Page 30 of Ruled By Wizard

The drive to work took only a few minutes. As she pulled into the parking lot, she waved at Marco as he got out of his car. Instead of going inside, Marco waited for her to park.

She loved him, but bless his heart, the young man wore every emotion on his face.

Grabbing her purse, she stepped out of the van. Marco twisted his hands together and looked close to tears.

Natalia decided to get straight to the point. She needed to start preparing for the dinner service.

“What’s wrong, Marco?”

“Mama, I need to ask your advice.”

“Okay. About what?”

Expecting him to ask for financial advice, it took her a couple of seconds to shift gears when he began talking about his girlfriend.

“Lucia has broken our engagement.” Tears spilled down Marco’s cheeks.

“Oh, I’m so sorry.” Natalia wrapped a comforting arm around his trembling shoulders.

Marco had loved Lucia since grade school. Lucia’s father, Edoardo, worked for Antonio, and the two children had grown up together.

“Did she say why?”

His eyes glistened with tears. “She has fallen in love with another man.”

“I’m shocked, as I’m sure you are.”

Natalia had met Lucia several times and couldn’t imagine the sweet, shy woman suddenly breaking Marco’s heart. Whenever she’d seen them together, it had been obvious how deeply in love they were.

“Did Lucia tell you who she’s leaving you for?”

“Yes. Jesus.”

Natalia blinked at him twice. “She wants to devote her life to the Church?”

Marco shook his head. “No. Jesus …” His voice strained through his tears. “He’s a Last Rider.”

CHAPTER 12

BAMBINOS

Shocked speechless, Natalia could only pat Marco on the shoulder as he struggled to regain control of his emotions.

“What should I do?” he asked with a sniffle.

“Uh …” She had no idea. The difference between a Last Rider and Marco was like night and day. Some women preferred the darkness, while others preferred the light. Just because she would never become involved with a Last Rider didn’t mean they didn’t hold a powerful attraction for other women.

“Does he return her feelings?”

Marco’s eyes widened in dismay. “How could he not? My Lucia is beautiful! Any man would fall in love with her.”

Technically, Lucia wasn’t his anymore, but Natalia remained silent. Considering how distraught Marco was, she didn’t take offense at his raised voice.

“Of course they would,” she quickly assured him. “Any normal man would, but The Last Riders are a different breed.”

“How so?”

“Marco,” she explained patiently, “you’re the one who told me about Wizard’s bet. That shows his behavior was accepted—maybe even encouraged—by the club. Did you tell Lucia that The Last Riders’ attitudes toward sex might conflict with hers?”