Page 103 of The Devil's Pawn

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised at what they’re all capable of after finding out they had Matteo killed. Who knows what else they’ve done?

“Congrats, brother!” Dante stands and steps over to Dom, clasping his shoulder.

“I’ve got dibs on the cool uncle,” Enzo adds as he also gets to his feet to congratulate his brother.

Then they both give Chiara a warm hug.

“I’m only like four weeks, guys,” Chiara explains as everyone sits back down. “I found out this morning when I took a test.”

“What made you take one?” I ask, completely curious.

“I don’t know. My sense of smell was really strong all day yesterday and I felt a little nauseous, so I asked Sonia to pick me up a test. I really didn’t think I was.”

Dom’s hand is on her jaw, cupping it, as he reverts her gaze to him.

“Sonia knew before me?” He lifts a curious brow.

“Kind of?” She grimaces. “I mean, I didn’t confirm it once I found out, but she was excited at the possibility.”

“I bet she was.” He chuckles as his hand drops.

We spend the next half hour or so talking, excited for the soon-to-be parents, before the ladies and I stand up and head to the loungers by the pool while the guys have their own time. Chiara clutches her cup filled with seltzer water, her eyes drifting over to Joelle, who’s drinking her wine. She’s sitting on a lounger beside Chiara, mind seemingly preoccupied as she stares into her glass.

“So how is being with Enzo?” I prod as I lean over, trying to break up the awkwardness.

“He’s not so bad.” Her lips tip upward as her face slants sideways.

“Is that right?” Chiara adds, wagging her brows. “So, have we forgotten about that MMA trainer from your gym? The one I never texted?”

“Who is that again?” Joelle laughs teasingly.

“Wow. I guess you really do like him,” Chiara says.

“Yeah, he’s pretty good to me, considering the start we had.” She momentarily glances down onto her lap. “We know each other from the club. I don’t know if you knew that. He was one of my customers.”

“No. I don’t remember him.” My cousin shakes her head. “You know how it was. I really didn’t associate with the men, unless it was with my fist.”

“She’s a badass,” Joelle says to me. “I’ve seen her in action, and let’s just say, I pitied the person at the end of her fist. One time, she broke this guy’s two front teeth when he tried to touch me.”

“Oh, damn. I remember that,” Chiara bursts with a laugh.

We continue drinking as they exchange stories from the club, while I soak it all up.

Finally, Chiara pulls in a sharp inhale. “Look, Joelle. I have to say this, so please let me get this out.”

The mood shifts, and Chiara, who’s sitting in the middle, swings her body toward Joelle.

“I’m sorry for what my family did to you and your son. I’m sorry you didn’t feel like you could come to me for help. It breaks my heart to know how badly you were suffering while I thought you were working there willingly.” Her eyes surge with unshed tears as she clenches her jaw before continuing. “You don’t have to forgive me, but I need you to know that I knew nothing about any of this. Neither of us did.”

Joelle sniffles, swiping under her eyes as she nods.

“I was afraid to tell you. Afraid to tell anyone, really, in case they…” Her chin trembles. “In case they killed my son.”

Her face falls into her palms as she quietly sobs into them.

“Oh, Joelle. I’m so sorry,” Chiara cries, gently gliding her hand up and down her back.

Standing up, I go to sit beside Joelle too, placing an arm around her and giving her the comfort she probably needs.

---