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 to be 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.