Page 3 of Unsettled
He shrugs. “It all came together just a few hours ago. Roman signed off on it, so I’m sure telling you was next on his list. You’ve been with me all morning, so that could be why.”
I give him a sharp nod. Everyone knows not to fuck with Doc, so except for an actual emergency, any issues I need to be kept abreast of as Roman’s Second would have had to wait until he was finished with me.
I look over to the twins, and Antonio, who’s now moved to their side, and introduce myself. “Jude Manassero, Roman Amato’s Second in Command. Please, don’t hesitate to ask for me should you need anything. I can assure you, you’re safe in Doc’s hands, and no one will bother you here. This room is for main Family only, so bar an emergency, there shouldn’t be any reason for someone to crowd you while you’re here.”
“Thank you,” Antonio says. “We’re grateful for the hospitality.” Everything about his demeanor says the opposite, but I can work with that.
Him being a Martelli is enough for me to give him some grace. They prefer being in control as much as we Amatos do; I don’t blame him for being cautious. I know I wouldn’t be okay if I had to recover in a strange place, with people who I was cordial with at best on a good day.
Sliding off the bed, I accept my cane from Doc, even though I want to shove it up his ass. As I stand, I have to admit, whatever was in the shot he gave me, it’s already doing wonders for the discomfort and pain. Not that I’ll ever say that aloud. The smug look on his face says he doesn’t need the words, anyway.
“Doc has my number, as do the rest of the medical staff,” I tell Antonio, unable to look away from his stare. “Please, don’t hesitate to use it. For anything you might need.”
The smirk he gives me has my blood heating and my cock taking notice. I want nothing more than to wipe the smartasslook off his face…by shoving my dick far down his throat. “Oh, don’t worry, I will.”
My willpower is stronger than my urges—thankfully. With a quick thanks to Doc, who reminds me that Jayden will be waylaying me some time in the next few days, I make my way out of the medical wing and head over to Roman’s office. Even if there’s nothing for me to do there, the toy wouldn't protest being placed on his knees…
Because whatever Antonio started, he’s unable to finish it—for now. But that doesn’t mean someone else can’t.
Stretching on the mat, I run through my to-do list. I want to make sure to check in with Ely, look at some other targets, and find out where we are with pinpointing what the fuck is going on. Though there’s one thing on that list that suddenly has become the most important: Roman.
“Hey, asshole. Why didn’t anyone let Keegan and I know there wasn’t a family breakfast?” Marcus’s voice booms throughout the training room. I’m jerked out of my thoughts immediately before turning to face him.
“Not my fault. I didn’t realize the Boss didn’t come back last night. When I did, I ate something quickly and started my day. I figured you were already updated.”
Marcus shakes his finger at me, looking ridiculous. “Oh no, we have so much to discuss. Because a little birdie told me aninteresting fact about you and a certain twink from last night. And it was confirmed again by someone else. I want details.”
I throw my head back, laughing. For the first time in a long while, I smile. I can’t resist it when I think about him. “I’m assuming you’ve heard about Roman, then. Your best friend couldn’t wait to dish, could he?”
“Fucker, that type of news should not be held back. You actually got together with theBoss of the Amatos. I’m not sure whether to be impressed, or worried for your sanity.”
Snorting, I shake my head in amusement. “Neither. He’s more than just the Boss. He’s…special. The way he shines. Roman doesn’t hold back his emotions—fuck, I don’t think he can. There’s an honesty to him, a fearlessness. Not many in this life can be themselves, and he refuses to be anyone else. Fuck. I’m sure the hell not worthy of him, but I still want him.”
“So, this isn’t because of Benjamin? A revenge thing? Since, uh, Tennant… Well, honestly, I’m surprised he didn’t kill you over this.” Marcus eyes me warily, the words are seemingly dragged out of him.
“Let me guess—thatquestion came fromourBoss?” I shrug it off, not insulted. Lio is looking out for Roman, and I would never fault anyone for that. “I thought about it last night. I wanted to figure out for sure whether that was influencing what was going on. I can honestly say it’s not. You can’t look at Roman and see anything other than him.”
Marcus steps closer to me, and I eye him suspiciously. The hesitation doesn’t last long before he envelops me in a tight hug. He whispers in my ear, “Thank fuck. One, I don’t have to see you get killed. And two, nobody deserves to find happiness more than you.”
He pushes me away and I stare at him. “Since when do we do the whole hugging thing?”
Cocking his head, he thinks about it. “Hmm. Since Cole? We do hugs with him to reassure him. It’s crossed over. And what’s the problem? We fuck, so what’s wrong with hugging, too?”
I have to give him that. It's still fucking weird, though. “Fair enough. Now, are you here to spar or just cause trouble?”
“Oh, I’m not done with that yet.” Sighing, I pinch the bridge of my nose as he continues. “I’m happy to see you’ve removed your ring, but I want to reiterate, there’s going to be problems with Tennant. You okay with that?”
“Roman is worth it. And we already have an issue with each other. I’m happy to let it go, since I know Roman loves him. If he doesn’t extend the same courtesy, I’m sure we’ll figure something out.”
“Mmhmm. Meaning you’ll either fight or fuck it out?” Marcus gives me a knowing look.
We all know the Martelli way. Hopefully, it transfers to the Amatos too. Although I'd prefer to get a few swipes in, I’m open to either.
“Well, if it’s a fight, let me know so I can place my bet. And preferably watch. That is going to be fucking amusing. Both Family trainers going at it? Priceless.”
“Fucker.” Just for that, I’m going to remind him exactly why I’m the one who trains everyone… I was going to be slightly nice. “Now, anything else before I kick your ass?”
“Yep. Keegan wants to know if we’ll still be doing family meals if Benjamin and Antonio are at the Amatos’ now, and you possibly will be too. Cole misses everyone.”
