HIS

Chapter 37

We got back home about 15 minutes ago after I gave my dad and his family a much-needed reality check. On the way, we stopped at Mancini's to grab some food since we were both starving.

We got some delicious lasagna, green salad, and garlic bread. Luckily, we didn't have to wait—Domenico placed the order right after we left, so everything was ready when we arrived. I'm plating up two servings now while Domenico handles an urgent phone call.

He walked into the kitchen and sat beside me, planting a soft kiss on my cheek. We ate quietly for a few minutes, until Domenico brought up memories from earlier tonight.

Domenico took a bite of his food, then glanced over and said, "Tonight was interesting. How are you feeling after getting everything off your chest?".

"Thank you for being so supportive through all of this. I wouldn't say I feel relieved—if I'm honest, I still feel the same. But I really value how you never question what I do and just go along with it. I appreciate the effort you put in to help get them to this point."

"I'll always support you and respect your choices," he said, "but are you really planning to put them out of the house?"

"No, I'm not going to push any further," I said. "I just wanted them to understand what it feels like to have nothing and to be powerless over how things unfold. Taking everything from people who already have so little doesn't make me a better person."

"I'll sign the house over to my dad. Whatever he chooses to do with it is his business, not mine. I haven't felt connected to that house since my mother's passing. It felt more like a prison then a home, but he's still my father, even if he doesn't feel anything for me."

"I'll ask my lawyer to visit him tomorrow and handle the paperwork. I don't want to be selfish and hold on to a house that only carries bad memories for me."

"Do you see a place for him in your life down the line?"

I shook my head. "I'm done trying with him. He's treated me no differently than he would a stranger. Just because he's my dad doesn't mean I have to keep putting myself through unnecessary emotional pain. That chapter of my life is closed now," I said, smiling at Domenico.

"Want to watch a movie with me after we finish packing?"

"I'd love to—but I'm curious, what kind of business will you be doing in Africa?" I asked again, while placing our plates in the dishwasher.

"I'm planning to check out some firearms and ammunition at a licensed gun manufacturing facility. But it'll also be a great chance for all of us to enjoy a proper holiday together for once."

"Will they still be willing to sell to you, knowing you're involved with the mob?"

"I've got legitimate businesses too, baby. I mostly use them to cover the illegal side and to clean the money that comes in."

Domenico wrapped his arms around me and placed a soft kiss on my forehead. "Come on, let's head upstairs," he said, taking my hand and leading me gently toward the stairs.

As he pulled our suitcases out and placed them on the bed, he mentioned, "The guys and girls will be joining us on the trip."

"It's always such a pleasure being around them. Now you've got me excited for the trip!"

After packing, we changed into our pajamas', made some hot chocolate, grabbed a few snacks, and curled up together in front of the TV.

As Domenico scrolled through the list, he asked, "Which movie do you feel like watching?"

"I'm good with anything—I'm not picky," I told him.

We ended up settling on an action movie, though I naturally drifted off halfway through. Still, I was gently reminded that I was sleeping beside a man who, in every way, could never get enough of me.