“Run, run as fast as you can,” I drawl, my hand in my pocket as I stride down the hallway casually. “I’m going to get you. And you know what happens if I do.”
Giggles echo ahead of me and I can’t help a light smile at the sound. Although a part of me can’t believe the sound of happy children is coming from Matteo’s home. He used to be so uptight and annoying, I can’t believe he managed to not only fall in love but convince someone to spend the rest of their lives with him.
But in a few short years, not just him but Salvatore have managed to start families. And they’re happier than I’ve ever seen then. And I got a great deal out of it in the form of my niece and nephews.
I hear the light click of a door opening and shutting. I wait for a minute before opening it and crowding the doorway. The children squeal in delight and surprise, holding on to each other at the sight of me.
“Found you,” I announce chuckling.
“No fair, Zio Raf, you have long feet,” my oldest nephew complains.
Leonardo Vitale has changed a lot in two years. He was always a bright, happy kid but with the arrival of his baby sister, he’s become much looser. He’s protective over both Lucia. And I’m pretty sure Nicolas is his best friend despite being several years younger. Leonardo plays the role of the big brother with ease. Salvatore’s son who is only 6 months older than Lucia. The three of them are as thick as thieves, despite the age differences between them. Leo drags his tiny little sister everywhere he goes. She’s like his little totem.
Unlike Nico who seems to be thriving without his twin sister. Isabella is with her parents who took her with them on vacation. Nico insisted on staying with his cousins.
“What have I told you, Leonardo,” I begin, “When playing hide and seek, you’ve got to split up. Confuse your enemy. Got it?”
“Yes, Zio Raf,” Nico says enthusiastically, walking up to stand beside me.
I run a hand through his dark hair. Poor kid looks more and more like Salvatore with each passing day. Same as Leonardo. At least my little princess looks like her beautiful mother. I swoop down to lift the two year old, Lucia into my arms.
“How we doing, Luce?” I question.
She offers me a small sleepy smile, dark eyes blinking slowly. The boys have officially tired her out.
“Bed,” she states, making me grin.
She doesn’t talk much, like her father. Most of her words are limited to one word orders, although her parents are sure she can say much more than that. She just chooses not to.
“Alright. Let’s go meet your mama so she can put you down for a nap.”
I carry her in arms while the boys follow, heading to the living room. Matteo and Lindsay are on a couch, arms around each other with their gaze fixed on the tv. Elio’s here too, slumped in an arm chair while scrolling through his phone.
“I asked you over to watch the match, not disappear to play with the kids,” Matteo speaks up as soon as I enter.
I ignore him, looking towards my sister in law and waving the two year old that’s half asleep in my arms.
“This little one wants her bed,” I inform her.
Lindsay smiles getting to her feet to take her from me. “I still can’t believe how good you are with kids, Rafaelle.”
“You know me, cognata, I’m full of surprises,” I state, meeting her deep blue gaze.
She offers me another appreciative smile before leaving the room with her daughter.
“Alright, boys. Are you ready to watch Matty’s team get their asses kicked?” I question, settling down on one of the couches.
“Yes. Arsenal’s going down!” Nicolas agrees, taking a seat beside me.
The kid really gets me.
“Don’t worry, dad. I believe in our team,” Leo counters, sitting beside his father.
Matteo shoots me a smug look and I roll my eyes before turning my attention to the ongoing match. 90 minutes later the match ends leaving me with nothing but annoyance. Fuck, they’re catching up fast to my team in the premier league and that’s unacceptable.
“Wipe that grin off your face,” I snap to Matteo as I get to my feet, needing a drink.
The boys run off to play somewhere else and then it’s just me and my brothers. With the end of the match, Elio seems to come back to life. He’s never had much of an interest in sports or anything that doesn’t involve him getting his dick wet. The only reason he played basketball in high school was to get girls.
