Twisted Bonds by Cora Reilly

CHAPTER 15

KIARA

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Nino and I both fellasleep on the sofa in Remo’s room, and as usual Nino woke around sunrise. While Nino did a check-up on his brother, I took a quick shower before I headed downstairs to prepare breakfast for our new, bigger family. Things with Serafina were still strange, not so much between her and me, but definitely with the Falcone men. It would take time for her to grow used to this new life.

After breakfast I helped Serafina keep the twins entertained. We’d spread a blanket on the floor of the gaming room and had created toys from ordinary things like jars filled with dried chickpeas which worked as a rattle, pans and wooden spoons so Nevio could make noise. “We’ll have to go shopping soon. You and the kids need so many things.”

Serafina sighed. “I left everything behind.”

I had a feeling she wasn’t only referring to material things. Since she’d arrived, I’d been wondering how she’d managed to save Remo but I had a feeling she wasn’t ready to discuss the events yet. Nevio began fumbling with one of the picture books and I reached for him then looked at Serafina for permission.

She nodded with a smile before she turned the page in the book she was showing to Greta. The little girl had ignored me mostly except for a few shy glances. Nevio was the total opposite. He giggled when I lifted him on my lap and reached for my hair.

“Careful. He likes to tug.”

I pushed my hair away then pressed him to my body so he sat upright before I held out the picture book in front of his face.

Nino stepped into the room. He’d been taking care of Remo all morning. Nevio was blabbering happily and I couldn’t help but smile at his adorable antics.

“Remo just woke up.”

Serafina quickly left to see Remo while Nino and I kept watch over her babies. I began to sing a song my mother had sung to me when I was a little girl, and to my relief it calmed Greta. She still eyed me critically, but she was definitely mesmerized by the singing.

Nevio had only eyes for Nino’s tattoos though and patted at Nino’s forearm excitedly. I kept singing and rocking Greta as I watched Nino with Nevio. It was beautiful seeing how patient and calm Nino was with Nevio who was bouncing and grasping at his skin as if he could tear the tattoos off. He let out a delighted screech, causing Greta to lean forward towards him, wearing a hesitant grin.

My heart was close to exploding from the cuteness.

Savio sauntered in and shook his head seeing us. “Don’t tell me you want a few of them as well.”

Nino glanced at me then glared at his brother, who seemed to realize something was up. A brief flicker of realization on his face smoothed into his usual pretty-boy mask.

Savio bent over Greta. “Hey doll-face...”

Before I could warn him, Greta’s face scrunched up and she began to cry, those chubby cheeks turning red. Savio jerked upright, raising his hands. “Come on, doll-face, girls never cry when they see me.”

I gave him a reproachful look. “Next time don’t lean over her.”

“I think Nevio needs a new diaper,” Nino said.

Savio’s mouth curled. “All right. Poo and crying girls. That’s my cue to leave.”

“I can change his nappies,” I said, carefully getting up with Greta on my arm. She’d calmed down now that Savio was out of sight.

Nino gave me an ironic smile. “I’ve changed more nappies than you, I think.”

“Adamo,” I guessed.

Nodding, Nino rose with Nevio and together we walked into the guest bathroom that held a few nappies, then put a towel down on the floor.

“We need to buy everything for the babies, and prepare a nursery.”

“That’s what Remo said,” Nino murmured.

I smiled down at Greta, stroking her arm. She peered at Nino who was trying to undress a squirming Nevio. “You don’t have to worry about your brother, Greta. Nino’s going to be very careful with him.”

Nino glanced over his shoulder at me. “It’s good that you talk to her and don’t use baby babbling like some people do.”

“I knew you’d approve,” I said with a laugh.

Nino nodded before he turned his attention back to Nevio whose legs he was holding in one hand to stop the kicking.

“You’ll be the best mother,” Nino murmured.

I bit my lip, watching as Nino finally removed Nevio’s diaper and threw it into the trash.

“You will have a child, or as many as you want, Kiara. You will.” Nino looked up, and the determination in his eyes calmed my anxious mind as it always did.

“I know.”

I was trying not tobe nosy, but I was bursting with curiosity over how Remo’s first encounter with his children had gone. Since I was eager to see him anyway, I grabbed a plate with a sandwich and headed up to his bedroom around lunch time.

After knocking, I stepped inside without waiting for a reply. Remo sat on the edge of the bed, perspiration glistening on his forehead and his expression strained. I hurried over to his bedside and put the plate down.

“What are you doing? You’re supposed to rest,” I said, trying to push Remo back. Even injured he was too strong.

“I’m not bedridden.”

“You’re being unreasonable, that’s what you are,” I scolded. “Now lie back or I’ll get Nino. Maybe he’ll tie you to the bed or knock you out with painkillers.”

Remo’s mouth twisted. “Are you worried about me?”

“Remo. Lie down, please.”

“Because you said please,” he said, and slowly lay down, his legs still halfway out of the bed.

“Do you need help?”

“No,” he said firmly then slowly dragged himself further onto his bed despite the obvious pain he was in. “Happy?”

“Yes,” I said softly. “Very.” I held his gaze, not saying more, because really, I didn’t have to. Remo was perceptive. Swallowing, I reached for the plate and handed it to him. “I got you Pastrami because it’s your favorite on a sandwich.”

“You must have been really worried if you put meat on my sandwich,” he said, then took a bite and nodded appreciatively. “Nino would have been fine without me, eventually, you know? He’s got you. He wouldn’t have broken down.”

I shook my head and sank down on the edge of the bed. “That’s not the only reason why I was worried. Like I said, we are family, and I would have missed you.”

Remo took another bite. “I hope you’re not getting more emotional once you’re pregnant.”

I tensed briefly then relaxed.

Remo sighed. “This emotional talk isn’t my thing, Kiara.”

“I know. I’ll deal with your abrasiveness and you’ll have to deal with my emotionality, that’s just the way it is.” I looked at Remo. “I can’t believe you’ve got two children.”

“Is this your way to ask me how meeting them went?”

My cheeks heated. “Am I that obvious?”

“You’re not the best at mind games.”

“I don’t want to be.” I shrugged. “I’m happy for you. Nevio and Greta are the cutest babies I’ve ever seen. I can’t wait to see them grow up in this house.”

Realization settled in Remo’s eyes. “It’s a fucking miracle, isn’t it? And kind of ironic ...” Then he let out a dark laugh. “The woman who hates me gives me two children.”

“Serafina doesn’t hate you, Remo. She didn’t even when she was still a captive in these walls, and she doesn’t now.”

Remo’s face shut down and he took another bite from his sandwich.

“Get some rest,” I said again, and pushed to me feet.

I left, giving Remo some time to rest even though he’d no doubt try another escape attempt soon. Nothing Nino or anyone else did would keep Remo in bed for long.

NINO

Remo was a difficult patient, which didn’t come as a surprise. He’d never liked to look weak in front of others, even me. Adamo didn’t make it much easier for me. The first time I checked on him the morning after I’d brought Remo home, he wasn’t in his bed, resting, but outside smoking.

“Nicotine is a poison. Your body has to spend resources cleansing those toxins which it should rather be using on healing your injuries,” I told him.

He glanced up. His face was still swollen, so it was difficult to read his expression. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right?”

I frowned at his bitter tone. “I need to take a look at your injuries.” I pointed at his forearm. “You should have kept the bandages on. You’re risking dirt getting into your burn wounds.”

Adamo took another long drag from his cigarette before he squashed it under his sneaker. “I’m fine.”

“You are not. Now let me check on you. I’d suggest we head inside.”

“You should take care of Remo, not me.”

“I did, and he’s recovering, but we need you to heal as well.”

Adamo rose to his feet and followed me.

“Don’t blame yourself for what happened to Remo,” I said as I led him toward the infirmary we’d furnished a few months ago.

“Who else should I blame? I got myself caught. They would have never got Remo without that happening.”

I didn’t contradict him. “Focus your anger on things you can actually change. Focus on getting stronger, on making wiser choices...”

“On getting revenge?”

“That too,” I said quietly. “You made C.J. cover for you when you disappeared to that race against Remo’s clear orders—”

“No,” Adamo said harshly. “Leave her out of it. She didn’t know where I was going. I asked her to pretend she was with me, that’s all.”

I regarded Adamo for a long time. “What’s going on between you and her?”

“Nothing,” he muttered, turning his eyes away.

“Nothing wouldn’t make her keep secrets for you. You’re spending a lot of time with her. If this is so you can gather experience, that’s understandable, but don’t turn it into more than that, Adamo. People always try to gain something from being close to us, and a whore from one of our establishments certainly won’t be the exception.”

Adamo ignored me in favor of glaring at his wound.

He wouldn’t reveal the details of his relationship with C.J. to me. I’d have to talk to her myself.

In the afternoon I headed over to the Sugar Trap, knowing C.J. had a shift. I nodded at Jerry in greeting as I stepped inside. “Is C.J. in her room?”

“Yep, but she’s with a John. They should be done in ten. Only booked thirty minutes.”

I nodded and headed in the direction of the room, then waited by leaning across from the door. Like Jerry said, the door opened ten minutes later to C.J. and a middle-aged man with glasses and a slight paunch. I picked him as an insurance salesman, or something similar, with a pregnant woman at home who didn’t want to put out for him in the last trimester.

His face turned red when he spotted me and he quickly excused himself. C.J. looked at me uncertainly. I pushed away from the wall and stalked toward her. She backed off, clutching a towel around her body. I entered her room and closed the door, then took in the ruffled sheets of the oval bed and the condom on the ground.

C.J. picked it up and disposed of it, then said without looking at me. “I can have someone change the sheets and take a quick shower if you don’t mind waiting.”

“I’m not here for sex. I have a wife.”

She tilted her head up, tensing. “I didn’t know. Honestly, I didn’t. I just wanted to help him.”

I moved closer. “What didn’t you know?”

She swallowed. “That he’d go to that race ... I just wanted to help.”

“Where did you think he’d go? It would have to be somewhere we disapprove of or he wouldn’t have to ask you to cover for him.”

Her pulse hammered in her throat, her chest heaving in rising fear. “I didn’t ask. Adamo always says it’s better if I know as little as possible so I don’t get in trouble with you.”

I studied her face closely, trying to detect if she was lying. Her gaze rested on my chest. “Look up.” She raised her eyes. She was scared, but I didn’t pick up any deceit.

“What’s going on between you and Adamo, the truth,” I demanded.

“He came to talk, just talk in the beginning—”

“About what?”

She blinked. “About school, about Harper, about racing, anything really. Never business, I swear.”

I nodded. “Go on.”

“But then we slept together. I thought that’s what I’m supposed to do.”

“You have sex, all right, but that’s not all.”

“When we have sex, he doesn’t just stay for the deed. We talk beforehand and then afterwards, and ...” Her cheeks turned red. “And we just lie in each other’s arms sometimes. It’s less like a work relationship and more like friends with benefits.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Why are you doing this? If you think you can get something out of it, you better be careful.”

Her eyes widened. “I’m not using him. Why would I not like to spend time with him? I get compensated for spending time with him like I do with every client, and he’s nice and considerate, and I enjoy being with him.” Her face turned even redder.

“So you’re only doing this because sex with my brother is pleasant for you and allows you to take on fewer of the unpleasant clients.”

She looked away. “Yeah.”

“All right. I don’t have a problem with that, but don’t cross any lines, C.J., understood?” She gave a small nod. “Adamo might need you now more than ever, so take good care of him.”

I left, satisfied with my findings.

I didn’t care if Adamo only fucked C.J., even if his longer sessions cost a fortune. It’s not like my brothers and me hadn’t used the services of our whores. Of course, we never had to pay that much because we didn’t keep them around for hours.

If Adamo needed the additional time, he could get it. In his current mental state, I was glad for anything that managed to distract him. The few conversations I’d had with him since he’d been freed stirred my worries. His anguish and rage were reminiscent of Remo’s early days. I didn’t think Adamo could deal with it the way my older brother had.

It might destroy Adamo.

Kiara was even moreexcited about Christmas than in the previous year, practically bouncing with joy as she decorated the entire house and baked for us. Greta and Nevio’s presence, while making her realize how badly she wanted children of her own, also kept her distracted. Those two were a lot of work, and Kiara gladly stepped in helping Serafina while Remo had to heal.

As Christmas rolled around, both Remo and Adamo were doing better, and most of their outward injuries had healed. We were sitting in the gaming room, discussing how to organize future races, having to get back to business despite events. Stefano insisted we keep his territory out of it in the next months while he tried to establish his rule. His men had suffered enough losses and another attack from the Outfit could demoralize them. He needed to appear strong if he wanted to convince his doubters and haters.

“I don’t like it,” Remo growled. “I don’t want Cavallaro to think he’s made an impact on us.”

Savio shrugged. “What do we care what the asshole thinks? He’ll pay soon enough for the shit he pulled.”

“He should pay now,” Adamo said, tracing the burn scars on his forearm.

“Revenge takes time. We need to figure out our next moves carefully and not go into this blindsided by fury.”

Remo glared at me, but knew I was right. He was pissed, more on Adamo’s behalf than his own—not to mention that he wouldn’t forgive the Outfit for treating his children as less because they were his.

“I agree with Nino,” Savio said firmly. “I’d rather hit him hard so he can’t get up ever again than aim for a quick hit.”

Remo leaned back with a sigh. It was ultimately his decision. Despite him being Capo, he often listened to what we had to say.

Serafina walked in with the twins on her arms. “Can you watch them?”

Remo sat up, looking at Serafina as he always did—with a hint of confusion and longing. I wasn’t sure if he was unsure about his own feelings or hers.

Serafina met my gaze. “Will you take Nevio?”

I stood at once and took him from her. Nevio grabbed for my tattoos again, eyes widening and mouth parting as if he was seeing them for the very first time. Serafina walked over to Remo and after my brother spoke softly to his daughter, he took Greta. Nothing about Remo was soft, not ever and I’d never heard him speak in that tone before. Savio and Adamo gave me questioning looks as I sat back down. Remo waved a rattle in front of Greta’s face as he joined us and sank down beside me. The look in his eyes as he gazed down at his daughter gave me a better understanding why Kiara wanted children so badly. It spoke of an altruistic, untainted love that was rare in our world.

“I suppose that’s the end of my whoring days in the house,” Savio grumbled.

Remo looked up from Greta, his eyes narrowing. “I don’t want a fucking whore anywhere near my children.”

Greta cried at the harshness in his voice, and Remo’s lips tightened. He quickly managed to calm her again.

Nevio began to chew on my forefinger. Hr didn’t have any teeth yet so he couldn’t do any real damage. Greta eventually settled peacefully in the crook of Remo’s arm and watched everything with those big eyes.

Adamo gave her a small wave and she watched quietly while Nevio was trying to crawl off my lap. I let him discover the sofa, holding him by his waistband whenever he got too close to falling off.

“He’s going to be a little PIA, I can tell,” Savio said.

Remo’s mouth twitched as he watched his son try to take another nose-dive from the sofa. “I’ve had practice with PIAs raising you and Adamo.”

Savio grinned, leaning back against the sofa and stretching out his arms. “I’m sure I’ve been a delight.” He nodded toward Adamo who hunched forward beside him. “He’s got PIA written all over his forehead and MIA all over his crotch.”

“Fuck you,” Adamo said but he didn’t look as pissed as he’d done in the past. He hardly seemed to care about the jab. Remo sent me a meaningful look—of course he’d noticed it too. Adamo was growing up faster than expected.

“No reprimand for using fuck you in front of your precious offspring?”

Remo stroked Greta’s arm. “Growing up in this house, my kids will probably say fuck before anything else.”

“Or I could try to teach them a more interesting word ...” Savio mused, exchanging a look with Adamo who shook his head with a small laugh.

“If one of my children says pussy, dick or cock as their first word, I’ll send you to Kansas City to help Stefano get his people under control, got it?”

“They could pick it up from someone else.”

Remo raised his eyebrows and Savio smirked.

“Kansas City, Savio.”

He sighed. “There’s really no fun to be had in this house anymore.”