Bellissimo Lotta (Beautiful Struggle): Companion Novel to Bellissimo Fortuna (The Family Trilogy Book 2) by Leigh Ann Lunsford Page A

first, and every time a decision had to be made I would remember your mom being attacked. That’s how I’ve been able to do it, because there is nothing more important than my family. I weigh all the options and try not to get involved in unsavory dealings, but you’re a smart girl. You know what this involves, and sometimes decisions I make aren’t moral. I’ve atoned for that. What happens to me in the afterlife is up to the Big Guy. I would burn in hell for eternity to never lose your love and respect. You, your mom, and Bronson are what I live for. I’d walk away, give it all back if I could, but it’s too dangerous and you three would be used as leverage against me. So good or bad, I’ll always make sure you all are safe.”
    I don’t have words for him, but I climb into his lap like I have so many times and weep while he holds me. His strong arms cradle me like the little girl I yearn to be, I want to take all my hurtful words, misguided thoughts, and utter disgust I felt for him and erase them. I wanted the time I wasted back. This man is my father. His only concern is his family’s safety and love. I took it for granted. “I-I’m s-so-sorry,” I manage to get out around hiccups. His offenses don’t eradicate all his good deeds and his heart, which is absolute perfection.
    “No, prezioso, no tears for this.” His words whisper against my forehead, and he never lets go of me. I feel my bed dip, and my mom joins him in holding me.
    “I love you, both. Thank you.” I replay all the things Callie has endured, the loss that Dakota suffered with his sister, and I look at my parents in my room, holding their eighteen-year-old daughter because she has been self-centered and undeserving of their forgiveness, yet the offer it in spades.
    “Oh, caro, ti vogliamo bene. More than words,” my mom says, her tears mixing with mine. “We’ll talk more if you need, but you need sleep.” She watches as my dad tucks me in and stares at my face.
    “Bianca, know my biggest regret was making a decision when I wasn’t fully aware of the repercussions. Never regret your decisions. Follow your beautiful heart and give it to someone who is deserving.” My father kisses my head and walks out hand-in-hand with my mom. For the first time, seeing their love doesn’t terrify me, it elates me and makes me yearn for that. I promise to give Dakota all that I can.
     
     

     
     
    Time is rare with Dakota and spring break was a disaster. I went to Tallahassee, and Bronson came home. Instead of the four of us spending time together, we were becoming isolated couples and it wasn’t a change I was down for.
    I’ve been ignoring the tell tale signs from Dakota that things are changing, and instead of confronting it like I would any other issue, I bury my head in the sand not wanting to say something I can’t take back. I saw the way he was treated on campus. Everyone knew him, and he seemed like he was the life of every party. His weekends home are sporadic and with school and finals I’m not able to go up there as much. He’s leaving tomorrow to go back to school, and we are having a quiet night at my house. He hasn’t touched me since he got here, and I see the stress lining his eyes.
    “Spill it.” I finally break our silence.
    “What?”
    “You’ve been acting like I have leprosy since you got here. What’s going on?”
    His deep sigh isn’t promising. “I think I want to take a break. Just until you get there next year. This is my first time away from home, and I feel like I’m missing out on the college life.”
    At first I’m speechless, but it disappears quickly. “You’ve got to be fist fucking me! Are you serious right now?”
    At least he looks remorseful, but his mind is made up. I can tell by the hard set of his jaw. “I don’t want it to be forever, just while we’re in different places.”
    “Oh, so you want to get laid, and until your guaranteed piece of ass is readily available, you want to