Balotelli-Bale Series Book #6: Regina Mia & The Godfather Part 1

Chapter 73: A Power Move

Keira's POV
"It feels like you can't live without me." I laughed at his words as he tilted his head to look at me. He has the fondest gaze when he's looking at me. "You're still absolutely beautiful."

"And you are still making me blush."

Mancini  got up to give me a hug, tender kisses on both cheeks. He took a moment to look at me, tilted my head to study my neck. I felt a little embarrassed and covered the endless love bites from Nickolas.

"There's nothing to be ashamed about cara mia." He touched my cheek and gestured at the rocking chair next to his.

Nick and I parted ways the next day, late into the afternoon. I'll admit that was a lot of sex! He kept getting it up in minutes, his excitement thankfully dwindling as the morning hours came around. I couldn't take it anymore and he had burned through all the protection.We ended it with something sweet and slow. We had lunch together and said our goodbyes. He didn't bring up the mafia, not even once. I'm happy it was just about us. But he left me thoroughly marked. It's not just my neck.

I rocked to the rhythm of the chair, staring at the beautiful lake. His property is raised and gives a breathtaking scene of Lake Como. The evenings are especially the most beautiful.

"Uh... Did Maria leave?"

"Yes. I miss her already."

"Why are you here all alone? Aren't you sad?"

"I've always been alone." He took my hand into his. "The only time I didn't feel alone was when  I was with you."

"Perhaps you should find someone to be with."

He kissed the back of my hand. "Kei, some of us only love once in a lifetime. It was you I fell in love with and I nurtured that love. I can't love again. No one can take your place."

"But it breaks my heart to see you alone."

"If I can keep your friendship..." he sighed softly. "That will keep me going. Allow me to still be part of your life."

"I'm not sure how Nick will feel about it."

"I don't care about Nicko's feelings. I promise that I'll behave. You know me. I'm mature enough not to fool around."

"Are you sure about that?"

"Case and point, I was in love with you when you were married to Sinclair. Did I ever make a move?"

"No."

"I restrained myself because I respected your marriage. Should you marry Nick, I'll respect that. I will never do anything to ruin it for you. I don't want to lose you entirely, cara mia. Per favore, think about it."

"I will." I massaged his hand. "I made a decision to handover power to Nick. I was hoping you could help."

"How?"

"I was thinking that there is nothing stronger than a belief in legacies. I was thinking of the Balotelli Legacy. Even if Gio never acknowledged you, his blood flows in your veins. You are a Balotelli. Nick is a Balotelli. In the future, it will probably be Marcelle and he will have sons as well. The godfather seat will be a legacy seat for the Balotellis. It started with you-"

"No." He sat up to really look at me. "It started with Don Giovanni. When he killed my grandfather, the then godfather, he should have taken over. In fact, he should have executed me too. He chose to walk away. People still knew what he did and they started calling him Don Giovanni. They respected him as much as they respected the godfather. You are right. It's a Balotelli Legacy. What do you need from me cara mia?"