Page 22 of Knot Made to Break: Part Two

“What if we renovated instead?” I suggested, the idea forming as I spoke. “We could change the flooring, maybe even alter the layout.” The idea formed as I spoke. “I’d love to open up the sight lines to the kitchen. Maybe change the colors of the walls. A few cozy rugs, plush furniture…” I gestured with my hands, as if I could wave them and magically bring the vision in my head to life. “We could make itours.”

Silence followed. I watched their faces, trying to gauge their reactions. Had I overstepped? Was I being naïve? Maybe it would cost too much money. Maybe they didn’t want the hassle of a renovation, of living in a construction zone for however long it took to make the changes.

Then Marco’s lips curved into a smile. “I like it,” he said, running a hand through his messy, light brown hair. “I’ve always thought it was a little dark in here. Maybe we could brighten it up.”

“A project would give all of us something positive to focus on,” Giovanni agreed, his eyes warming.

Dimitri nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. “It could work.”

Tommy’s voice came from behind me, filled with that infectious enthusiasm I adored. “Hell yeah, it could. Let’s reclaim this place.”

And just like that, the tension in the room dissolved, replaced by excitement.

It hit me that I'd never had a home of my own before. Not a real one. I barely remember my first house, and all the foster homes that followed had been temporary shelters at best. Then there was my OMA dorm room, which was only a stepping stone on the way to finding a pack. After that, it had been nothing but cages and that awful basement at the Valentino’s compound.

I shivered, pushing those memories away.

This penthouse was the first place that had ever felt like it could be mine. Was it posh and beautiful? Sure, but that had nothing to do with it. It was the people who lived here.Mypeople.

My heart raced as possibilities unfolded in my mind.

“What if we renovated the kitchen? Opened it up to the dining and living room and made it one big space for entertaining?” The words tumbled out faster than I could process them, my voice rising with each new idea. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s beautiful, but it’s designed for show, not for actually cooking and baking in. We could reconfigure it to be more functional.”

I noted their surprised expressions. I’d never been this animated before, this confident in expressing what I wanted. Part of me wanted to shrink back, to apologize for taking up space with my desires. But the encouraging smiles on their faces kept me going.

“The master bathroom,” I continued. “It’s gorgeous, but the shower is too small to fit all of us. Maybe we could expand it? Make it one of those fancy walk-in ones that has multiple shower heads?”

“We should reinforce the security system too,” Dimitri added, his practical nature showing through even as his eyes warmed with approval at my enthusiasm. “Update the cameras, install bulletproof glass in the windows. If this is going to be our sanctuary, it needs to be impenetrable.”

I nodded eagerly. Of course, Dimitri would think of protection first. It was so perfectly him.

Tommy hummed, his expression thoughtful. “The library could use an overhaul, too. Those built-ins were designed more for display than actual book storage. We could create a real reading nook—comfortable seating, good lighting.” He glanced at me with a knowing smile. “You know how many books we’ve been devouring lately… We could use a proper space to cuddle up together.”

My chest tightened at his suggestion. Tommy knew how much I loved to read and shared the same passion for books. That it was something we could do together made it that much more meaningful.

“And the entertainment system is tragically outdated,” Marco chimed in, his eyes sparkling, mind plotting. “We need surround sound, a screen that takes up the whole goddamn wall, gaming consoles—the works.” He winked at me. “For movie nights. You’ve got years of films to catch up on.”

The thought of curling up with them at night, cuddling close, surrounded by soft blankets, our hands brushing as we reached for the popcorn at the same time, had warmth blooming in my belly. Such normal, domestic things, and yet, those were the moments I wanted to experience over and over.

“The kitchen definitely needs work,” Gio agreed with my earlier sentiment. “I agree. We should knock down that wall. Open it up. And we’ll need more counter space.” His eyes met mine. “We know how much you like to bake. We should make sure you have everything you need for that, including a top of the line oven.”

I blinked back unexpected tears. He’d remembered that tiny confession, tucked it away as important enough to recall now.

“You guys really want to do this?” I asked, looking around at each of them. “You’re not just humoring me?”

“Butterfly,” Tommy murmured, “this is the best idea I’ve heard in ages.”

“It’s practical,” Dimitri added with a nod. “Renovating is more efficient than moving.”

“It’s also much more fun. We’ll get exactly what we want. Infuse this place with our style.” Marco was already pulling out his phone. “And I know the perfect contractor—someone trustworthy, someone in thefamily. Our cousin Joey owns a home renovation and repair company. He does great work.” His fingers were already flying, already texting.

“Let’s start making plans.” Gio moved to the couch, squeezing in on my other side while D moved to sit on the coffee table, facing us, and Marco took a spot on the floor, completing our circle.

I settled into the couch, enjoying the warmth of their bodies on either side of me. Giovanni smelled like aged earth, musk, and man, a perfect complement to Tommy’s fresh scent. I pulled out my phone and opened a browser.

“I don’t even know where to start,” I admitted.

“Design websites,” Gio suggested, leaning closer to see my screen. His arm went across the back of the couch, resting behind me.

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