by Reilly, Cora
“When I’m happy I don’t bawl. I really hope you don’t shed a tear every time Nino gives you a happy end.”
I snorted.
“You’re full of bullshit,” Fabiano said to Savio.
“Well, if all the girls started crying whenever I make them happy, Las Vegas would have its own salt lake.”
“Oh, shut up,” Leona said with a giggle. “Faked orgasms don’t make anyone happy.” Her eyes widened after the words were out and I burst out laughing. Usually Leona was pretty restrained around the Falcones.
Fabiano gave her a surprised look then nodded appreciatively. He’d been spending every free moment with the Falcones before he’d met Leona, but because she wasn’t as comfortable around the family his visits had become less frequent. Maybe this would change now that Leona seemed to be getting used to them and they were living beside us. Especially Remo scared her still. Maybe babies would make him more approachable.
“Usually I’d make you eat your words, but I think Fabiano won’t like it if I show you what an orgasm feels like,” Savio said.
“Did that bull tattoo make you even cockier or did my fuckery tolerance sink?” Fabiano muttered.
Savio shrugged. “The ladies like it.”
“What?” I asked. “The tattoo or your arrogance?”
“Both,” Savio drawled, then pushed to his feet. “It’s time to celebrate. Let’s have a drink.”
“Remo’s still in hospital,” Adamo reminded him.
Savio glared. “Remo’s fucking fine.” He stalked toward the bar and grabbed a bottle of Brandy and several glasses.
After two drinks, I dragged myself upstairs, too tired to stay up, even if I’d promised myself to wait for Nino. He hadn’t said more than a few words to Fabiano’s questions, so I assumed he’d have to stay in hospital with Remo for a while.
I kept twisting and turning, unable to fall asleep despite feeling utterly exhausted. Eventually I lay on my side, staring at the door, as if that would make Nino return quicker. When the door finally opened, I sat up so fast, my head spun. I turned on the light and blinked against the brightness until finally Nino took shape. I’d never considered that he wouldn’t return because I couldn’t bear the thought. Seeing him before me, I realized how worried I’d been.
Nino closed the door and walked toward me. I couldn’t wait. I swung out of bed and flew into his arms, clutching him against me almost desperately. “Are you okay?”
Nino brushed a few strands from my forehead, then gave me a tight smile. “Remo’s alive and he’ll heal completely, so yes, I’m okay.”
“I was so relieved when I heard you got him out.”
Nino nodded.
I searched his face. He looked exhausted and in his eyes, I discovered a look reminiscent of the one he’d had when he’d had his episode. He’d been through a lot. “Why don’t you come to bed? You need to sleep, or do you need to return to the hospital?”
“Remo’s here. He wouldn’t have wanted to stay in a hospital. He’s stable and will heal better surrounded by people he trusts. Otherwise he’ll always be vigilant and won’t relax.” Nino kissed me slow and sweet. “Are you okay with the kids being in the mansion?”
Confusion filled me. Nino knew how much I loved children. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I be? I love children.”
Nino tilted his head, his fingertips moving to my throat, over my pulse point. “I wasn’t sure if it would unsettle you because you aren’t pregnant yet.”
I shook my head, ignoring the way my stomach tightened. “I think it’s wonderful that we have children in this house now. It’ll be good for Remo, for all of you. How could I resent someone else for having children only because I don’t have them yet? It wouldn’t make my situation any better. I can’t wait to see them grow.” I paused. “They’ll stay here, right?”
Serafina and Remo had a lot to figure out. I wasn’t sure what Serafina felt for him, but Remo had never gotten over her.
“Remo won’t ever let them leave. He gave Serafina a choice, and now she’s made it. There’s no going back. He won’t allow it.” Nino glanced at his watch. “I think I should return to Remo. Someone needs to watch him.”
“You look exhausted. Let me watch him.”
“I have to,” Nino murmured, and I got it. He’d almost lost his brother. “There’s a sofa in the room. If you want, you could sleep there.”
“That sounds like a good plan. I want to be close to you.”
Nino pressed a kiss to my forehead. “And I need you close. The problem with having emotions is that you realize how much you can lose.”
“You won’t lose me or Remo, or anyone else.”
Nino linked our fingers and led me into the room where Remo lay.
Anger coursed through me when I saw Remo in the bed. Most of his body was covered in bandages and the parts that weren’t were bruised. His hair was matted to his head with blood. His chest was rising and falling.
Nino and Remo had done worse to their enemies, but I didn’t care about any of them, only for my family.
“He’s strong. And this will only make him stronger.”
I didn’t doubt it, especially now that he had children to protect. Remo would rise, like he and Nino had risen after their mother had tried to kill them. As long as the brothers had each other, they would prevail.
CHAPTER 15
KIARA
Nino and I both fell asleep on the sofa in Remo’s room, and as usual Nino woke around sunrise. While Nino did a check-up on his brother, I took a quick shower before I headed downstairs to prepare breakfast for our new, bigger family. Things with Serafina were still strange, not so much between her and me, but definitely with the Falcone men. It would take time for her to grow used to this new life.
After breakfast I helped Serafina keep the twins entertained. We’d spread a blanket on the floor of the gaming room and had created toys from ordinary things like jars filled with dried chickpeas which worked as a rattle, pans and wooden spoons so Nevio could make noise. “We’ll have to go shopping soon. You and the kids need so many things.”
Serafina sighed. “I left everything behind.”
I had a feeling she wasn’t only referring to material things. Since she’d arrived, I’d been wondering how she’d managed to save Remo but I had a feeling she wasn’t ready to discuss the events yet. Nevio began fumbling with one of the picture books and I reached for him then looked at Serafina for permission.
She nodded with a smile before she turned the page in the book she was showing to Greta. The little girl had ignored me mostly except for a few shy glances. Nevio was the total opposite. He giggled when I lifted him on my lap and reached for my hair.
“Careful. He likes to tug.”
I pushed my hair away then pressed him to my body so he sat upright before I held out the picture book in front of his face.
Nino stepped into the room. He’d been taking care of Remo all morning. Nevio was blabbering happily and I couldn’t help but smile at his adorable antics.
“Remo just woke up.”
Serafina quickly left to see Remo while Nino and I kept watch over her babies. I began to sing a song my mother had sung to me when I was a little girl, and to my relief it calmed Greta. She still eyed me critically, but she was definitely mesmerized by the singing.
Nevio had only eyes for Nino’s tattoos though and patted at Nino’s forearm excitedly. I kept singing and rocking Greta as I watched Nino with Nevio. It was beautiful seeing how patient and calm Nino was with Nevio who was bouncing and grasping at his skin as if he could tear the tattoos off. He let out a delighted screech, causing Greta to lean forward towards him, wearing a hesitant grin.
My heart was close to exploding from the cuteness.
Savio sauntered in and shook his head seeing us. “Don’t tell me you want a few of them as well.”
Nino glanced at me then glared at his brother, who seemed to realize something was up. A brief flicker of realization on his face smoothed into
his usual pretty-boy mask.
Savio bent over Greta. “Hey doll-face...”
Before I could warn him, Greta’s face scrunched up and she began to cry, those chubby cheeks turning red. Savio jerked upright, raising his hands. “Come on, doll-face, girls never cry when they see me.”
I gave him a reproachful look. “Next time don’t lean over her.”
“I think Nevio needs a new diaper,” Nino said.
Savio’s mouth curled. “All right. Poo and crying girls. That’s my cue to leave.”
“I can change his nappies,” I said, carefully getting up with Greta on my arm. She’d calmed down now that Savio was out of sight.
Nino gave me an ironic smile. “I’ve changed more nappies than you, I think.”
“Adamo,” I guessed.
Nodding, Nino rose with Nevio and together we walked into the guest bathroom that held a few nappies, then put a towel down on the floor.
“We need to buy everything for the babies, and prepare a nursery.”
“That’s what Remo said,” Nino murmured.
I smiled down at Greta, stroking her arm. She peered at Nino who was trying to undress a squirming Nevio. “You don’t have to worry about your brother, Greta. Nino’s going to be very careful with him.”
Nino glanced over his shoulder at me. “It’s good that you talk to her and don’t use baby babbling like some people do.”
“I knew you’d approve,” I said with a laugh.
Nino nodded before he turned his attention back to Nevio whose legs he was holding in one hand to stop the kicking.
“You’ll be the best mother,” Nino murmured.
I bit my lip, watching as Nino finally removed Nevio’s diaper and threw it into the trash.
“You will have a child, or as many as you want, Kiara. You will.” Nino looked up, and the determination in his eyes calmed my anxious mind as it always did.
“I know.”
I was trying not to be nosy, but I was bursting with curiosity over how Remo’s first encounter with his children had gone. Since I was eager to see him anyway, I grabbed a plate with a sandwich and headed up to his bedroom around lunch time.
After knocking, I stepped inside without waiting for a reply. Remo sat on the edge of the bed, perspiration glistening on his forehead and his expression strained. I hurried over to his bedside and put the plate down.
“What are you doing? You’re supposed to rest,” I said, trying to push Remo back. Even injured he was too strong.
“I’m not bedridden.”
“You’re being unreasonable, that’s what you are,” I scolded. “Now lie back or I’ll get Nino. Maybe he’ll tie you to the bed or knock you out with painkillers.”
Remo’s mouth twisted. “Are you worried about me?”
“Remo. Lie down, please.”
“Because you said please,” he said, and slowly lay down, his legs still halfway out of the bed.
“Do you need help?”
“No,” he said firmly then slowly dragged himself further onto his bed despite the obvious pain he was in. “Happy?”
“Yes,” I said softly. “Very.” I held his gaze, not saying more, because really, I didn’t have to. Remo was perceptive. Swallowing, I reached for the plate and handed it to him. “I got you Pastrami because it’s your favorite on a sandwich.”
“You must have been really worried if you put meat on my sandwich,” he said, then took a bite and nodded appreciatively. “Nino would have been fine without me, eventually, you know? He’s got you. He wouldn’t have broken down.”
I shook my head and sank down on the edge of the bed. “That’s not the only reason why I was worried. Like I said, we are family, and I would have missed you.”
Remo took another bite. “I hope you’re not getting more emotional once you’re pregnant.”
I tensed briefly then relaxed.
Remo sighed. “This emotional talk isn’t my thing, Kiara.”
“I know. I’ll deal with your abrasiveness and you’ll have to deal with my emotionality, that’s just the way it is.” I looked at Remo. “I can’t believe you’ve got two children.”
“Is this your way to ask me how meeting them went?”
My cheeks heated. “Am I that obvious?”
“You’re not the best at mind games.”
“I don’t want to be.” I shrugged. “I’m happy for you. Nevio and Greta are the cutest babies I’ve ever seen. I can’t wait to see them grow up in this house.”
Realization settled in Remo’s eyes. “It’s a fucking miracle, isn’t it? And kind of ironic ...” Then he let out a dark laugh. “The woman who hates me gives me two children.”
“Serafina doesn’t hate you, Remo. She didn’t even when she was still a captive in these walls, and she doesn’t now.”
Remo’s face shut down and he took another bite from his sandwich.
“Get some rest,” I said again, and pushed to me feet.
I left, giving Remo some time to rest even though he’d no doubt try another escape attempt soon. Nothing Nino or anyone else did would keep Remo in bed for long.
NINO
Remo was a difficult patient, which didn’t come as a surprise. He’d never liked to look weak in front of others, even me. Adamo didn’t make it much easier for me. The first time I checked on him the morning after I’d brought Remo home, he wasn’t in his bed, resting, but outside smoking.
“Nicotine is a poison. Your body has to spend resources cleansing those toxins which it should rather be using on healing your injuries,” I told him.
He glanced up. His face was still swollen, so it was difficult to read his expression. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right?”
I frowned at his bitter tone. “I need to take a look at your injuries.” I pointed at his forearm. “You should have kept the bandages on. You’re risking dirt getting into your burn wounds.”
Adamo took another long drag from his cigarette before he squashed it under his sneaker. “I’m fine.”
“You are not. Now let me check on you. I’d suggest we head inside.”
“You should take care of Remo, not me.”
“I did, and he’s recovering, but we need you to heal as well.”
Adamo rose to his feet and followed me.
“Don’t blame yourself for what happened to Remo,” I said as I led him toward the infirmary we’d furnished a few months ago.
“Who else should I blame? I got myself caught. They would have never got Remo without that happening.”
I didn’t contradict him. “Focus your anger on things you can actually change. Focus on getting stronger, on making wiser choices...”
“On getting revenge?”
“That too,” I said quietly. “You made C.J. cover for you when you disappeared to that race against Remo’s clear orders—”
“No,” Adamo said harshly. “Leave her out of it. She didn’t know where I was going. I asked her to pretend she was with me, that’s all.”
I regarded Adamo for a long time. “What’s going on between you and her?”
“Nothing,” he muttered, turning his eyes away.
“Nothing wouldn’t make her keep secrets for you. You’re spending a lot of time with her. If this is so you can gather experience, that’s understandable, but don’t turn it into more than that, Adamo. People always try to gain something from being close to us, and a whore from one of our establishments certainly won’t be the exception.”
Adamo ignored me in favor of glaring at his wound.
He wouldn’t reveal the details of his relationship with C.J. to me. I’d have to talk to her myself.
In the afternoon I headed over to the Sugar Trap, knowing C.J. had a shift. I nodded at Jerry in greeting as I stepped inside. “Is C.J. in her room?”
“Yep, but she’s with a John. They should be done in ten. Only booked thirty minutes.”
I nodded and headed in the direction of the room, then waited by leaning across from the doo
r. Like Jerry said, the door opened ten minutes later to C.J. and a middle-aged man with glasses and a slight paunch. I picked him as an insurance salesman, or something similar, with a pregnant woman at home who didn’t want to put out for him in the last trimester.
His face turned red when he spotted me and he quickly excused himself. C.J. looked at me uncertainly. I pushed away from the wall and stalked toward her. She backed off, clutching a towel around her body. I entered her room and closed the door, then took in the ruffled sheets of the oval bed and the condom on the ground.
C.J. picked it up and disposed of it, then said without looking at me. “I can have someone change the sheets and take a quick shower if you don’t mind waiting.”
“I’m not here for sex. I have a wife.”
She tilted her head up, tensing. “I didn’t know. Honestly, I didn’t. I just wanted to help him.”
I moved closer. “What didn’t you know?”
She swallowed. “That he’d go to that race ... I just wanted to help.”
“Where did you think he’d go? It would have to be somewhere we disapprove of or he wouldn’t have to ask you to cover for him.”
Her pulse hammered in her throat, her chest heaving in rising fear. “I didn’t ask. Adamo always says it’s better if I know as little as possible so I don’t get in trouble with you.”
I studied her face closely, trying to detect if she was lying. Her gaze rested on my chest. “Look up.” She raised her eyes. She was scared, but I didn’t pick up any deceit.
“What’s going on between you and Adamo, the truth,” I demanded.
“He came to talk, just talk in the beginning—”
“About what?”
She blinked. “About school, about Harper, about racing, anything really. Never business, I swear.”
I nodded. “Go on.”
“But then we slept together. I thought that’s what I’m supposed to do.”
“You have sex, all right, but that’s not all.”
“When we have sex, he doesn’t just stay for the deed. We talk beforehand and then afterwards, and ...” Her cheeks turned red. “And we just lie in each other’s arms sometimes. It’s less like a work relationship and more like friends with benefits.”