Lightly slapping my hip, she said, “No time for laziness. We’ve got a lot to do before you leave for Italy. Reaper is here. So is Massacre. Now that is a boy who needs a switch taken to his hide. Reaper has his hands full with that one. Now, come on. Let’s get you dressed.”
Within minutes, I was dressed and followed Aunt Roxy out of the room.
The house was a buzz as men moved about quickly, carrying bags, boxes, and luggage. I spotted Lorenzo talking with Illyria in the foyer, and when they saw me, both smiled and waved when a large crash in from the kitchen made me jump, halting all movement around me.
A woman’s voice rose as a litany of Italian words flowed from her lips in the next second.
“What in the world?” Aunt Roxy said as she marched towards the kitchen, to investigate. Following, I almost bumped into her when I heard Nicoletta shout, “Devo frustarti con un interruttore, Dwayne!Sai meglio che toccarmi mentre cucino. Aspetta che ti metta le mani addosso.Quella era la porcellana di mia madre!”
“It was an accident Aunt Nic,” Massacre quickly moved away from the small angry Italian woman who was shaking a dishrag in her and. “I didn’t mean it. I swear!”
People laughed around me. Turning, I saw Sal, Lorenzo, Antonio, and Illyria, all unsuccessfully hiding their laughter.
“I hope she wallops him,” Sal chuckled.
“She won't. She loves Dwayne,” Illyria said.
“Wanna bet? That was Nonna’s china platter,” Lorenzo laughed as we all watched Dwayne jump over a chair and fall to the floor when he lost his footing.
“Reaper, help me!” Dwayne shouted. Turning, I saw Reaper and Giovanni leaning against the entryway, grinning.
“Sorry, Massacre. Even I know not to interrupt a woman on a mission. Just take it like a man.” Reaper laughed.
“He’d have to be a man first.” I heard Sal mutter just as Nicoletta began swatting Massacre with her dishtowel. When Dwayne actually yelped then screamed a high-pitched scream, everyone lost it.
The laughter that filled the room was full and joyous.
Enjoying the fun before me, I heard Gio whisper, “Tesoro, can we have a word?”
Looking at him, I nodded and followed Gio and Reaper down the hall towards his office as the laughter rose behind me.
Entering his office, I said nothing as Reaper, Gio, and Aunt Roxy walked in after me, closing the door behind them.
“What’s up?” I asked, looking at the three of them when Gio stepped forward, reaching for my hands. Bringing them to his lips, he kissed them and said. “Mia Amore, there is going to be a lot going on in the next few days, and we all believe that the more protection you have, the better.”
“Okay? I didn’t think we’d be going alone. You said Reaper was going, right?”
“Yes,” Reaper said, leaning against the wall. “I am going. So is Massacre.”
“Sal and Antonio are also going,” Gio added.
“So, what’s the problem?”
“As I am sure you are fully aware of, you are technically not related to me. Yes, you are the sister to my nephew, but there is no blood linking us.” Reaper clearly stated.
Nodding, I said. “I know that.”
“I want to claim you.”
“I don’t understand. How can you...”
“Baby girl. Do you remember when Ravage’s parents died in that horrible accident? He didn’t have anyone.” Aunt Roxy said carefully.
“I remember. Uncle Moonshine and you...” I said as the full impact of what Reaper and Roxy were saying. Stepping away from them and Gio, I shook my head. “No. I can’t. You know I can’t.”
“Baby girl, it’s the only way.”
“I can’t do that!” I shouted when my back hit the back wall of Gio’s office. “You know how I feel about needles. There has to be another way.”