Twisted Bonds (The Camorra Chronicles 4)

“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.”