“That’s the wording in the contract. Like a marriage contract, but different. And if I die before her, Dominic inherits her. Like she’s a fucking thing. My father has a sick sense of humor, as you know.”

Her lip curled at the mention of his name. “Do you want to get out of it?”

Her question startled me. I answered without hesitation. “No.”

“You like her.”

I studied Natalie and felt the need to correct what she said. Whether that correction was for my benefit or hers, I wasn’t sure. “I feel some obligation to her.”

She snorted.

“Besides, even if I wanted to, I couldn’t get out of it. And she certainly couldn’t. I don’t want her to hate me.”

“Give her some space and some time, Salvatore,” Natalie said, touching my hand. “She just needs to really see you, like I do. She only sees the Benedetti name right now. The Benedetti family, the one that destroyed hers.”

She was right.

“Maybe you could…”

Natalie shook her head. “I’m sorry, I can’t. I can’t be a part of that anymore.” Tears welled in her eyes.

“I understand. It’s okay. I just think she needs some friends or something.”

“I’m sorry, I just—”

I touched her shoulder. “I shouldn’t have asked.”

An awkward silence hung between us.

“Do you need anything?” I finally asked.

She shook her head. “No, we’re fine. We’re good.”

“You’ll call me if you do, right?”

“I promise.”

“I miss Sergio.” My eyes felt hot.

“Me too.” Natalie wiped hers before leaning against my chest. I hugged her, rubbing her back.

“Hey, I’m going to take Jacob to the beach a little later. Why don’t you come with us?”

I nodded, not really having to think about it. I didn’t want to go home. I’d bury my head in the sand for a little bit longer. “I’d like that.”

“Good.”

Jacob stood then, holding out two of the farm animals he was playing with. Both were a little wet from drool, but I took them. He stood leaning against my legs, babbling.

“That so?” I asked, not really understanding a word he said.

Natalie chuckled and stood. “More coffee?”

“Sure.”

“Hey, Jacob, Uncle Salvatore’s going to come with us to the beach. What do you think of that, honey?

Jacob leaned his face into my leg and smiled, still “talking.” I made out the word beach then something sounding like uncle in there before he gave me a cuddle. I cuddled him back.

I’d spend the day here. It would be good for me. And I’d think about what Natalie said about giving Lucia time and space. I could do that. It would help me get my thoughts figured out.

7

Lucia

I was a prisoner here.