Page 155 of Carnal

"I know that."

"Then go sit down." I motion to the couch.

Her eyes dart between Nicoletta and me, but she finally caves. She plops down on the couch.

I turn to the changing table and put Nicoletta on it. "It's okay, sweetie." I change her diaper as quickly as possible. Her screams turn to little whimpers.

I snap her onesie back in place and pick her up. Her glistening blue eyes tug at my heart. I kiss her on the forehead and say, "There you go. All clean now."

She reaches for my face and tries to stick her fingers in my mouth.

I move my head out of the way and sit next to Arianna, putting my feet next to hers on the ottoman. Nicoletta snuggles into the curve of my neck, and I close my eyes.

Arianna strokes my cheek.

I glance at her.

She softly says, "Any news on Pina?"

My emotions take a toll on me. I blink hard and nod, too choked up to speak.

"You know where she is?" Arianna asks.

I continue to nod.

"She's with the Abruzzos?"

"Yes," I manage to get out. I clear my throat. "She was transferred to Jacopo's this morning. Apparently, she'll be at their engagement party on Saturday."

Arianna's eyes widen. She scoots closer and grips my arm. "Don't do something stupid, Tristano."

I grunt, rubbing Nicoletta's back. "Stupid was when I obeyed Dante."

"What do you mean?" Arianna questions.

I admit, "He ordered me to stop guarding her and put Guido on her. They wouldn't have followed us if Guido hadn't been feeding them information."

"You don't know that."

"Don't I?" I lock eyes with my sister.

She tilts her head, declaring, "This isn't going to help Pina."

"What isn't?"

Arianna turns so her knee hits the back of the couch. She answers, "Blaming Dante or yourself. If the Abruzzos want someone, you and I both know they'll stop at nothing to get them."

I lean my head, resting it against the back cushion. I close my eyes and assert, "Papà should have killed Jacopo when that thug kidnapped you."

"Hmm," Arianna replies.

I roll my head toward her. "What does that mean?"

She shrugs. "Donato died. For that situation, it was appropriate. You know how things work. He can't take out the head of another family—"

"Bullshit. He can do whatever he wants," I declare.

"Language," Arianna chirps.

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