee then I get changed to make focaccia.” In her slippers, she shuffles toward the kitchen. “Coffee, signore?”
“No, thank you.”
“Si,” she murmurs, half asleep, as she continues to the kitchen.
Amelio opens the front door and gives me a curt nod. “Mr. Sacco, they’ve returned.”
“Good.” I walk over to the front door and head outside. The car is driving up from the gatehouse and pulls up in front of me. I open the back door where Storm’s head is on Eliza’s lap. “Amorina,” I say as I hold my hand out to her. Storm’s head lifts and his ears prick up into points.
“Gratuito,” Eliza says to the dog. My girl remembers the command for Storm to be at ease.
The trunk opens, and Dante moves past me to remove her suitcase. Storm jumps out of the car and looks back to see where Eliza is. She takes my hand and shuffles out of the car as a massive yawn tears out of her mouth. Her eyes widen and she brings her hand to cover her mouth. “Oh, I’m sorry,” Eliza says.
“It’s been a big day. There’s nothing to apologize for if you’re tired.” I take the suitcase from Dante and roll it behind me as I lead Eliza into the house. “I’ll show you to your room.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll take Storm back to his pen,” Dante offers and calls for the dog. Eliza’s footsteps falter.
“Take him to relieve himself, and bring him into the house,” I instruct.
Dante pauses but quickly regains himself and nods. “Yes, sir.” He whistles for Storm and commands, “Venire.” Storm trots off beside Dante.
“Should Storm stay in the pen?” Eliza asks while we head inside.
“When I make promises, I keep them.”
She clears her throat and lowers her head. “Sorry,” she whispers as if she’s just been scolded.
“Your room is this way.” I take her upstairs and down the left hallway. “This is your suite.” I open the door and step aside to wait for her to enter. But she hangs back, not walking into the room. “Amorina, you may enter.” I hate how she believes she needs to ask permission for everything.
“Thank you.” She walks into the room and stands awkwardly in the center. “This is too big. I can take a smaller room.”
Irritation floods me at her meekness. I don’t see a woman who’s naturally apologetic for everything. I see a woman beaten down until she has no opinions or self-worth. I draw in a slow and steady breath as I stare at my Amorina. “This is your room, and mine is on the opposite side of the house. If you need anything, you can come to me at any time of the day or night.”
Eliza wrings her hands together as she looks around. “Thank you.” She avoids meeting my eyes.
I wheel in her suitcase and lift it onto the bed. The moment Rose told me about the night-light, I called Maria to ensure she found one to place in Eliza’s room. “Are you hungry? Thirsty?” I offer before I leave her alone.