“Want to talk about it?”
I snort. “I’m not much for talking.”
“Yeah, I get that. Listen, I only know what Ny tells me, but I know you’re important to her.”
“I know I am. That’s not the problem.”
“She’s in love with your best friend. She’s your best friend’s girl. Where do you go from there?”
“I like you, Ming. You’re cool and all, but you don’t know us. This is more complicated than that.”
I turn and pick up the pace so she can’t follow. I’m done talking. I’ve waited this long. I’ll just have to be a little more patient.
CHAPTER 21
Sweetest Moments
Jace
It’s been a month since Ny has been here in Italy. Nonno left for Naples to join Dario and Dante. We’ve had the estate to ourselves.
I wasn’t expecting that. I haven’t had a moment to breathe from Ny and Gio’s relationship. I feel like I’m growing less and less important to them.
The connection between me and Ny is still there. We’re drawn to each other, but she’s placing a wall between us. Honestly, I’m not entirely sure it’s intentional. I try not to show how unhappy I am because I truly am happy for them.
I love seeing Ny smile so much and Gio has been in a better mood as well. Needing an escape, I came out to the lake on the property to read a book and get lost.
“Hey.”
I look up from my book as I sit with my knees bent and my head down. Ny is standing before me looking more beautiful than ever in a sundress with her hair in a ponytail. I look back down at my book.
“Hey.”
“What are you reading?”
“A thriller mystery. You can borrow it when I’m done.”
She moves to stand between my legs and starts to lower to sit. I move my arms out of the way and watch her.
“Or… you can read it to me. I love your voice and when you read to me. I miss that.”
I used to read to her when I’d go to visit. When we were little, Gio would read to us both while Nyla would lie between us. Those were different times. I was allowed to be there for her, to be more to her.
I sigh and shift a bit to be able to read from the book. However, she leans in and rests against my chest and curls into a ball between my legs the way she used to.
I begin to read aloud, and she melts into me. My chest aches. This was the pain I wanted a break from.
“Jace?”
“Yeah.”
“What’s wrong? Something is different. You don’t talk to me the way you used to.”
“I’ve been busy doing my part. It’s not you, I’m focused.”
She lifts her head and looks at me. I look out toward the lake because Ny knows me. She’ll see the truth in my eyes.
“I can help. I’ll be training them when you find them so I can help.”
“No, I’ve got it. I know what he’s looking for.”
“I just wanted you to know I’m here.” She goes back to resting her head on my chest. “I’m always here.”
I kiss the top of her head. “I know.”
I go back to read and soak in the feel of her in my arms. This is what I thought I could have. Gio would probably flip his shit if he found us like this.
However, I’m breathing for the first time in a month. I take in the breath like it’s my last. It’s the only time I will ever think to steal from Gio because if I don’t take this breath, I don’t think I’ll find my next.
Gio
Something has changed. I don’t mean since Ny and I took our relationship to the next level. It’s something else. Something about Ny that’s bonding her to Jace.
I sit up in one of the trees, watching them from a distance as he reads her a book. I know he’s been having a hard time with my relationship with her. I think she feels guilty, but then there’s something else I haven’t put my finger on. Then it clicks.
“They have a trauma bond. Fuck,” I murmur to myself.
The realization hits hard. Jace lost his parents in almost the same way when he was eight. Now Ny has lost hers. I should have seen this coming. I pushed them into it.
I’m watching her try to fight the pull, but they’re as much magnets to each other as Ny and I are to one another. I’m not an idiot. I’m watching it happen every day.
While I’ve been giving Ny all my attention and affection, I know that’s going to have to stop soon. I need to figure out what my next move is concerning her.
I can’t keep her here in Italy and I’m not sure I’m ready to go back to the States. I’ve learned enough about the business to go home and run it. Dad has stood in long enough, at least with our legit business. I can give him a break.