Page 53 of Deceptive Union

“Oh, uh … it’s complicated.”

“When is it not?” Gemma says.

Emilia gives me a smile before turning back to Antonio. “Mom would love to see you again.”

Antonio’s easy smile vanishes. “No. You know she’s most at risk when it comes to Franco. If he found out she was meeting me … I don’t even want to think what could happen to her.”

“We understand,” Emilia says, “but she really wants to see you again. Let us plan a meeting in secret like we did today. Franco never has to know. It can just be a one-time thing. But I think it would do her good.” She pauses, taking Antonio’s hand. “And I think it would do you good as well.”

Antonio grabs the pendant around his neck and bows his head. “I’d give anything to see our mom again. And Cecilia.”

“Then we’ll make it happen.”

Antonio nods, looking resolved. “Ok. Make it happen.”

Watching Antonio with his sisters and seeing the easiness and effortlessness between them makes the guilt within my heart grow ten-fold. Antonio looks happier than I’ve ever seen him.

I just hope he lives long enough to get reunited with his entire family. My father’s grip is closing in, and I’m running out of time.

CHAPTER14

Antonio

Today will be the day I see my mom for the first time in five years.

And I’m completely fucking nervous.

Nina is at my side as we wait near the back of the Italian restaurant where the meeting is supposed to take place. She places her hand on my jiggling knee. “I thought you’d be happy to see your mom?”

“I am. But it’s been five years. I don’t even know what she’ll think of me.”

“You told me you two were always close.”

“We were. But she wasn’t exactly happy when I told her I couldn’t see her again until I took Franco down. That was years ago, and we haven’t spoken since. Does she resent me?”

Nina grabs my cheek and presses a kiss to it. “Your sisters told you she misses you. This will be a good thing. It’s time you see your mom again. Franco is proving to be hard to take down, and you need all the support you can get.”

I rub a hand along the back of my neck. “Franco cannot find out about this meeting. If he does, my mom is in serious danger. I’m not sure this is a good idea.” I stand up, ready to leave, when my mom walks through the door.

I stop. She’s alone. Cecilia isn’t with her. The pang in my heart over not seeing my favorite sister is strong, but the happiness at seeing my mom overpowers that.

She notices me right away. The large smile that breaks across her face instantly puts me at ease.

Giulia Moretti, my mother.

She rushes over to me, pulling me into a hug before either of us can say anything. “Antonio,” she whispers into my ear. “Antonio.” Her grip tightens on me as she begins to cry. “I’ve missed you so much. Oh my god.”

I hold her back just as tightly, and rest my chin on her head. I never thought this day would come, where I’d be surrounded by my mother’s love. It makes me feel like I’m back home again.

I’m the one who pulls away because I have a feeling my mom would hold onto me forever if she got the chance. “Mom, how are you?”

“I’ve been miserable ever since you left. But I’ve been getting by.”

“What about Franco?”

Her soft eyes darken. “I don’t want to talk about him.” She notices Nina at my side, and her smile widens. “You must be Nina. Emilia told me about you.”

Nina looks surprised as my mom pulls her into a hug. “Any wife of Antonio’s is a daughter to me. I’m so happy you’re a part of our family and you’ve been there for my Antonio.”