Page 107 of Of Desire And Deception

Bianca introduced her husband and daughter, and Ilaria waved her arms at Remi, nearly throwing herself out of my hold. Remi laughed and picked up the baby, cuddling her.

Any heart that I had melted at that moment. I wanted to see Remi holding our children. As soon as possible. We needed to revisit the birth control issue so I could see her belly rounded with our combined DNA.

Dante looked every bit the mafia Don as he approached, imposing in his black suit. Olesya stood beside him in a matching cocktail dress. Romeo and Riona followed, my youngest brother slapping me on the shoulder.

“Remember when you told me you’d never get married?”

Riona’s gauzy green dress fluttered as she smacked his arm. “Seriously? Can’t you ever behave?”

“You prefer it when I don’t,” he said suggestively. She whacked him again. “Fuck, I never should have taught you how to throw a punch.”

“I knew how to defend myself long before I met you.”

“Rein him in, Riona,” Dante urged. He kissed Remi’s cheeks. “You look beautiful.”

I didn’t like him complimenting her, how she smiled at his words and thanked him. If I could, I’d lock Remi up, so every expression, every word, every breath was mine alone. But I couldn’t deck my brother at a family party. He wouldn’t be able to let that go when the men were watching.

All that jealousy fell away when a familiar face emerged from the crowd. One that looked exactly like mine. “Niccolò.”

“Surprise,” he chuckled, throwing his arms around me. I didn’t flinch, returning the hug. I’d missed my brother’s smell. His voice. “I leave for a couple months and you turn into a chaos demon.”

I even missed his humor. “Maybe it’s a sign you’re supposed to be here.”

Remi froze beside me as Mia stepped forward, the dark red dress hugging her very pregnant curves. She glowed, her cheeks pink and eyes shining, always focused on my brother.

“This is my wife, Remi.” I took her hand, kissing the back of it. “My brother Niccolò and his wife, Mia. And the next addition to the family.”

“Nice to meet you,” Remi said tightly. Had I been aware they were returning from Italy, I would have warned her.

Mia’s smile fell, and a frown pulled her brows together. “You look familiar. Have we met before?” She laughed. “It must be pregnancy brain.”

Niccolò’s eyes narrowed, and Remi forced a sheepish smile. “Actually, we’ve met before. Twice. The last was a rather difficult time for you.”

“The agent at The Edge,” Mia breathed. Sadness flashed across her face. “During the raid.”

Remi nodded. “And at a restaurant before that. I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you,” Mia murmured, smoothing her features. “I think I prefer meeting you now. So it’s nice to meet you, Remi.”

Niccolò relaxed and kissed Remi’s cheek. “Welcome to the family.”

Remi blinked rapidly, clearing her throat. “I’m glad to be here.”

“Are we supposed to do toasts or something?” I asked Dante, trying to break the uncomfortable vibe of our little group.

“Right.” He nodded and raised a hand, calling out to the room. Silence fell over the crowd, and Martina brought glasses of champagne, stopping to embrace Remi and mother her for a moment. It was clear my wife was not used to that kind of affection. Where I tolerated it, she seemed to crave it. I tucked that bit of information away for later.

Dante made a speech for the family, and then he made me speak. It was the most painful minute of my life, talking to all those people. Most of who I didn’t give a flying fuck about. Soon it was over, and we all raised our glasses and drank to Remi and my happiness.

Like it mattered. Fate was bullshit. I would ensure our happiness.

“Come on, let’s find the food,” Bianca said, pulling Remi along as the women wandered off toward the kitchen to sample whatever Martina had prepared for the event.

That left me alone with my brothers. I slapped Niccolò on the back. “I can’t believe you didn’t say anything.”

“I didn’t know until a few days ago,” he admitted. “Dante called us when Remi was shot, but we had to make sure it was safe for Mia to travel. She told me she knew I wouldn’t rest until I could see you in person. She was right.”

“Are you leaving again?” I asked cautiously. I’d survived our short time apart, but it felt like an eternity without seeing him every day.

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