I drop Emily’s hand and scoop my niece into my arms when she lunges at me. “Good morning, baby girl,” I say, clutching her small body to my chest.
“I sleepover.”
“I know. I hope you behaved yourself.”
“She was the perfect little angel,” Arabella answers as she passes us with a large tray laden with freshly cooked breakfast pastries. “Come sit.”
I glance over at Romeo when I pull out Emily’s chair and catch him smirking like a motherfucker. I’ve seen himdo the same thing for his wife, so I don’t know what his fucking problem is.
Once I sit beside her and get Lil’ Peach settled on my lap, my attention shifts to Dante. That smug fucker is giving me the same look.
I narrow my eyes, flicking my gaze between the two of them, and they both crack up. Figures I’m the butt of their joke again. I swear, if they say one word about how much food I’m about to eat, I’m going to lose my shit.
“Everyone better dig in,” Romeo says, grabbing his fork. “We’ve got about thirty seconds before Dominic wipes out the whole table.”
Dante huffs a laugh. “You’re being generous. I give it fifteen.”
I know I shouldn’t antagonise my boss, but I’ll be fucked if I’m going to let them make me look like a pig. I eat just as much as any other man. I like my food, sue me.
When Dante reaches for a chocolate cornetti, my reflexes move at lightning speed, snagging the entire tray and moving it in front of me.
“The fu … fudge,” he grumbles as his eyes dart from my niece and her impressionable ears up to me.
“I gave you fifteen seconds,” I state. “How’s that saying go, you snooze, you lose.”
“Netti,” Peach squeals as she reaches for one and brings it to her mouth, taking a tiny bite.
Dante stares at the tray in front of me, then slowly leans back in his chair, casually folding his hands behind his head. “You know what, I’m not even mad. That was clean.”
Romeo snorts, shaking his head. “Clean? He just robbed you in broad daylight.”
“Yeah,” Dante shoots back as his eyes narrow on his underboss and best friend, “and you’re supposed to be my right-hand man. You just sat there and watched it happen.”
The room falls deathly silent for a beat before Lucialaughs, followed by Emily, and suddenly the whole table cracks up, everyone losing it while I stuff an entire cornetti into my mouth like I didn’t just commit a crime against the don of our outfit.
After breakfast, we left the women and children in the kitchen and headed into Dante’s office to talk business. There’s no question I’ve become part of their inner circle, but I’m usually not privy to the personal meetings between the boss and his underboss, so I’m honoured they trust me enough to be here.
I feel lighter today for some reason. I know a big part of that is Emily, but it’s also these people. TheFamigliahas not only become a huge part of my life, but for the first time in years, I feel like I actually belong.
It’s like a sense of calmness has replaced the usual noise that runs rampant in my head. I’m not used to it because I’ve never had anything steady enough to trust. Growing up, things always seemed temporary—different houses, different rules, and people who never stuck around long enough to matter. You learn quick not to get comfortable when everything you have can be taken without a second thought.
This, however, has the makings of something permanent. Like I’m setting down roots and carving out a place for me and Lil’ Peach with Emily by our side.
It’s been one night, so I’m not going to get ahead of myself, but I’ll do everything in my power to make this thing between us last. I’ve spent so long surviving alone that I know a good thing when I see it. I’m ready to build something worth holding on to.
When Dante is done, he stands from behind his desk, buttoning his suit jacket. He’s always impeccably dressed.It’s crazy to me how he seems comfortable wearing a suit day in and day out. I hate those fucking things. The tight collars, the stiff cuffs, and how the tailored material feels like it’s slowly trying to choke you every time you move.
I can count on one hand how many times I’ve worn one in my lifetime. I’m glad my position within the Cosa Nostra doesn’t require fancy attire.
“Did Emily tell you she’s going back to work at La Riviera?” Dante asks, tugging down his cuffs and pulling me out of my own head.
“No. When?”
“You can blame his wife,” Dante replies, flicking his chin towards Romeo. “She’s the one who told her she could.”
My gaze snaps to Romeo, and his hands fly up in front of him. “It has nothing to do with me, mate. Emily told Lucia yesterday that she wanted to return to work. Take it up with your own woman.”
Usually, I’d counter with she’s not my woman, but I’ve claimed her in front of all of them, so it’s a bit late for that now.
