Page 18 of The Broker

That’s a good idea. The padrino’s house is the most well-protected residence in Venice.

Angelica nods decisively. “Yes, please.”

“What was that about?” I ask Valentina as we head back to Dorsoduro. “I thought Angelica would have a thousand questions, but she just went along with your story. That’s not like her.”

She makes a face. “I have a theory.”

“One you’re going to share with me?”

Valentina gives me a sidelong glance. “It doesn’t concern you.”

Valentina’s tone warns me not to push. I open my mouth but think better of it. After what Roberto did to her, I’ve never understood why Valentina’s allowed me to have a relationship with my niece, but she has. She’s gone above and beyond to make me a part of Angelica’s life. We have lunch once a week, and whenever Valentina has a migraine, Angelica stays at my house. I’ve been there for every significant milestone. Every birthday party, every Christmas.

It’s a kindness I did not expect. One I do not deserve.

So, rather than push her, I keep my mouth shut. We ride across the lagoon in silence, each lost in our thoughts.

Valentina quickly fills two large suitcases with clothes and toys at her apartment. “I have my laptop,” she says, zipping a suitcase shut. “But I’ll have to come back for my computers.” She looks up. “I forgot to ask. Is there a room in your house that I can use as an office?”

“You can take over mine.” A pale pink lace slip peeks out from the open suitcase. The fabric looks like silk, soft and touchable. My throat goes dry as I imagine Valentina wearing it, moving closer to me, an invitation in her eyes. Then she lifts the garment over her head, let it drop to the floor. . .

What the fuck is wrong with you? Valentina is the mother of your niece, asshole. She’s not the object of your sexual fantasies.

“Dante?”

I blink, dispersing the fantasy. “Yes?”

“Can you give me a hand with this?” She points to the now-closed suitcase. “It’s too heavy for me to take down the stairs.”

“Yeah, sure.” I pick both suitcases up. Is it my imagination, or is she eyeing my muscles? Does she like what she sees? If I knew she had a thing for biceps, I’d get rid of my sweater and give her a better view.

Knock it off, idiot.

My house is skinny and tall, only twenty-five feet wide but four stories high. When I bought it nine years ago, it was falling apart. I could have afforded to have someone renovate it, but instead, I’ve spent every spare moment doing the work myself. It’s remarkably satisfying to see the house regain its former luster because of my efforts.

I open the front door and gesture Valentina in. “You want to get Angelica now, or do you want to unpack first?”

“Unpack first, please.” She rubs her temples. “I could use a minute.”

Her head’s starting to bother her. She needs to sit down. “Let me show you to your bedroom. I’ll make you a cup of tea while you settle in.”

“I didn’t know you drink tea.” She looks around the living room. “I’d love some, please. But could I get a tour first? I’ve never been here before.”

Not by my choice. “Of course. This is the living room, obviously.” I wave to the back. “And there’s a small bathroom.” I wonder what she thinks of my space. My walls are white and my furniture dove gray. Antonio’s house looks comfortable and lived in. Mine looks starkly empty in comparison.

“Nice.”

“The kitchen is one level up.” I pick up her suitcases and start to walk up the stairs. “There’s also an eat-in nook.”

She follows me into the kitchen. “I like this,” she says appreciatively. “It’s very clean and bright.” She gives me a teasing look. “This looks like the kitchen of someone who doesn’t cook much.”

“Guilty,” I admit. “Do you like to cook?” It’s a weird question to ask someone I’ve known for almost a decade, but I honestly don’t know the answer. Valentina and I are usually too busy sniping at each other, which doesn’t leave time for conversation.

“I do,” she replies. “It relaxes me. And I won the kid lottery. Angelica is, thankfully, an adventurous eater. Mabel only eats food that’s white in color.”

“What does she eat?”

“White rice, pasta with butter, cauliflower, and bananas. There’s probably more, but I’m forgetting. How many levels are there?”