Twisted Bonds (The Camorra Chronicles 4)

“Next ass kicking is on me,” Savio said, nudging Adamo lightly.

“If anyone gets his ass kicked, then it’s going to be you,” Adamo returned, some of the darkness disappearing from his eyes.

I blinked rapidly, trying to stop the tears, but I felt like a ten ton weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

“Oh, come on, no crying,” Savio said with a grimace.

Leona rolled her eyes at him, then took my hand. “You okay?”

“I’m just happy.”

“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.”