Page 41 of Consequences
“That’s not to say I don't think you can take care of yourself, but I will always worry about you more. Not because you’re incapable, but you’re not as…bloodthirsty as the others. I don't have to worry about Roman as much because he isn't silent about his feelings and grievances.”
He flinches but sighs and nods. “I don't want to make the same mistakes with you.”
I quirk my lips and slide my hand to his throat, encouraging him up further, closer to my mouth. He indulges me and presses our lips together.
“It wasn’t a reprimand. I know you did your best in that relationship. What we have is different than what you had with him. We'll be fine, Amore Mio. I won't let you hide from me.”
“I promise, I'll do my best to not run away. Just be patient with me?”
“I'll simply chase you down and chain you up. Which doesn't sound like a bad idea to me—go ahead and run.”
He laughs and shakes his head. “You're ridiculous.”
“I'm serious.”
He rolls his eyes. “I love you, even though you're ridiculous.”
“Just remember that and we'll be fine.”
He kisses me again, deeper this time, lingering. “I'll miss you.”
“I won't let you just disappear from my life, Amore. Il Padrone may be retreating, but if he thinks I won't go to you, he is very, very mistaken.”
“Don't antagonize him.”
“I'm not. Just reminding him, and that bastard, that what we have is real.”
“It is real, ti amo.”
I smile. “We need to work on your accent. Talk to Cristian, if you want help in learning Italian. He's a far more patient teacher than I am.”
“Maybe I will, since I'll hopefully have time to study once we're home and things have calmed down a bit.”
Urging him to lie down, I hold him as tightly as possible. “We can only hope there's time for fun stuff like Italian lessons before the shit hits the fan once more.”
He holds me as tightly as he dares, still being careful of my wound. “As long as you don't get shot again, I'll be ready for whatever comes.”
Tilting my head down, I press a kiss to his hair. “I won't make any promises, but I'll try, Topolino. I don't plan on leaving you anytime soon.”
“Better not.”
He sighs and relaxes against me as I press another kiss to his hair, content to hold him until Cristian pulls me away in the morning. Because that is the only way I'm willing to let him leave this house. Whether he's away from me or not, he's still mine, and Il Padrone will learn that in time.
For now, this stolen moment is enough.
ONE MONTH LATER
Iwait for the last of the family to trickle in, and breathe a sigh of relief. Emilio is moving much better now, even if he still has a long way to go. I’m looking forward to tonight, now that Sarah has given me the most recent update on his progress. Most of all, it’s great to be back home. Even if things aren’t quite steady yet with our Family dynamics.
“Hey, I saw another box of books in the foyer that was just delivered,” Marcus remarks as he takes a seat. “Must be for you, Emilio.”
My Boy flushes as I tighten my hand into fists underneath the table.Fucking hell. Keegan jabs his lover in the side, and Marcus mumbles a quick apology. None of us react to it.
I gesture for the maids to bring in dinner, and I relax as the plates are brought in. Emilio may hate the chef, but the food is excellent. Better than the Amatos, in my opinion.
For the first part of the dinner, conversations flow between my Boys. There's no longer a tense air of anticipation, but there's a comfortable finding of each other again. I listen to them with satisfaction, whether it’s a discussion about work or their personal life. It’s only when dessert is served that I take over.
“I want to know the progress that’s been made.” My voice is quiet, but they immediately turn toward me, as they should.
