“The biggest and strongest.” Luca rustles Enzo’s hair.
To be honest, I never would have guessed Luca could be such a mush for a woman or kids, but he’s a marshmallow when it comes to his family.
And I’m beyond grateful that Cristian is the same.
Food filled with garlic and basil is passed around the table. Cliché Italian, but why not?
It’s delicious.
And it’s become a regular thing that Cristian, Matteo, and I have Sunday dinners with my brother and his family.
Since that horrible day last year, my life has greatly improved.
Cristian and I were married in a small ceremony that even Alessandro and Adriano attended, although I had to promise I wouldn’t try to kill them for their deception.
Cristian and I settled into a cute and highly protected home, and he’s steadily grown in the Luca Dante family business.
And while I’m kept away from anything dangerous, they both ask for my input as they do with Katerina, who has some great insights on the New York Bratva and has been useful for Alessandro and Adriano.
Now a year later, I can’t imagine anyone is as happy as I am.
"What are you thinking about?" Cristian asks, his hand finding mine on the table.
"How lucky we are. How impossible this all seemed a year ago."
His fingers tighten around mine. He doesn't need to respond. We both know what it cost to get here.
"To family." Luca raises his glass, his eyes meeting mine with understanding. "Found and made."
"To family," I echo.
Luca's expression shifts. “I heard from Alessandro today.”
The table grows quieter.
“Ivan is getting bolder, apparently,” he says of Maksim’s brother who has come in to take over the business and seek revenge.
Once it got back to New York that Cristian wasn’t dead, the ruse was over.
Cristian's jaw tightens. "I still have contacts in New York. Ivan's been recruiting heavily, bringing in men from Moscow."
Luca scoops up a bite of lasagna. "I've offered support, but you know Alessandro."
"Too proud to ask for help," I finish for him.
Katerina looks between us. "You think there will be war?"
Luca shares a look with Cristian. "Alessandro won't let it come to that if he can help it. He’s convinced that there can be more profit in peace, but I wouldn’t cross him. He’s gotten bolder too. I think he’s finally coming into his own.”
I’ve always wondered why Luca seemed born to lead, whereas Alessandro was raised to lead, but struggled after my father’s death.
I suppose it’s just the difference in people and personality.
"He's grown into a Don that even Lorenzo would fear," Cristian says with a genuine tone of respect.
"He’s definitely more strategic, more lethal,” Luca agrees.
"And Adriano?"