Page 15 of The Godfather’s Christmas Twins

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Iwas ready to see Gia again. I was sure of it. That is until she appeared at the door of the plane.

The moment Gia stepped into view, her honey-blonde hair caught the light, creating a halo effect that made my breath catch. She’s so fucking beautiful. She has a quiet confidence, a grace that makes my chest ache.

She’d paused at the top of the stairs, one hand on the railing. The wind tugged at her cream silk blouse and navy slacks. My throat went dry. Those same green eyes that have haunted my dreams met mine, and for a moment I was transported back to New York, to stolen moments and forbidden desires.

Get it together, Giraldi, I chastised myself, forcing myself to view this as just another security detail. She's Nic's sister. My goddaughter. Nothing more.

I’d been so pleased I’d kept my voice and actions professional, even as it felt wrong, especially referring her to Mrs. Cantore. She hasn't been Mrs. Cantore for years, but it helps maintain that crucial distance.

Now we’re in the SUV, and I’m taking the woman I want but can’t have back to my home to stay for as long as needed for Nicto hunt down her stalker. I’m mad with the desire to have it over now while at the same time wanting her to stay indefinitely.

The twins' excited chatter fills the cabin.

"Is your pool really big?" Daniella bounces in her seat. "Mama says we can swim!"

"I can cannon bomb,” Dario chimes in.

Just like when I was with them last year, I wonder what it would have been like had I had the courage to whisk Gia away from having to marry Aldo six years ago. These kids could be mine. Well, not these kids, as they’re Aldo’s. As horrible as that marriage was, I can’t imagine Gia would change anything that would impact her kids.

“I’ll need to check for sharks first.” I wink at Daniella.

I steal a glance at Gia sitting next to me. She stares out the window, her hands folded tightly in her lap, shoulders tense.

My hand twitches, wanting to cover those clasped fingers with my own. To tell her it'll be okay, that I'll keep them safe. That I've missed?—

No. I can't go there.

“I have room with a big screen for TV and movies, and a game room.”

Twin squeals of delight echo through the car. Gia's lips quirk slightly, but she maintains her rigid posture. I should be glad she’s keeping her emotional distance. It will make it easier for me to keep mine. But I find myself missing the way she used to smile at me. All the times she tried to talk to me like we had done so easily before I fucked it up by crossing a line I shouldn’t have. It’s clear she got my message from our last visit, but instead of being glad, I’m bothered. But I have to let that go.It's better this way, I remind myself.Safer.

We pull into the gated driveway of my desert compound, the wheels crunching on gravel. The Mediterranean-style mansionsprawls across open desert, terracotta roof tiles gleaming in the afternoon sun.

"This is where you live?" Daniella presses her face against the window.

"All by yourself?" Dario adds.

My throat tightens at their innocent questions. "I like space and privacy.”

I lead them through the grand foyer and the open living area where they can see the pool out back.

“The pool is fenced,” I say to Gia in case she’s worried.

She gives me a nod.

“How about I show you to your rooms?” I feel like a doofus. I’m not one to host guests or entertain, but that’s not what’s making me uncomfortable. It’s having Gia in my home and from the first moment she stepped through the doors looking like she belongs here.

“Yay!” The kids jump up and down.

I lead them down a hallway and then left down a separate wing. It’s where Nic and other members of the family stay when they come west, which isn’t that often. It’s a testament to how well I run the business here that Nic mostly stays out of my way.

“I wasn’t sure if the kids wanted their own rooms or to share. Both options are available.”

Daniella and Dario race between the rooms, debating the merits of various views and bed sizes. I turn to Gia, who continues to be quiet.

"Your suite is down here." I open double doors to reveal a spacious bedroom with desert mountain views. "Private bath, sitting area, and a small outdoor space."

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