Page 119 of Unravel Me

I sit down, flush spreading across my cheeks.

The second I settle into my chair, I realize the room has gone completely quiet. Everyone is watching me expectantly… well, everyone except Veyron, who's fully occupied with devouring his ravazzata.

And I know exactly what they're waiting for.

In truth, I think it's what they've wanted from me ever since I first stepped into this house. I can feel it in the atmosphere around them.

Renato is the one who finally says it.

"We've already painted a room for Tommy. We hope he'll be joining us soon."

I don't think it's physically possible to blush any harder than I do. I know exactly why he said that. Everyone already knows what happened last night. Somehow, that's just how things work in this house.

Well.

There's really no point trying to hide it. I haven't actually talked to Mauro about this yet, but I can feel that he wants the same thing I do. The way he's looking at me, with such intensity and anticipation, makes it seem as though everything depends on what I'm about to say.

"Thank you. I'll call Alex today and ask him to bring Tommy here."

Silvio actually claps his hands in delight, Emilio and Tony join him, even Gianni smiles. And Mauro grins wide.

Their reaction catches me pleasantly off guard, though at the same time it feels strangely surreal. Seriously… ever since the very first day I crossed the threshold of this house, these people have behaved as though I was always meant to move in. I just know they've been waiting for me, preparing themselves for the day I'd come here with my son, and the only question is… why?

Is it some kind of clairvoyance, or is something else behind it? My eyes drift toward Veyron, and I realize I have to talk to him.

His mission here is done, but I have a few additional questions I'd like to ask him in private.

As everyone eats, Silvio starts asking me about the things Tommy likes to do, while Tony wants to know what his favorite foods are. I answer every question with my cheeks still warm, feeling deeply grateful for their kindness.

Emilio promises he'll make sure the kiddie pool is cleaned and filled with warm water. The way they're so eager to welcome my son touches me deeply. After spending so many years without a family, being accepted into their circle together with my baby sends a pleasant surge of pink bubbles through my chest.

At one point, while one of my hands is resting on my thigh beneath the table, I feel Mauro’s gaze on me. Then his hand slips down, wraps around mine, and gives it a gentle squeeze.

My heart immediately speeds up. The gesture is somewhat shy, yet full of support. It means so much to me because it carries the excitement over how things are progressing.

Our eyes meet, and I reward him with a small smile.

As breakfast comes to an end, Veyron rises from his chair.

"Jared, could I have a word with you?" he asks as if he read my mind. "If Mauro doesn't mind, of course," he adds, his tone carrying a faint edge.

Mauro looks far more relaxed than he did before. I nod, get to my feet, and follow Veyron outside.

We step onto the patio.

Veyron turns to me. His eyes move carefully over my face, a faint smile playing at the corner of his mouth.

"So… I take it my stay here has come to an end. You've decided to stay with Mauro, haven't you?"

I nod. "Yes. I know it probably looks strange from the outside, but I just have this deep conviction that it's the right decision. I've never felt anything like this before. I definitely didn't feel it when I met Mark," I add bitterly.

"I'm very glad to hear that. Intuition is a powerful thing. Still, during our last conversation you expressed quite a few…" He hesitates for a moment before finishing, "…concerns about these people and the way they behave. Am I right in assuming those concerns have now been resolved? Bringing your child here is a major life decision."

"Yes. These people are definitely unusual, but I've learned a few things that shed some light on what's happening here, although, admittedly, not everything. I think at least some of the people living in this house are magical ABOs."

Veyron raises an eyebrow.

"Oh… so it is, after all," he says in a strangely knowing tone.