Page 141 of Charity's Redemption

“I know,” Luca agreed.

“Nico decided to move in with us.”

Luca threw his head back and groaned while Max chuckled.

Nico plopped down on the chair next to us, his bowl of popcorn in his lap.

“Welcome to our humble abode,” Max said, holding his arms out in a mock hug.

Luca’s head shot up from the back of the couch and glared at him.

“You too?”

“Yep.”

“Why am I the last one to find this shit out?”

Their clash of arguments struck my ears, but not with a wave of irritation where I’d typically get up and let them have at each other.

No.

This was different.

I sat between them as though time slowed to a near standstill as I watched their animated movements fueling their words.

Luca sat forward with his hands in front of him, chopping the air around him as he spoke.

Nico leaned into the conversation while Max leaned away with a snarl.

I’d joined this family by violence, choosing to stay. Now I’d become part of their family by means of love.

“Guys…”

They continued to battle each other with their words.

“Guys…” I raised my voice a little louder. “You guys, stop.” I damn near yelled at the top of my lungs until they hushed. “Enough. This house was made for all of us, this is where we’ll be…” A smirk broke out across my face. “Together forever,” I said, singing the song.

“I think I’ve made a mistake,” Luca said groaning but with a hint of a smile.

Pressing my finger in Luca’s chest, I narrowed my eyes. “No, take backsies.”

He captured my finger and pulled me closer. “I wouldn’t dream of it.” His hand wrapped around the nape of my neck and closed the distance between us, pressing his lips to mine.

The air rushed from my lungs as he pulled the life from me with one deep kiss that spoke volumes of his happiness.

“All right, you two, cut it out.”

Max turned the TV on, the news blaring between us as I sat back in my seat with heated cheeks and a smile that seemed permanent.

Two semi-trucks filled with stolen antiquities were recovered today by the El Paso County Sheriff's Department. The Cultural Antiquities Task Force stated the value of these items was worth over seventy-five million dollars, with some estimates over one hundred. Authorities are still investigating who…

“Someone is having a bad day,” I said, laughing. “Can you imagine that blow? Damn.”

“That someone is Elias,” Max said.

I spun in his direction, making my neck pop with the motion. “How do you know that?”

He smiled and tilted his head. “I told you Luca wouldn’t let it go.”

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