DOMENICO

“The first one was named Rose.”

She went still. The name sat between us like a ghost.

“She needed protection,” I continued. “A name. A connection that scared people away. I was that name, at least to her at the time. She knew what she was getting into.”

“And you?”

“I needed an heir.”

Her lips trembled. “Say that again and see if I don’t throw this bottle at your head.”

“I needed an heir,” I repeated quietly.

She inhaled sharply through her nose.

“She got pregnant on purpose,” I said. “I knew it. I let it happen. Thought it would be simple.”

“Simple,” Reina echoed. “Did you ever...