Page 111 of The Deal

It feels like just yesterday I was holding him in my arms, and now he’s standing there, so much taller and more independent. Time is slipping by too quickly.

When we leave the school, we drive to the department store to pick up all the supplies Giovanni will need. I’ve got the list Mimi gave me stuffed in my pocket: lead pencils, coloured pencils, a pencil case, rubber, sharpener, a glue stick, exercise books, a lunchbox, and a drink bottle … the list goes on.

You’d think the ten thousand dollars a term I’m paying in school fees would cover all that, but clearly not. It’s not that I can’t afford it—I can—but I can’t help wondering how his tiny body is going to cope with lugging all that shit around every day.

He stands between us as we head inside, his little hands tightly clutching ours. I can’t even remember the last time Iwent shopping. I usually pay someone to do it for me, but Giovanni’s excitement is infectious.

He’s all over Chloe whenever she’s around, and while I used to feel a tad jealous of how he clung to her, I’m getting used to it. She’s a positive influence, and I understand the effect she has on him—hell, I’m under her spell as well.

“I feel like you’re dating the wrong brother, Chloe,” Dante says, his grin wide as he openly flirts with my woman. “Don’t you think so, Lina?”

I swear, he hasn’t stopped since we brought him home. If he’s doing it to get under my skin, it’s definitely working.

“Don’t bring me into the middle of this,” Lina replies, her voice flat, trying to avoid the drama.

“What do you think, Chlo? You want to upgrade?” Dante teases, waggling his eyebrows at her.

Chloe smirks at him as she shovels a fork full of pasta into her mouth, and it pisses me off. Would it kill her to say no?

“Enough,” I bark, my tone sharp, but it only makes my brother chuckle.

He was discharged from the hospital a week ago and has been busting my balls ever since. He was supposed to go into a rehab facility for a month, but he insisted he’d lose his mind if he were stuck in a small room for another four weeks, so I arranged for his physiotherapy to be done here instead.

I’m now second-guessing that decision.

My once peaceful, quiet home is buzzing with activity. I used to crave the solitude this place offered … the stillness gave me space to think. However, I’ve never been happier than I have been this past month.

There’s something about the noise, the movement, and the sense of purpose that comes with having people around. It’s chaotic, sure, but it’s also … comforting. I feel like I’m an integral part of a family unit again, and for the first time in a long while, I realise I’ve missed that connection.

“Relax. I’m just messing with you,” Dante says, his grin widening, but I don’t miss the wink he shoots at Chloe as he says it. “Am I not allowed to have fun with my future sister-in-law?”

“No, it’s sick and depraved,” I retort sharply, and the table falls into an uncomfortable silence.

My eyes scan the room as Dante leans back in his chair, folding his hands behind his head, smirking like a motherfucker.

Chloe, Lina, and Carmella stare at me wide-eyed, clearly caught off guard by my response. The tension hangs thick, and I can feel everyone holding their breath, waiting for someone to break the silence.

If he thinks he will scare Chloe off with that remark, he’s delusional. She’s well aware that she’s mine and that I’m keeping her forever. I just haven’t made it official yet.

A growl rumbles in the back of my throat. “She’s mine. You can’t have her. End. Of. Story.”

Dante’s smile grows wider, and he clearly enjoys the reaction he’s gotten. He picks up his fork and starts eating again as if the whole thing’s been nothing more than a game. I can tell he’s proud of himself, knowing exactly how to get under my skin.

“Are you excited for your first day at big school tomorrow, champ?” Dante asks, his voice light as he turns his attention to Giovanni.

My son lifts one shoulder in a half shrug instead of replying, and when he bows his head, I sit up straighter inmy seat. I thought he was looking forward to starting school, but now I’m unsure.

Chloe notices his strange reaction too. She reaches out and gently strokes her hand over his hair. “You’re going to have the best time and make heaps of friends,” she says softly.

Giovanni looks up at her, his eyes filled with uncertainty. “What if the other kids don’t like me?” he asks quietly.

“Then I’ll beat the little fuckers up,” Dante spits.

“Language,” Lina says, gesturing to Giovanni. “Impressionable ears.” I have to roll my lips to hide my smile when her gaze moves to Chloe, and she lifts an accusing eyebrow.

Great, now I have two pottymouths around my son.

“Ah, right,” Dante replies with a wince. “I mean, I’ll beat the little shits up.”

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