Gio

“That’s what I’d like to know.” Gian’s glare falls on me. “Gem, get her some damn ice.”

She doesn’t make a smart remark this time. She just disappears and reemerges with a bag of peas moments later. She joins me on the couch, pressing the peas to my ankle and inspecting the damage.

“Somebody fucking talk.” Gian hovers over us, looking like a blood vessel is about to burst.

Tony and Charlie both look at each other momentarily. “Our timing was off.” Tony says from his position slumped into one of the living room chairs.

“Your timing was off.” Gian mocks.

Charlie is sitting on the edge of his seat next to me. “It was tight anyway, and then Annie fell and broke her ankle and… we were just off.”

“Fucking Gio.” Gian huffs. “Why would he do this if the timing was tight?”

Charlie glances at Gemma and then moves his eyes away quickly. “You know Gio.” He mumbles.

Pearce.

I remember then. That’s the name Gio muttered in my apartment that night when he was grief stricken and sharing more than he normally would.

My eyes scan Gemma now.

“Revenge.” I say. I’m still forming the theory when the word leaves my mouth. Gemma’s gaze snaps to mine.

She turns quickly to face her brother. “What did he do?”

“Gem…”

“Fuck.” She heaves. “Where is he? Where’s Gio?”

“Gem, please, go to bed.”

“Fuck that.” She waves a hand dismissively. Gemma is nothing like me. She doesn’t take any shit from anybody, especially not her brothers.

“In jail.” This time it’s Giuseppe who speaks. He descends the stairs perfectly dressed in a fitted gray suit, silk dress shirt, and leather shoes.

“What?” Gemma gasps.

Her father ignores her, his eyes instead landing on me. “Doc will be here soon. You okay?”

“Fine.” I respond. “Are you going to Gio?”

“Yes.” He tells me, adjusting his suit jacket.

I sit up straighter, knocking the peas off my ankle. “Can I come?”

“No dear. He’s only going to be allowed a lawyer before his arraignment.” He looks to Gian next. “I have Maldonato meeting me there, he’ll have to represent Gio.”

Gian gives his father a curt nod. “Get him out.”

“I will.” Giuseppe plucks his suitcase off the counter and leaves us all there.

“You two.” Gian points at Tony and Charlie. “Get outta here, lay low for now.” He looks at me next. “You stay here, Gemma will make up the guest room for you.”

“No, I-”

He waves his hand dismissively, not even letting me speak. “You’re staying here.” He turns to follow the guys as they leave.

“Gian,” I call, prompting him to turn and give me an expectant look. “He’ll… be okay right?”