Page 9 of Unsettled
“I think we have enough to make a start.” Hollis’s voice makes me jump. He’s been so quiet, though even his typing stopped at some point.
When I look at him, he’s already deep in thought, and I figure it’s best to leave him alone. Even if I wish there was time to play, to settle this feeling of chaos and pain that's swirling inside of me.
I stand up, and Marcus joins me. I notice Benjamin stays sitting, and I merely shake my head. I gesture to Roman, as I want his take on a few things. When we step out of the dining room and into the kitchen for some privacy—thankfully, there’s no staff—I take a deep breath, tilting my head for Marcus to leave the room. I’ll catch up to him.
“I have a question—a favor.”
“Whatever you need, Amico Mio,” Roman responds solemnly.
“As it stands, we’re split up at the moment, between the two households. I don’t like this, being divided… The safety, or lack thereof, worries me. It also interferes with family meals, which are important to us.”
Roman nods, and even though he doesn’t say anything, he must be aware of what I’m about to ask. Still, it doesn’t make it any easier. “Would you be willing to host us? I think it would be best if we are all under one roof, in case our enemies come. I worry, especially about Cole. He’s so young…”
“I fear you’re right. Yes, bring everyone over. My house is your house. You are all welcome here.” I close my eyes in relief, and return the hug he gives me. It’s still somewhat odd to be physical with him, but comfort is needed right now.
“Do you think we can keep Ten and Ignacio from killing each other?” I try to joke, but it’s really not. I worry about those two keeping their focus on what’s important.
“As long as Ignacio doesn’t overstep his boundaries, I don’t think it’ll be a problem.” I’d feel more confident in his response if doubt didn’t spread across his face. The downturn of his lips and narrowing of eyes… Fuck.
Sighing, I nod, since there’s not much we can do except fucking hope those two play nice. “Very well. I’ll have people come over. If anything, maybe you can keep Ignacio busy.”
I press my lips together when Roman blushes. I wasn’t aware he could, but it’s a damn good look on him. In fact, I can’t resist stepping forward and brushing a kiss along his flushed cheek.
The slamming of a door startles me. Even worse, it pisses me off when I see it’s Benjamin. He’s scowling at me, but I shake my head slightly. I won’t give in to his temper tantrum, when he doesn’t respect me the rest of the time.
“I’ll see you later. Don’t worry about being an imposition or anything. Sei una famiglia, il tuo posto è qui con me.”
At Roman’s dismissal, I leave to catch up to Marcus. I’m sure it’ll be a joy letting him know that he needs to move his family in with the Amatos. Too bad, they’ll live through it. I’m the fucking Boss, and at least some people understand that—even if Benjamin has forgotten. And truthfully, having Cole around may help keep tempers at bay, because fuck knows we have enough bolstered egos that an explosion is likely guaranteed.
Fucking save me from this type of bullshit. I don’t know how Il Padrone manages it all the time, but I can’t wait to give him his job back.
Sighing, I push back from the table and head for the door. I don’t bother gathering my things, because as much as I have to get to work, there’s something far more important that needs doing first.
Opening the door that leads into the kitchen, I find Roman and Benjamin on the other side. “Slamming doors is for children who don’t know better, and people who want to be treated like a child,” I say mildly to Benjamin.
He huffs but doesn’t say anything, just steps toward the other kitchen door, as if he plans to get on with his day like he’s not throwing a fit.
“No,” I stop him, my tone firm. “You and I need to have a conversation, you’re not going anywhere.”
He scowls at me. “I have work to do, or were you too busy thinking of all the ways you could bloody Lio up to pay attention during the meeting?”
I give him a bland stare. “I can multitask. And it wasn’t a suggestion. Go back into the dining room, Emilio will understand why I’m waylaying you.”
Jude slips past me into the kitchen, dragging a hand along my back and side in comfort as he does so.
“Before I go,” Roman says carefully. “I should probably tell you I am allowing the Martellis to move in for a bit. There's safety in numbers, and with Antonio and his lovers already here, it makes sense to bring everyone else over. Moving Nicolo again would just stress him out, and I’d rather not face Doc’s wrath.”
I take a moment to think it over, running all of the ways it can go wrong through my head before finally giving Roman a nod. “We’ll make it work. Tell the housekeeper to give Ignacio the furthest room from Benjamin’s, and maybe we can avoid blood being spilt in the halls.”
“Ignacio wouldn’t hurt me,” Benjamin says.
I give him a humorless smile. “Can you say the same thing about him not going after Ten, if our lover pushes too hard?”
He grimaces and I turn back to Roman. “Try to make sure they make the move quickly and quietly. The cops will find out eventually, but it’s best to stay under the radar as much as possible.”
“Of course.” Roman steps forward and lifts up onto his toes, brushing a soft kiss to my mouth. “Be careful with him,” he whispers.
I give him an indulgent smile. “I’ll do my best.”
