No More Brothers (A Serafina Florio Mystery) (13 page)

Loffredo glanced up at Serafina. “I heard.”

“Poor woman.”

“Poor Rodolfo. Imagine having to live with her sickness.” Loffredo gazed at her. “The children?”

“With us. Vicenzu’s suggestion. He wants Teo to work for him after school. Teo clings to him. And Rosa hired a wet nurse for the baby.” She swallowed and stepped closer. “But you and I cannot continue. Forgive me.”

He glanced down at his desk. “Nothing to forgive,” he mumbled.

“Perhaps another—”

“Don’t, Fina.”

“Promise we’ll be friends?” She wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t answer.

He looked up. “Of course. Couldn’t bear to lose you.”

Serafina leaned over and kissed his cheek, his mouth. She felt the cleansing flame of desire.