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“I think we’re at the point that you can call me Nico,” I tell him drily.
Pietro smiles. “I suppose so. So while that is being worked on, we need to figure out our next steps to handle the De Luca and the Parisi bastards. What else can you tell us about the De Lucas that will be helpful?”
I tell him what I know, with Dante chiming in occasionally. I also make a split second decision and share that Marco is possibly aligning with Seamus Gallo or at least his daughter. “I wouldn’t put it past him to think he can double cross Seamus to get access to his suppliers and routes,” I finish grimly. “Especially if he’s seducing one of the daughters to get at it.”
“And you think that’s what he’s up to?” Alessio asks curiously.
“I think he’s up to something, but one of my contacts didn’t know the daughter has an apartment in De Luca territory. So there is a chance that the name was put there to throw people off, but we haven’t had time to dive into it with everything that’s happened.”
Alessio nods, then he snorts. “Fuck, America sounds like a right mess. Can’t say that I want to ever stay here longer than I have to with all this bullshit.”
“My men are getting back to work on that now,” I tell them all, ignoring Alessio. Dante gives me a subtle nod to let me know he’s on it.
“We still need to decide how we’re going to handle things with Gia,” Massimo points out. “Until we find the other women, and find out what the hell is going on with the De Luca asswipe, we focus on what to do with Gia.” He grins at me wickedly. “And it sounds to me the only thing that is going to work is you marrying her.”
Before I can reply to that, Alessio speaks up and says, “Technically, she was promised to me, so if anyone should marry her, it should be me.”
I glare at him when he holds my stare. “The only one who will be marrying her will be me,” I growl at him. “And as it is, I’ve told her that’s what I want. But I won’t force her. She’s had every choice taken away from her, and if she’s going to marry me, I want it to be her choice. And if she says no, then that’s the end of it and we figure out another way.”
“And if she doesn’t choose you?” Alessio asks bluntly.
“She’ll choose me,” I say confidently. I’ll pull out every trick in the book to make sure that she does.
“I don’t know if I want to laugh or tell you you’re a cocky son of a bitch,” Alessio remarks. “But you’re right, it should be her choice, so we’ll see what she says.” Then he grins. “And that means she’s going to have to meet me, and I’m sure she’s going to find me much more appealing than you.”
Jealousy burns in my gut, and I despise it. It’s a weakness I won’t allow. Not with this asshole. Gia is mine, she agreed she’s mine, and I have nothing to worry about. But at the same time, that same doubt burns in my gut and I have to hold myself back from storming out of the room to find her and remind her.
But then the door swings open and the very woman in question walks through with a smirking Sofia behind her. Along with the rest of her family. And from the look on Gia’s face, she heard some of what was said, and I can’t quite tell if she’s pissed or not. Guess I’m about to find out.
CHAPTER31
Gia
I might still be halfasleep, and shocked at the amount of people that have arrived, but I’m awake enough to clearly know what I heard come out out of Nico’s mouth. All the noise fell away when I heard him tell the other men in the room that he would give me the choice if I want to marry him. It’s a bit funny though, considering not even twelve hours ago he was telling me I belong to him and he plans on putting a ring on my finger anyway. So, it begs the question, does he mean it or is it just lip service to appease the Caruso men?
I guess time will tell, but I’m not about to be kept out of the loop. And when Sofia told me Nico was meeting with them, I didn’t waste any time making my way down here. Thank God I had the presence of mind to put on some pajama pants and a hoodie that I found in Nico’s closet. It’s far too big for me, but it smells of him, and it calms me. Still, even as they all turn to stare at me, I only focus on Nico. His expression is tense, but his eyes burn hotter as he takes me in.
“Topolina, I thought you were sleeping,” he says calmly, holding his hand out to me.
I’m fully aware of how important that gesture is to me. If I don’t walk toward him, or take his hand willingly, the other men in this room are going to think he’s still forcing me. I’m still not sure how this is going to turn out, but I step forward and take his hand, letting him pull me into him. “Ah, well, I heard a lot of commotion and woke up,” I tell him with a shy smile, flicking a quick glance around the room toward where the Cattaneo family are now huddled together near the back wall and near the door.
“I’ve already reamed them out for it too,” Sofia informs Nico, when I see him scowl at the men. “Bastards have never been quiet a day in their lives.”
“Says the one who used to scream the house down from the time she was born,” one of the brothers sneers at her. I still need to learn their names, but I’m pretty sure he is her eldest brother.
“I’m fine,” I say quickly to avoid the argument I can already see brewing.
“They’ll be mindful in future of the noise,” Sofia promises firmly and with a pointed look at her brothers. “Now, what did we miss?”
“I don’t remember you being invited into this discussion, brat,” Alessio tells her mildly. I look at him sharply, but I see the amusement on his face, and it’s clear he has a great deal of affection for the woman.
“And you’re still an asshole, but neither of those things are going to change,” she tossed back at him.
“Children,” Pietro chids before those two can start to argue, and the long suffering tone in his voice makes me smile. Much like a doting father or grandfather. I look over at him, and see him watching me with a kind smile. “Good evening, Signora De Luca.” He rises from his seat at Dante’s desk and walks around and toward me. “Nico, release the girl and let me greet her,” he orders when Nico doesn’t let me go when I go to pull away.
Reluctantly, Nico releases me, but I don’t miss the way he watches Pietro carefully. I turn toward Pietro and step forward to shake his hand. “It’s lovely to meet you, Signore Caruso,” I tell him in Italian. “And please call me Gia.”
He beams at me, and I fight back a blush. “I see why Nico is smitten with you,” he replies back, also in Italian. “You are beautiful, my dear. I look forward to us getting to know each other while I’m here. Let me introduce you to my sons and Sofia’s family. Should you ever need a helping hand or a listening ear, we will all be at your disposal day or night.”
