“Spoken like a true Italian,” Alesso declared heartily.
Holly laughed. “I’ll head into the kitchen and let Dominic know we’re ready to serve dinner. Everyone, please go ahead and get seated.”
The food was exquisite as always, and Aunt Holly and Dominic truly outdid themselves with the special meal they created. It was a fusion of French and Italian food, to celebrate their guest of honor, while still maintaining the classic French cooking they were known for.
Adrianna ate her fill, and while the meal was delicious and she loved being around her family, she just felt miserable. Glancing over at Lucas, he looked just as gloomy despite the efforts of his date to engage him in conversation.
At the end of the meal, Dominic Muccino came out to serve them dessert—a cross between a cannoli and Mille-feuille—and greet his guests.
“Dinner was amazing, Dom,” Frankie said.
“Thanks, Aunt Frankie,” he replied. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
Grant motioned for him to sit down. “Dominic, come and stay for a bit.”
“I can’t—”
“Dom,” Holly said gently. “Just stay for a glass of wine.”
He finally relented. “Of course.” He took his seat on the empty chair beside his mother and accepted the wine she offered. As he took a sip, he met Adrianna’s gaze. He smirked when she gave him a knowing look.
If it wasn’t for the mismatched eyes, most people wouldn’t think Dominic was a Muccino. With his fair coloring and his long blond hair, he looked nothing like his father. In fact, it was a joke in the family that Aunt Holly had somehow spontaneously given birth to him without any assistance from her husband. Dom was also more reserved and aloof, the total opposite of the boisterous and fiery Gio. The Ice Man, she’d heard the whispers of the staff, and she guessed that nickname didn’t just come from the cold efficiency he employed to run his kitchen.
“Should we have a toast?” Alesso said, raising his glass.
“Excellent idea,” Frankie said.
Adrianna discreetly grabbed her water goblet instead of her untouched wine glass.
“To what?” Grant asked.
“How about,” Alesso looked at Adrianna meaningfully, “to new friends and new alliances?” Everyone agreed, then raised and clinked their glasses together.
After the toast, it was obvious things were winding down. The staff was coming in to clear the plates, and finally, Grant stood up declaring that it was late. They filed out of the dining room, heading to the front of the restaurant. Aunt Holly had bid them goodnight as she went back to the kitchen. Frankie and Grant’s car was the first to arrive and so they left after a few more quick goodbyes.
“It was lovely to meet you, Adrianna,” Alesso said as his limo pulled up to the front. “I do hope this isn’t the last time we meet.”
“Same here,” she said weakly.
“Please, come to Rome anytime. You are most welcome.” Alesso kissed her hand again, then bid them goodnight before he stepped into his limo.
“Lucas, darling,” Barbara cooed. “Would you mind if I went back in? I need to take a quick trip to the ladies’ room.”
“Go ahead,” Lucas said.
“Don’t leave without me!” she jested before she stepped back inside.
“She seems nice,” Adrianna said. “Exactly your type.”
Lucas’s head whipped back to her. “And what’s that supposed to mean?”
The arrival of the gray Dodge Charger stopped what would probably have been an awkward conversation. Darius stepped out, but before he could open the door, Lucas approached him. Adrianna stayed where she was, curious as to what her brother was planning.
“Darius,” Lucas called.
“Yes, Alpha?” he asked.
“I heard you saved my sister’s life.” He offered his hand. “Thank you. If you ever need anything, just ask.”
“It was my duty, Alpha.” He did take Lucas’s hand, then leaned forward and said something in a low voice that Adrianna didn’t quite catch. Whatever it was made Lucas freeze and his shoulders stiffen. He nodded at Darius then walked back to Adrianna.
She was itching to ask him what Darius had said but she knew better. “I’m glad I came, if only to see you,” she said.
“I’m glad too.” He glanced back at the door to the restaurant, as if checking to see if Barbara was coming back, then turned to her. “Are you all right, Adrianna?”
She wanted to open up to him, to tell him what she was keeping in her heart, but it looked like he was having enough trouble himself in that same department. “I’m good,” she lied. “You should go in and check on Barbara.”
“I suppose I should,” he said with a long sigh. “Stay safe.”
“You too.”
She turned and walked toward the car. As she expected, Darius held the door of the rear passenger seat open. Sweeping past him, she climbed in without any protest.
The drive home was quick, thanks to the late hour. By the time she got home, the anger she felt toward Darius had simmered down. Frankly, she was tired of the whole thing. If he was going to act this way, then there was nothing she could do about it. She couldn’t fight it, couldn’t make him want her again no matter how hard she tried.
She didn’t say a word when he opened the door, just walked straight into the house. Halfway up the steps, she heard the door slam behind her and she stopped. Her hand trembled on the handrail as she steadied herself, her shoulders slumped, and the tears she had been fighting finally streamed down her cheeks.
“Adrianna.”
Her fingers tightened around the handrail and her spine went stiff. She wiped the tears from her face. “Y-yes?” she said as she glanced back at him.
Darius stood at the foot of the stairs, his eyes glowing in the dim light. The soft expression made her heart pitter-patter, and her wolf sang at the familiar presence.
“Adrianna, forgive me.” He took one step toward her.
She tried to harden her heart. “For what?”
“For breaking my promise.” Another
