Twisted Hearts (The Camorra Chronicles 5)

“We are. He’s been taking over more administrative jobs recently. He’s probably going to become Captain of the Betting Department.” Remo would have made him Underboss by now if Fabiano didn’t want to stay close to us. I regarded Diego closely, knowing where this was going. Enforcers earned a percentage of the money they collected. If you were good, that meant an assload of cash.

“Do you think Remo would consider me for the job?”

Gemma’s eyes widened.

“Diego,” Claudia whispered, shocked.

Diego ignored all of them. Daniele’s restrained reaction showed that he had been involved in Diego’s decision. Diego had helped me deal with a few Bratva members. He didn’t enjoy torture like I or my brothers did. He did what was necessary. I wasn’t sure if he would be a good Enforcer, but his family needed the money. “If you throw your hat in the ring, I’m sure he’ll choose you.”

Nonna shook her head and began clearing up the plates. Gemma soon joined her, but both were listening in. My eyes lingered on Gemma’s enticing shoulder, remembering how I’d kissed the spot too long ago, then I focused on her mouth, a mouth I desperately wanted to claim.

“I don’t want the job only because you’re going to marry my sister,” Diego said sharply.

I dragged my eyes away from Gemma. “Remo would never favor you for any reason but your qualifications.” That wasn’t exactly true, but he didn’t need to know that. I’d talk Remo into giving Diego the job and had to hope he could deal with the duties of an Enforcer.

Daniele stood and helped Gemma’s mom bring Carlotta to bed while Gemma and her nonna cleaned the dishes in the kitchen.

“If you keep undressing my sister with your eyes, I’ll kick your ass,” Diego muttered when we were alone.

I grinned. “She’s doing the same. Don’t tell me you can’t see how she’s looking at me. Gemma wants to see my bull.”

“Keep your dick in your pants around my sister.”

“If she wants my dick, she can have it, no matter what you say.”

Suddenly Nonna stepped up to us and hit us both over the head.

Gemma was right behind her, her eyes shot open in shock, and Diego, too, gave me a stunned look. Did they think I’d strike down their grandma just because she’d slapped me? Even Remo, who was as twisted as they come, would at least hesitate before killing a granny. And I actually liked Nonna. Even if her beliefs belonged in the middle ages and she wanted to take a potato peeler to my balls.

“I don’t want to hear that word again.”

“Nonna,” Diego said fiercely. “You can’t hit Savio. You know who he is.”

“Of course, I do,” she said, regarding me like a schoolboy in need of reprimand. “He’s a young man lacking manners.”

“Ahh, Mrs. Bazzoli, I didn’t mean any disrespect.” I gave her my most charming smile as I cupped her hands in mine before kissing the back of one. “I apologize.”

She raised one hand in warning, but she was smiling. “Oh, you’re a dangerous one, aren’t you? My Gemma needs to be careful around that charm of yours.”

Nonna glanced at Gemma. “That boy can charm the frock right off a nun, Gemma. Be vigilant.”

Gemma bit her lip. “Don’t worry, Nonna.” Her cheeks were flushed in mortification. “Would you like a sweet treat? We made tiramisu.”

“I’m always up for a sweet treat,” I said.

Nonna narrowed her eyes, obviously unsure if I’d made an innuendo. I gave her an innocent look. She muttered something unintelligible in Italian and disappeared in the kitchen. Gemma glanced after her then turned to me. Diego’s phone rang that moment and he got up to get it.

I stood and pulled Gemma toward me. Her eyes widened as they darted to the kitchen door. I used our moment of privacy to wrap my arms around Gemma. “Savio,” she hissed. “Nonna could be back any moment.”

Nonna was still clanging in the kitchen. “Come on, Gem. Won’t you give me a little something for the pain I suffered through your grandma’s hand?”

“You can handle pain.”

“That’s true,” I said quietly, bringing us closer. She glanced at my lips then quickly looked away. “So can you, but you’re scared of pleasure.”

Her expression hardened and she pulled away. “I’m going to get you a piece of tiramisu.”

It seemed I had hit the nail on the head. Kitty was scared of pleasure, which meant she wanted me like I wanted her. She only needed a little nudge in the right direction.

Savio had amplified his charm since his return to Las Vegas two weeks ago. He’d come over several times to spend time with my family and me, and I knew it was because he thought he could impress me that way, and it was working.

Especially when Savio talked to Carlotta, I couldn’t stop my heart from swelling.