Chapter 203

Chapter 203
SOME YEARS LATER

AUTHOR'S POV

Don Luca stood at the window of his study watching Angelo train in the courtyard below. The boy was thirteen now, taller than his age and looking so much like a man. His shoulders were broad and his hair was long enough to touch his shoulders, he reminded me so much like his father.

The training dummy took hit after hit without Angelo's breathing hard not changing stance changing, he didn't even break his rhythm.

Kiera entered the study and stood beside Luca.

"He's getting better at combat." She remarked.

"He's getting better at everything." Don Luca gripped the windowsill. "Weapons, strategy, business, languages. He absorbs information faster than anyone I've ever taught."

"But?"

"Watch his face." Luca replied and they both looked down at Angelo executing a series of strikes against the training dummy. His expression never changed. No grimace of effort. No satisfaction at landing a perfect hit. It was just completely cold.

"I think his mother's condition is affecting him more than he is letting on. He is not the Angelo that I used to know".

"I wish she'll just get better, it's been years already.”

"The facility called yesterday. She's completed the addiction program but they're recommending she stay longer. Something about other issues they've discovered."

Don Luca sighed, "What kind of issues?"

"They wouldn't say over the phone. They want us to come in for a meeting."

Don Luca turned from the window. His leg still ached when he stood too long but he could walk now, could move without crutches most days. His memories had been returning slowly, pieces of his life clicking back into place.

He remembered falling head over heels in love with Kiera. Remembered the man he used to be before everything shattered.

"When is the meeting?" He asked, staring at her.

"Next week. Should we tell Angelo?"

"No. Not until we know more." Don Luca replied and sighed.

He has tried everything for Allegra to get better but she just doesn't want to co-operate. Since the death of Erasmus, nothing else mattered to her.

Kiera watched as Angelo finished his training and headed toward the house. Sweat dripped down his temples but his breathing was controlled despite the intense workout.

Emilio appeared in the courtyard and called out to him. Angelo stopped and turned. They talked for a moment and Angelo's shoulders dropped just slightly, the rigid line of his spine easing by barely an inch. Then he nodded and followed Emilio toward the garage.

"At least he still responds to Emilio, worry about him constantly. I can't sleep knowing how he's hurting and entering his shell” Kiera said as she leaned against Don Luca, her weight heavy with exhaustion.

That evening at dinner, Angelo sat in his usual spot between the twins. Adore kept glancing at him, kept opening her mouth and closing it again like she was gathering courage.

"Angelo, we're watching a movie after dinner. Do you want to join us?"

"No thank you." His response was swift and final.

"It's your favorite. The one with the cars." She tried to persuade him.

"I have studying to do." He growled at her.

Adore's fork clattered against her plate. She picked it back up quickly, her hands shaking slightly.

Adonis shot Angelo a look, his jaw tight, but said nothing.

After dinner, Angelo stood to leave. Don Luca stopped him.

"Angelo, a moment."

The boy turned. "Yes, sir?"

"Sit."

Angelo sat back down, his back straight, his hands folded on the table. Waiting.

"Your training is progressing well. Better than well, actually. You're exceeding every expectation."

"Thank you, sir."

"But I'm concerned about other areas of your development."

"What do you mean by that Sir”.

“First of all, why don't you call me dad? You are like a son to me and I love you”.

Angelo’s jaw worked as he ground his teeth against each other but he didn't say anything and Don Luca sighed.

“It's okay if you don't want to…I just want to let you know that you are not alone”.

“Thank you sir” he replied.

Don Luca studied him for a while, "You spend all your time training or studying but has no time to socialize or do anything a normal thirteen-year-old does."

"I'm not a normal thirteen-year-old." Angelo replied before he could stop himself.

"You're angry." Don Luca noted.

"No, sir." Angelo retraced.

"You've been angry for a year. Ever since your mother left."

Angelo's jaw shifted, a tiny muscle jumping near his ear and that was the only crack in his composure. "My mother needed help. You and Kiera made the right decision. I understand that. May I be excused?”

Don Luca wanted to reach across the table, wanted to shake the boy until something real showed on his face. But he knew it would accomplish nothing. Angelo had learned to hide everything behind perfect obedience.

"You're excused." He said finally and nodded.

Angelo left without another word.