Page 105 of The Last Ones Standing, Part Two

Nyla pouts. “But I didn’t give you guys your gifts.”

“Later, promise.” Gio kisses her forehead as she steps from the truck.

“All right. I’ll see you guys in a bit.”

“You want us to load your gifts for the family? We can take them over.”

“I guess, it would be easier to have the help now.”

“No problem.”

I look at Gio’s face and he gives me a smile. Without him saying a word, I know he gets how big this is for me. Watching her light up over a truck I helped to give her with money of my own is something I never thought I’d get to do. Now I have and it feels so good.

He pats me on my shoulder, but I pull him into a hug. Ny wraps her arms around the both of us.

“As much as we’ve been through, I wouldn’t have wanted this life with anyone else,” she murmurs. “I love you guys.”

“We love you too,” I reply.

* * *

Nyla

I pull up to Dante’s house in the brand-new truck G and Jace gave me this morning. I park and look over my shoulder into the back seat. I can’t wait to have little car seats back there.

With a smile, I climb out of the truck and look at the gorgeous house in front of me. My smile broadens. Dante has done well for himself. I’m proud of him.

I think of Lizzy and what Gio has planned. This would be a good look on her. I know for certain Dante would take good care of her and she would be good to him.

Suddenly, all that joy fades as I think of who I might find in this house as I enter. I’ll kill Riccardo for blinking too hard at my sister. My mind starts to race. We’ve spent so many years hiding our relationship, it feels odd to be here now. Especially knowing we still can’t be us in front of Lizzy and the guys.

Nonno and Lucas are the only people who will be here today who know who I truly am. I’m conflicted on how I feel about that. Panic tries to rise as I feel myself being shoved back in that box. What if Gio shoves me in there and I never come back out?

I know I can’t do that again. My mind begins to spiral with thoughts. What if Gio is wrong and I’m unable to hold my temper?

I’ve waited so long to kill this man. Do I really have that kind of restraint? I clutch at my chest, trying to slow the panic attack that’s rising.Damn it.

This is not how I want Dante and Dario to see me. I start to pace, wanting to gather my thoughts and feelings. I was on such a high this morning. Things always seem to change in the blink of an eye around here.

“Ny,mia cara,” Nonno croons from behind.

I turn to find him, Lucas, and Frances. Frances eyes me as if trying to place my face. I run my fingers through my long bangs so they fall into my face.

“Nonno,” I sing and kiss his cheeks.

“Come stai amore mio? Non mi aspettavo di trovarti qui? Il mio Michael sarà così felice di vederti.”

“I’m well. I’m sure he will be.”

“Well, come then, let’s get you inside.”

I take a calming breath and follow him and the others into the house. The first thing I notice is the homie scent as I walk in. It’s comforting and inviting. The festive decor is the next thing that registers.

That will keep me from blowing Riccardo’s brains out. I wouldn’t want to ruin Dante’s home or scar Bella.

I give myself the reminder as Bella runs up to Nonno and I look at my sister in her pajamas, looking right at home. I can do this for them.

I breathe easier when I see it’s only family here. That piece of filth hasn’t arrived. A part of me hopes he doesn’t.

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