Lucia continued to sob as Maxwell held her in his arms with his brothers around them.
“We’ve got you, baby. Let’s get you home.”
“Home,” she whispered. The word caused her to sob—the pain, the heartache and feelings that the word home was something she didn’t know or recognize yet wished for a thousand times in prayers over the years. Where was home? What really felt like a home? How would she know since she never belonged and her parents never loved her? She cried deeply until the emotions, the depth of her sadness, overwhelmed her and then she passed out against his chest.
Chapter 16
Mary Higgins sat on the couch and waited for Lucia to wake up from her nap. She couldn’t focus on any planning or activities until she saw for herself that Lucia was safe and with her men. She watched her as Lucia rested, her cheeks badly bruised, her lip cut and swollen. She had cried the moment she saw her. She had suffered a bruised cheekbone as well, and was glad to hear that her old friend Nicola
i Merkovicz had her back when she needed such a huge favor. Now, they were even.
Lucia began to moan, and Mary quickly patted her hand and told her she was okay. It was what Salvatore had instructed her to do. He was being so protective. They all were. They also were a bit shocked about how she helped save Lucia’s life. They were fine with the limited answers she gave, because they really only cared that Lucia was alive and with them again.
She watched Lucia come to, her eyes glancing behind her to the still-empty Christmas tree. The party was only two weeks away and there was so much to get done. She hoped that Lucia healed in time and would make it to the event with her men.
“Mary?” Lucia whispered and then began to sit up. Mary helped her and then smiled as Salvatore appeared with a bottle of water and a straw in it.
“Thirsty, baby?” he asked as he caressed her shoulder.
She nodded then took the sip from the bottle.
“Damn, a fat lip hurts worse than a bruised cheek,” she said.
“It’s healing well. A lot of rest and little talking,” he told her.
“I’ll do all the talking, Salvatore, don’t you worry,” Mary told him. He held a firm expression as he left the room.
“It will take some time for him to be able to leave your side. He loves you. They all do.”
“I know, Mary. How are you? How is your cheek? I was so worried.”
“About me? Heck, you went through the rough stuff. Me? I was fine. It will be healed before the Christmas Eve party.”
“I don’t think the same can be said for my bruises. They’re pretty bad. Maxwell turns away and curses, he gets so upset.”
“No one likes to see the people they love feel pain, inside or outside,” she said.
“That was all of us, I guess. I just hope it’s all over.”
“Oh, it is, honey. It’s why I wanted to come see you. There’s some things to go over. Just minor stuff. Don’t worry, though, I’ve gone ahead and confirmed things for you so you’ll be all set.”
“All set for what?”
“Well, as I’m sure your men explained, some friends of mine have ensured that Derek and your parents can never bother you again.” Lucia widened her eyes.
“Oh, don’t worry, I didn’t have them knocked off or anything like that,” she teased.
“Oh God, Mary.”
Mary smiled. “My friend had that entire scene in the warehouse recorded. He also was able to get files and evidence on your parents and on Derek for numerous charges of money laundering, rape, falsifying documents, and a bunch of other things that should keep them in orange overalls for the rest of their lives. I also cleared up the problems with your grandfather’s will and set up an account at the bank in town here. All funds, including money from your parent’s estate since they failed to tell you that you lose money by marrying before the age of twenty-four. Your birthday is coming up, isn’t it, Lucia?” she asked and winked.
“You’ve been busy, Mary. I’m impressed. You’ve got my head spinning too. I don’t care about the money though. I only care about being here with the guys.”
Mary patted her hand. “That’s all wonderful, Lucia, but with the money you have, you can do a lot of things to help yourself and anyone you want who needs help. I knew since the moment I saw you in town that you would be perfect for Lilly’s boys,” she said and stood up.
“What do you mean when you saw me in town?” she asked as Salvatore, Lucifer, Maxwell, and Gabriele joined them. Mary smiled.
“I knew that you would hit it off and be perfect for them. They just needed a little push.”