The Don's Prima Donna: An Opposites Attract Mafia Romance by Row Amber

Author:Row, Amber
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2024-01-11T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 23

Philippe

The warmth of Tatiana's body envelops me as I wake, her slender arm draped lightly across my chest. The silk sheets caress my skin, smooth and cool against the heat of our entwined forms.

I breathe her in, the floral scent of her hair, and memories of last night wash over me—carrying her sleeping body gently to my bed, laying her down and curling myself around her. A protectiveness welled up in me then, unlike anything I've known before.

My phone vibrates on the nightstand, letting me know that the forensics on the bodies are done. Now, gazing at her serene face, I'm overcome by an urge to shelter this woman, to spare her any more pain.

She's suffered so much and yet shown such resilience. I want to take this burden from her to handle the logistics of her parent’s funeral. Things I believe will only cause her more anguish.

I pick up my phone and step out into the hallway, pulling the door closed behind me. I dial a number I know by heart - Carlo, my uncle who recently handled my own father's funeral.

"Ciao, Uncle Carlo," I say when he answers. "I apologize for the early call, but I need a favor."

"Anything for you, Philippe," he replies without hesitation. Our families have been allies for generations.

"There's been a tragedy," I explain. "The Amantes were murdered two nights ago."

Uncle Carlo sucks in a breath. "Dio mio. Who would do such a thing?"

"I don't know yet," I lie, not wanting to involve more people than necessary in this Bratva mess. "But their daughter Tatiana is here with me. She's...important to me now." I lower my voice. "I want to spare her from handling the funeral arrangements. Will you take care of everything?"

"Of course," Uncle Carlo agrees at once. "Just tell me what you need."

As I describe my vision for a beautiful funeral honoring Tatiana’s parents, Uncle Carlo listens attentively, jotting down notes on the other end. He knows I will provide all the funds required. I want only the best for Tatiana at such a time.

"I'll make the calls and take care of everything," Uncle Carlo promises. "You focus on the investigation and being there for the girl. She's lucky to have you, Philippe."

"Thank you, my friend," I reply, gratitude swelling within me. With Uncle Carlo handling the funeral, Tatiana will be sheltered from that burden.

"One last thing. Do her parents have funeral spots prepared already?"

"I'm not sure," I frown, thinking of how to breach this topic with her.

"Well, in case not, should I reach out to some of the cemeteries?"

I imagine the effect that would have on Tatiana, her parents lying in the cold, dark ground next to strangers. "No," I say hoarsely. "Allow me to check if we can make space in the family compound," I instruct.

There's silence on the other end. This request is a rare, perhaps unprecedented one. "You stay safe, son," says Uncle Carlo. "And perhaps, with time, we might hear wedding bells in the future." He knows me too well.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.