I remembered her words, the promise she gave to her nonna, her convictions. Gemma had told me countless times that she wanted to wait until marriage.
Gemma would hate herself and me, if I took this further. She panted, her chest rising, pressing her breasts against me.
Good Lord, what kind of test was this?
I closed my eyes and released a harsh breath, trying to remain still so my dick didn’t accidentally brush up against her thigh again and blast the last shreds of my resolve.
The moment I opened my eyes, any horny thought fled my mind. Gemma was biting her lower lip, crying. I kissed away the tears. “Is this because of the kissing?”
Gemma looked at me, confused.
“Because you wanted your first kiss in church.” Personally, I thought having your first kiss in front of hundreds of guests was a bad idea, but I didn’t understand the whole chastity thing anyway.
I touched her cheek. “Gem?”
“No,” she said hoarsely. “I just realized that Dad can’t walk me down to the altar.” She started shaking and harsh sobs burst out of her. I rolled off her and pulled her in my arms, rubbing her back.
She cried against my throat, big gasping wails that rocked through her body.
After a few minutes, she quieted and then became soft in my hold. I leaned back and peered down at her tear-stained face. She had fallen asleep. I gently moved away and after pressing a kiss to her forehead, I got out of bed. My shirt was soaked with tears and stained with Gemma’s makeup. I dragged the fabric over my head and dropped it on the ground.
I left my room without a shirt and headed downstairs. Maybe my brother had an update on the Bratva situation.
I ran across Kiara on her way to the kitchen. “Where’s Gemma?”
“In my bed.”
Kiara looked at my naked chest, worried. “Please tell me you didn’t sleep with her, Savio. She’s vulnerable after what happened today.”
“Of course not.” I was starting to grow annoyed. “Where are my brothers?”
“Gaming room.”
I left her standing there and headed toward the common area. Like Kiara had said, I found Nino and Remo in the living area, probably going over counterstrikes. They looked my way.
“How’s she?” Nino asked.
“Good.”
Remo raised an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me—”
“No, I didn’t fuck her for God’s sake!”
“You’ve unleashed your bull in unfortunate situations before,” Remo said.
Ignoring him, I walked over to them and sank down on the sofa. “Gemma is my fiancée.”
Remo shrugged.
My phone beeped with a message from Diego. “Diego’s on his way here.”
Nino nodded, then got up. “Fabiano went ahead to the Sugar Trap. He’s waiting for you and Diego to begin with the Russian. As soon as Diego’s here, you should head there. The sooner we get information out of the Bratva soldier, the better.”
Remo nodded grimly. “I’ll come along as well. Nino will stay here and keep an eye on the women and children.”
“Will you check on Gemma later? She’s asleep.”
Nino narrowed his eyes in thought. “Given her head injury, I don’t think she should sleep.”
“I can wake her,” I said.
Nino shook his head. “I’ll go up there in a few minutes and check on her reflexes and light sensitivity levels.”
The bell at the gate rang. I jogged toward the door and after checking the security camera, I pressed the button so Diego could drive on the premises.
Diego looked a mess when he stepped into the mansion. I could only imagine how his mother had reacted to the news of losing her husband and Nonna. Carlotta was probably still too young to understand the situation. He glanced around. “Where’s Gemma?”
“In my room.”
Without warning, Diego lunged at me, aiming a punch toward my face. I blocked him with my forearm and we both tumbled to the floor. Diego landed on top of me. I tried to shove him off and he punched my cheek. Growling, I bucked my hips, throwing him off and rammed my fists into his stomach, then another uppercut against his chin.
We struggled, but eventually, I knelt over Diego and held him by the collar. He was panting. “What the fuck is wrong with you, man?”
“You are such a bastard. I trusted you with my sister and you don’t hesitate to take her into your bed. She’s broken up over Nonna and Dad, and you use her.”
“Fuck, why does everyone think I’m that much of an asshole?” I released him and staggered to my feet. “I didn’t touch Gemma, you idiot. I respect her and you too much.” I chose not to mention that unfortunate kiss. It would do nothing good.
Diego wiped his bloody mouth. “You didn’t sleep with her?”
I gave him the finger, then held out my hand. “I didn’t, and I won’t until we have the blessing of the holy church.”
Diego allowed me to pull him to his feet then winced and held his ribs. Nino came over and felt them. “Nothing broken.”