THIRTY-SEVEN.

ALESSANDRO, AKA DON VALENTINO.

I brush a weary hand over my face, feeling the dizziness take hold as my steps begin to sway. Perhaps I had indulged in a few too many bourbons at the hotel's bar after all.

As I walk down the hallway to my room, I use the wall to keep me upright. Ivy caught me off guard with the special little dinner she and my sweet Savannah had made for me tonight.

I don’t know what got into me.

Taking a stroll down memory lane isn't my all-time favourite place to visit. Some scars have never fully healed, and I refuse to reopen the ones that have over the years.

“Capo.” Gios’ voice bellows with a hint of panic.

I raise my head, meeting his gaze as he waits outside my hotel suite. “What is it?” I mutter.

“I.., uh…” he pauses, his brain trying to find the right words to soften the blow of what he's about to say.

“Spit it out, Giovanni. I'm tired and drunk.” I slap him on the back as I reach his side.

He wraps an arm around my waist, steadying me as I try to swipe t