Page 17 of Winter Love

Lukas: Okay, let me know when you’ve landed. It’ll take us about fifteen minutes to get to the airport from here

Lorenzo: See you soon

I tell everyone about the text.

“Seems like a lot of people coming for one guy.” Rhett frowns.

“Lorenzo said he would tell us everything when they get here. There’s something about this guy that they’re really worried about. And I’m just glad we have help.”

“True. I just hate that someone treated you like that, Emma. I’m so sorry that happened. I hope you know that you’re safe here with us.” Rhett says as he gets up and hugs Emma.

We all join in and hug her. I wonder if her family knows what she’s been through. I’m thinking that they don’t because her papa would never let someone treat one of his girls like that. He’s going to flip when he finds out.

Chapter Eight

Lukas

The house is noisy after we pick everyone up. It takes two cars and two trips, I didn’t know how big they all were. My brothers and I are big guys too, we’re all six foot four. But the Mancinis and Bastianinis make us look small.

After we get them settled at our house, Enea Mancini asks if we can all meet tonight. He wants to talk to everybody at once.

“We could have dinner here at the resort. Or if you want it more private, we can do it at our house,” I say to Enea.

“Having it at your home would be better if that’s okay. We can shop and help cook. We eat a lot.” He chuckles.

I laugh. “We do too. But that will work. We close our store at ten tonight. I hope that’s not too late.”

“No, that’s fine. We will get to know your town. It reminds me of Lake Renegade.”

“Lorenzo told us how your father founded and built it. That’s impressive.”

“It wasn’t just my papà, but he was one of the founders, sí.”

“I hope one day we can come and see your town.”

“We would love that, you would be able to meet the rest of the family.”

“It sounds like you have a big family.”

“We do. One day you’ll meet all of us.” Enea smiles.

“I look forward to that. I hate to leave. But I need to get back to the store.”

“I’d like Celestino to go with you and keep an eye on things there. My fratello, Leonardo will go too.”

I nod at him. “Thank you.”

The rest of the day goes by without any more texts or surprises. It makes me wonder if William knows that we have help now. And I also wonder if he’s started to rethink coming after my girl. But my gut says he’s laying low and just biding his time.

“How long are they staying?” Rhett asks.

“I don’t know. I guess as long as we need their help?”

“I kind of wish we could close up early. I hate waiting. I want to hear what they know.”

“I know. I feel the same, but we can’t. I will say they’re pretty intimidating. Wait till you meet them.” I chuckle.

“Yeah. They’re kind of scary.” Paxton laughs. “They make us look small.”

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