“Tell me about your family,” I say, having a sudden urge to learn more about him.

  During dinner we kept conversation general and innocuous. I didn’t want to dive into anything personal, but a newly awakened part of me wants more.

  “What would you like to know?”

  “Are you close to your siblings?” I ask.

  The shoulder I rest against lifts. “As close as any family is, I suppose. I’m not technically a middle child since Brenna and Paddy are twins, but I’ve always felt like one. I guess because Jack and Paddy are nearest in age and Brenna and Caitlín are both girls so I assume it’s natural that they spent the most time together.”

  “Were you ever lonely?” I glance up at him.

  Nathan’s eyes meet mine briefly before he looks forward. “A little. I’m six years younger than Paddy and eight younger than Jack, so the two of them had left the house before I did. It wasn’t as bad after Brenna got married, because then it was just Caitlín and me. You’ve met her.” He chuckles. “She and I did a little hell-raising for a while. Until I moved out anyway. I was glad when Paddy suggested we all move into the brownstone together.”

  I sigh. “It sounds wonderful. Not the lonely part, but having that relationship with your siblings. My parents were both gone by the time I was fifteen, so my brothers finished raising me. Well, if you can call it that.”

  “I’ve met Rory’s father,” Nathan says. “Considering he’s the reason she ended up married to Alessandro in the first place, then it’s no wonder you feel the way you do about marriage and wanting to be independent. Especially if they’re all like that.”

  We pause at the intersection before crossing the street and then head into the park. Flickering lights from the boats out on the water, as well as Manhattan across the way, sneak through the breaks in the trees like fireflies or twinkling stars guiding the way.

  “Andrea wasn’t as bad as the rest. He’s our oldest brother. But, yes, it was stifling growing up in their household.” Until I moved to England, I’m not sure I’ve ever truly breathed like I do there. There has always been this weight on my chest.

  “My grand-da was not a good person. He was cruel and vicious and ruled that way. My father never came out and said it, but we all know that Grand-da had our Uncle Brian killed.” Nathan’s voice hardens. “Everyone was terrified of him. We all celebrated the day he died.”

  I squeeze his arm in sympathy. He sounds like an awful person. Perhaps in that, I’m lucky. My life could have been worse. “I’m sorry.”

  Nathan glances down again. “Don’t be. He deserved everything he got. No one mourns him and none of us feel bad about it. We no longer live under his thumb.”

  We make our way down the winding path until it opens up to the river. A brick wall lines the perimeter and benches are spaced apart along the grassy edge. Nathan and I stand there and lean against the cool surface of the barrier and look out over the water. I breathe in the scent of fish, the city, his cologne, and a bit of nature mixed in. I’ve forgotten what it’s like being here.

  A comfortable silence grows between us. I feel surprisingly at peace.

  “Do you ever miss Brooklyn?” Nathan asks.

  I don’t turn my head. A part of me doesn’t want to admit the fact. It feels like by doing so, I’m committing to something. I don’t want to take the coward’s way out. I’ve done that too much over the last three years. “Sometimes.”

  He doesn’t reply. Instead, we both remain standing there, silent, as we stare out into the city. A few other people walk past us. Cyclists and runners as well. But otherwise, it’s just the two of us. A warm hand covers mine. I squeeze it tight, not wanting to let go of him or this evening, just yet.

  What could be hours pass, until finally, Nathan rises up. “I should probably get you back to your hotel.”

  “Yeah, it’s almost Enzo’s bedtime.”

  Our walk back is far more subdued. It’s as though neither of us want to bring back the reality. A reality with me living thousands of miles away and even more separating us that just geography. Finally, we reach my room. I pause in front of it, leaning back while Nathan gazes down at me.

  “This is when I promised you a good night kiss, if I recall,” he says.

  Breathless, I reply. “I believe you did.”

  Closing the distance until I have to tilt my head back, Nathan reaches up and palms my cheek. His fingers glide through my hair making me shiver. Slowly, he lowers his head, stopping just before his lips touch mine. The warmth of his breath heats my skin. My heart pounds with anticipation while the tingling sensation between my legs grows.

  My eyelids grow heavy and they close just as a whimper climbs from my throat. At last, soft lips brush across mine, softly at first. Tentatively, as though Nathan is just getting started.

  “Please.” It’s a plea I’m unaware of until it spills from me.

  His mouth curves upward and then the flick of his tongue reaches out coaxing me to part the seam of my lips. I open for him, needing more of Nathan’s taste. He answers me by swooping inside as though gathering up my flavor. He groans and the vibration ripples through me and lands right in my pussy making me even wetter. Needier. Hotter.

  My body cries out for more pleasure. More everything. My hands go around his neck, bringing him even closer. Nathan’s hardness pushes me against the narrow door behind me. Only it and his firm grip around my hips keep me standing. His leg slides between mine, the friction grinding against my clit. I rub myself against him generating more of the sweet pleasure.

  It doesn’t matter that I’m practically dry humping him in the hallway. That that low cries he pulls from me can probably be heard by Rory on the other side of this thin wooden barrier. Only Nathan and this kiss matter. He’s right. I want to beg for more. Only he’s ever created this firestorm of emotion inside me. If anyone could make me forget my vow to leave the organization, it’s this man. I should be more scared by that fact.

  Nathan kisses away any thoughts of fear. He presses his leg harder against me and the building tension finally tightens to the point of pain and then releases on a sudden burst of agonizing ecstasy. My whole body shudders and he swallows down my cry. He drags his lips from mine and I nearly whimper at their loss. He doesn’t go far. Nathan rests his forehead against mine as we both suck in much needed air.

  My sensitive nipples brush across his chest, sending continued shockwaves through my still throbbing pussy. Finally, he drags his leg out from between mine. His palms glide up my sides until he’s cupping my face between his. Our eyes meet. There’s a wild and fierce expression in his. His mouth parts like he’s going to say something, but he snaps it shut and whatever I think is in his gaze disappears.

  Nathan, instead, steps back and his hands fall to his side. Mine slide off his neck and I hug myself to keep from reaching for him again.

  “You should probably go inside,” he says.

  I nod almost absently.

  “Have a good night.” And then Nathan turns and walks away.

  Long after he’s disappeared into the elevator at the end of the hall, I stand there, questioning every decision I’ve made for the last six years.

  Chapter 16

  Nathan

  * * *

  The whole family is gathered at our parents’ brownstone. Mother finally gave in to Jack’s demands that she let him hire a caterer for the rehearsal dinner so she didn’t have to spend the whole day cooking. He, Rory, and the priest arrived a little while ago, and are outside with Paddy, Anya, and Caitlín. Brenna and Emilio, along with all their kids, are on their way, as well as Lucia and Enzo. Which means I should probably prepare my parents for their arrival.

  “Mother, Da, can I talk to you for a minute?”

  My mother, already giddy with excitement at the fact another one of her children has found love and is getting married, grins broadly. “Of course.”

  The three of us move out of the family room and into the kitchen. I face them and gesture toward the table. “Have a seat, please.”

  My mother’s smile falters at my serious tone, but she and Da, who studies me in a way that has me squirming like I’m the one in trouble, both lower themselves into their chairs.

  “Is everything okay, Nathan?” she asks.

  I brace myself for whatever their reaction is going to be. If history serves, my mother will be ecstatic. There is nothing more she loves than a new grandchild. It’s Da I’m not sure of. Will he be disappointed? Angry? Happy?

  Nervous energy rippling through me, I remain in the middle of the room, looking down at them. Da reclined back, his expression relaxed but unreadable. Mother with her hands folded in her lap while she stares up at me expectantly. Despite being a grown man—one who’s actually killed other men—I seem to be reduced to a child in my parents’ presence. Does that feeling ever go away? I clear my throat. Just get it over with.

  “You remember Rory’s aunt, Lucia?” I ask.

  “We didn’t get the chance to meet her when all that unfortunate business went down, but yes, Rory has spoken highly of her,” my mother replies.

  “Right, well, she and I, we both, um, what I mean to say is…” I stutter, unable to string a sentence together.

  “Nathan,” Da growls and my head snaps up from where I’d been staring at an invisible speck on the floor.

  “I have a son,” I blurt out. “That is to say, Lucia has a son. We have a son. I figured I should probably tell you before they show up.”

  Neither of them speak and the silence is deafening. Confusion crosses my mother’s face, while Da merely blinks. Twice. Three times.

  “We met at Gio and Francesca’s wedding. Then again after Jack and Rory got together. Things happened. And now we have a kid. Enzo.”

  “Enzo,” Mother echoes.

  “Yes.”

  As though that was all the confirmation she needed, she jumps up from her seat with an excited squeal and throws her arms around me. “I’m so happy for you, Nathan.”

  I return her embrace, my gaze still on Da who hasn’t moved from his spot. “Thank you, Mother.”

  “They’re coming today you said, right? We’ll get to meet them?” she pulls back with a fierce expression.

  “Yes, they should be here any minute. Enzo is one of the ring bearers and Lucia is Rory’s maid of honor.”

  “I can’t wait to meet them.” She turns to Da. “Isn’t this wonderful news, Cormac. Another grandbaby we get to spoil.”

  He rises from his seat and crosses the tiled floor to stand beside us. He lays a hand on my shoulder. “Congratulations, son.”

  “Thanks, Da.”

  Mother claps and does a little skip. “I’m going to make sure everything is ready for when they get here.”

  She brushes a kiss over my cheek and hurries out of the kitchen and down the hall leaving me with my father. He turns to me. “What’s the plan?”

  “I don’t know, yet,” I admit. “Lucia isn’t making things easy. I’m not sure she’s willing to give up her job or her life in England. In fact, I can almost guarantee it.”

  “You could make her give it up.”

  I nod. “I could. But then she’d hate me.”

  “There are worst things. That is your son, too, Nathan. He’s part Irish. He’s a part of this family,” he rumbles.

  “I know. But it’s not a risk I’m willing to take. I think I…I want them both.”

  Da doesn’t say anything at first. “There are some things worth fighting for. You have to decide what that is and what you are willing to risk.”

  Commotion from the other room draws our attention. “Come on,” he says, clapping me on the shoulder again. “It sounds like your guests have arrived.”

  We head toward the family room where, sure enough, Lucia stands with Enzo at her side. She shifts nervously, while he glances around at the people staring at them. Caitlín is here, along with our mother, who’s practically vibrating with the need to introduce herself. He takes a small step closer to his mother and partially hides behind her leg. I move past Da and cross the room.

  Lucia’s gaze locks on mine and relief flashes in her eyes. Enzo relaxes as well. I stand in front of them blocking out my family behind us. I glance down at my son and smile reassuringly. “I’m so glad you guys made it.”

  “You told them, didn’t you?” she asks quietly. “I mean, I understand why you did. Expected it, even. Still took me off guard.”

  “My parents are excited to meet you both.”

  “They probably hate me,” she whispers even softer.

  I shake my head. “They don’t hate you. You should have seen my mother when I told her. She nearly screamed with excitement. I’m pretty sure it’s my mother’s greatest wish in life to have as many grandkids as humanly possible.”

  Lucia laughs nervously and glances over my shoulder. “Your father doesn’t look quite as thrilled.”

  “It’s not that. Da is just…Da.” She’ll understand after she gets to know him. “They really want to meet both of you.”

  She hesitates and then puts up a brave front. “I knew it had to happen at some point.”

  “Come on. It will be okay, I promise.” I move to her side and place my hand on her back.

  “Mother, Da, this is Lucia Giordano and Enzo. My son.”

  “Holy fucking shit,” Caitlín blurts out, her eyes bugging.

  My mother hisses. “Caitlín McKenna Donnelly.”

  “Sorry,” she replies automatically.

  Ignoring her daughter, Mother slowly moves forward, her gaze on her grandson. She stops just short of us, not crowding him, and squats down to his level. “Hi, Enzo. I’m Moira and this is Cormac. I’m so happy to meet you.”

  Faintly, he replies. “Hullo.”

  Lucia drops down as well and wraps her arm around him. “These are Nathan’s parents. And that’s his sister. Remember, I told you about them. They’re going to be Auntie Rory’s new family. Which makes them your family, too. I think you’re going to like them.”

  She and my mother both come to their feet, their eyes still meeting. Tears well in my mother’s. She smiles at Lucia and mouths, “Thank you.”

  Lucia nods.

  “All right,” Da says, breaking the silence. “Why doesn’t everyone head outside? When Brenna and Emilio get here, we’ll join you.”

  We all scramble to break the awkward tension that continues to linger. Caitlín approaches while Mother reluctantly steps back. “Hey Enzo, I’m your new Auntie Caitlín. Wanna see something cool?”

  He glances up at Lucia, then to my surprise, at me. “It’s okay. We’re coming right behind you.”

  He loosens his grip on Lucia’s pant leg and reaches out to Caitlín, who clasps his hand in hers. The two of them make their way out of the family room. I take Lucia’s hand in mine as well and we follow them toward the mudroom door which leads outside. Mother stays behind with Da.

  “That wasn’t so bad, wasn’t it?” I murmur to her.

  She lets out a shaky laugh. “Not if you count the fact that I almost threw up all over your parents’ nice carpet.”

  “But you didn’t. So all is well.”

  “I still think your father hates me,” she says.

  I squeeze her hand. “He doesn’t.”

  We exit out the door and into my mother’s domain. The garden is her pride and joy. Lucia gasps. “Oh wow, it’s beautiful back here.”

  “Mother loves flowers. Gardening is her passion, you could say.”

  “Your mother planted all these?” she asks.

  “Every last flower. I think she and Anya have a bet going on who can have the biggest garden in Brooklyn.”

  “This is incredible.” She stops and breathes in the fragrance of some of the pink flowered bushes we pass. I have no idea what half of them are called.

  We continue along the pathway that winds through the yard until we come to the white party tents. Caterers scramble around beneath one of them getting the meal ready. Nearly the entire family loiters together, the low hum of the conversation reaching us. They all turn at our approach. Lucia’s hand trembles within mine.

  “You made it.” Rory breaks away from the group and rushes over giving Lucia a hug. “Where’s Enzo?”

  “He’s with Caitlín,”—she glances around—“somewhere out here.”

  Jack joins us. “Lucia, nice to see you again.”

  “You as well.”

  Paddy and Anya soon make their way over, and as we all make polite conversation, my fingers remain threaded through Lucia’s. Every time she seems unsettled, especially after Mother, Da, Brenna, Emilio, and their brood arrive, I gently rub my thumb across her skin trying to reassure her that I’m here, and everything is going to be fine.

  Enzo and Cristiano make their way down the makeshift aisle toward us. The differences between the two are stark. Not only in appearance, but in personality. Cristiano, who’s less than a year older than his newly discovered cousin, bounces along with a distracted air. He smiles and haphazardly swings around the pillow he’s carrying, heedless of the fact that tomorrow, a wedding ring is supposed to be attached to it. Enzo, on the other hand, has a much more cautious approach. His hold on his pillow is tight, as though he fears dropping it and his wary, uncertain gaze darts around until it lands on Lucia, who gives him a small encouraging nod.

  Finally, the two boys reach us at the end of the aisle, Enzo standing stoically while Cristiano shifts with restless, unspent energy. As the priest continues with the run-through of the ceremony, my gaze drifts over Paddy and Jack’s shoulders to focus on Lucia. Across the people that separate us, our eyes meet. Never before has a woman had me this tied up.

  Chapter 17

  Lucia

  * * *

  The wedding was beautiful. My gaze lingers on Rory and Jack while they dance beneath the moon-kissed night. Although it isn’t full dark, the sun has disappeared behind the horizon and the evening glow off the giant white orb in the sky provides the perfect setting to this perfect union.