I inhale sharply and wince.
Fuck, that hurts.
Dante notices my grimace, and he stands, coming to tower over me. “Did Massimo do something to hurt you?”
I clear my throat.
I don’t need Dante’s pity.
“I’m fine.” My ribs and chest scream otherwise at me, causing a slight headache, but at least I know there’s no concussion since I didn’t hit my head. Score one for Team Luca.
“You look fine, clearly.” Dante smirks, not the least bit convinced. “Do I need to send in the physician?”
“That isn’t necessary.” I meet my old man’s stare. The only way out of this line of questioning is by telling him about the spat Ashton and I had, which isn’t going to please him.
“Good. I’d hate to think a DeLuca laid hands on my son.”
I huff under my breath and wince.
Fucking pain.
Dante’s head tilts, convinced that I’m hiding something, and he reaches for his cell phone on the desk.
“Ashton and I were arguing when we arrived at the cabin.” I hate myself for giving Dante any of the details that don’t involve him, but it’s the only way to distract him.
Let him get angry with me, at least it’ll make me forget the radiating pain in my chest.
“Arguing about what?”
Inhaling sharply through my nose, I’m not keen on supplying all the information to my father, but that menacing gaze has me continuing to explain.
“Ashton and Nova have been … hooking up.”
Dante folds his arms across his chest and leans back against the desk. He still towers above me. I expect to see a flash of anger, disappointment, but instead, there’s nothing. No emotion whatsoever.
“That’s not exactly news. They’ve been sneaking around since before your wedding.”
“Did everyone know but me?” I can’t believe my father was aware before I was about Nova and Ashton.
He doesn’t answer my question. “You and Ashton were fighting. Why?”
“He lied to me.” How does he not see this as a problem? Of all people, he’s a don. He should realize the importance of loyalty and honor. “It was a betrayal! I warned everyone on the team to stay away from my little sister.”
Dante's eyes crinkle, and he’s almost smiling. “You do realize that you and Nova aren’t actually siblings?”
“We grew up together!”
Dante nods. “Yes, and Moreno is my blood cousin. Which does make her family, but that’s irrelevant.”
“Moreno is your cousin?” Another bombshell I’d yet to realize. Sure, they shared our last name, but that doesn’t mean much. Ricci is a common Italian surname. Not once were there pictures of Moreno and Dante growing up together.
Although it’s not like I’ve seen pictures of Dante as a child. I’ve also never gone looking, and that family tree assignment in grade school, a nightmare I don’t want to ever think about again.
Of course, growing up under a don, where everyone acts as family, you’re made to believe they are your family.
Dante nods slowly. “Did we never mention that to you?”
“You like to leave a lot out.” Glaring at him, I take another swig of the scotch. “Here’s one highlight of the night that shouldn’t be left out. Massimo threatened my wife and son.”