Page 81 of Vita Mia

Gino kissed the top of MiaBella’s head and his gaze landed on Ryder with precision. The warning was very clear to Ryder to treat their baby-girl with respect. And the young man gave a nod of understanding. MiaBella let go of her brother and went to Mirabella. She hugged her.

“Are you okay, Mum?”

“I’m finebambina. I think Gino is right. Go. I’ll see you for dinner.”

“Va bene,” MiaBella said. “Come Ryder. Let’s go for a walk, I can show you were you will be staying.”

MiaBella started toward the door but Gianni grabbed her arm. She paused and looked up at her big brother. “Don’t I get a hug and kiss goodbye?”

MiaBella softened. She kissed Gianni’s cheek but denied him the hug. “I would have given you one but you’re to mean.Sii gentile, perché ti amo.”

Gianni chuckled and pulled his little sister into a hug despite her resistance. She allowed it. “Mi dispiace, tu meriti il meglio.I’m sorry sis, you deserve respect. I will do better. Because I love you.”

“Grazie Gianni!”she gave him a playful shove. Mirabella smiled.

MiaBella grabbed Ryder’s hand and pulled him forward to leave with her. Gino and Gianni stared at each other until the young people were both out of the room.

Gianni spoke first.

“I can explain what this is about.”

“I know what it’s about and I don’t care. I told you to stand down.” Gino said.

Gianni frowned.

“You hear this mum? He treats me like a pet. I’m his brother. His equal.”

“That’s enough Gianni. You were wrong. A man admits it when he knows it. Listen to Gino.”

“Me? Wrong? I’m not going to let the American waltz around here unchecked.” Gianni rolled his shoulders like a prized boxer. “She’s our mother. We promised Papa to protect her together. I want my own footage. It’s Mum’s story. I should tell it for you, or maybe Eve. But not that piece of sniveling shit that wants to screw—” Gianni paused. He held back his words.

“Why do you hate the boy Ryder?” Mirabella asked.

“He’s American. Our values and theirs aren’t the same. They can’t be trusted!” Gianni said.

“Your mother’s American,” Gino said. “Is that why you don’t trust her to tell the story without you?”

“Keep at it brother. Keep pushing me!” Gianni seethed, and took a threatening step toward Gino.

“Okay I’ve heard enough!” Mirabella shouted. “I’m serious. Enough. Back away Gianni.”

Gino said nothing but Gianni paced away from him mumbling threats and curse words in English and Italian under his breath.

“What is this about? Really?” Mirabella asked.

Gianni didn’t answer.

“So, you want me to tell you what it’s about? It’s about you two constantly competing to protect me. Isn’t that it?”

“I’m in no competition with him,” Gianni turned on his mother. “It’s always been decided that Gino is to run this family. Even though he goes to Eve for counsel instead of his own twin brother. Zio Domi believes in the vision of Gino, the great Gino. And Papa?” Gianni gave a bitter laugh. “We all know what Papa believes.”

“Don’t disrespect your father Gianni.”

Gianni threw up his hands in defeat.

“Zio Domi believes in you both, and so does your father. He never wanted you two to compete for anything. Ever. He gave his life to make sure that wasn’t the future.”

Gianni scoffed and walked over to the sofa chair and plopped down. “He gave his life for you, not us. He should have stayed for us! And taken back what was his!”

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