I looked away from him, trying to determine if that’s what I wanted. Maybe I needed space. “I made plans with Anna and the other women in our family for lunch before everyone leaves Indianapolis. I can’t cancel it. I’m sure my father and the other men won’t mind a meeting with you as well.”
Danilo sighed but nodded. It was obvious that he didn’t like the idea of us being apart today. Maybe he realized I was on the verge of slipping away and wanted to make sure I couldn’t. “As long as you take Carlo with you, you can meet with Anna and the women for lunch. I won’t lock you in at home. But lunch is still some time away. So, what about breakfast together and a tour of the house before you leave?”
“Okay,” I agreed. “But I’d like to shower first.” He stepped back and I closed the door. I felt relief that Danilo obviously wanted to work on our marriage, but I didn’t want to put my heart and hope in it too soon again. I’d be careful. I’d set ground rules and keep my own wishes in mind.
When I left the bathroom twenty minutes later after a long mind-clearing shower, Danilo was lounging in bed, reading something on his phone. A tray loaded with food, coffee, and orange juice sat on the bed beside him. I was only in my bathrobe, but the scent of fresh coffee drew me toward the bed. Pancakes and fresh fruit as well as scrambled eggs smelled divine and made me realize I hadn’t eaten in a while.
I sank down on the bed, feeling insecure about joining Danilo. He put away his phone and motioned at the tray. “I made us some breakfast.”
I gaped at him. “You made breakfast?”
A smile flickered across his face. That and the slight stubble made him look like a guy next door, a very handsome guy next door.
“I’ve been living on my own for a while, and I prefer to have the house to myself in the morning. My maids usually come around ten to eleven when I’m gone for work.”
“Did Emma never cook for you?”
Usually the women cooked, and until shortly before our wedding, Emma had still lived with Danilo after all. Not that I was a good cook, or any kind of cook. I’d never tried my hand at it.
“Emma’s a lousy cook, and she hates it.”
“Samuel’s going to be in for a surprise,” I said with a delighted laugh. My brother probably thought Emma would present him with a beautiful home-cooked dinner every night.
“He’ll need a maid or do the cooking himself,” Danilo muttered.
I slanted a curious look at Danilo. He’d never struck me as a man who would set foot in the kitchen.
I took one of the forks and cut off a bite sized piece of pancake, a bit wary about Danilo’s cooking skills. I was surprised that it was delicious. Fluffy and sweet with a hint of vanilla. “It’s good,” I attested, already bringing another bite to my mouth.
“Come, join me properly,” he said, patting the spot beside him.
I crept under the blanket and Danilo positioned the tray between us so we could both eat from it. He drank his coffee, watching me.
I felt self-conscious under his scrutiny and decided to face him head-on.
“I know you probably don’t want to talk about it, but I need to know that you’re okay after last night.”
I took a sip of orange juice. “I am. I was expecting your anger, so I’m not emotionally scarred, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
Danilo shook his head. “Okay. I messed up twice, but there won’t be a third time.”
“It’s in the past,” I said simply. “You can do better now.”
We ate in silence, but it wasn’t as awkward as I feared, even if it was obvious that we didn’t really know how to handle each other. When I was done with eating, I turned to him. “What do you expect from me as your wife? You’re Underboss, so you have many responsibilities. Do you need me to handle certain things?”
Danilo looked thoughtful. “I haven’t given it much thought. I want you at my side for public events, of course, but I’d appreciate it if you’d get along with my mother, and if you’d meet with the Captains’ wives now and then. They have a brunch date once a week, if I remember correctly. My mother attends it as well, so she can help you.”
Those were the typical social responsibilities. “Anything else?” I wanted something to focus on outside of this marriage, so I didn’t feel too pressured about making it work as quickly as possible.
Danilo shook his head, but I could tell there was something else.
“Tell me,” I said.
“Emma was active in an organization that helped disabled children from less fortunate families. She organized fundraisers and tried to create awareness about the realities of people with disabilities. Now that she’ll be moving to Minneapolis to live with your brother, she won’t be able to continue her work.”
I didn’t miss the edge in his voice when he mentioned Samuel, but I chose not to ask him about it. “Can’t I continue her work? I know I’m not disabled, so maybe the kids won’t identify with me like they did with Emma, but I’d love to help. It sounds like a worthy cause.” Better than entertaining bored mob wives.
“Emma would appreciate it, and so would I.” He reached for my hand, and I let him take it. “I want you to really arrive in Indianapolis and see it as your home.”
“I’ll do my best,” I said. I didn’t know the city yet. I hadn’t seen anything except the brief glimpses of the city on our drive to the house.
“Is there anything you want to do? I work a lot. Do you have a hobby you’d like to keep up, or anything else you’d
