I break the kiss and look into Gio’s eyes. The anger and hurt are so clear, but I know with time I can fix that. “You will always be enough, Gio, but the three of us will make us feel complete.”
I peck his lips and back away, holding his gaze. Releasing Jace’s hand, I reach to grab hold of the back of his long blond hair and tug his head down as I turn slowly, looking away from Gio at the very last second.
Jace is tentative about the kiss at first. That same spark from our first kiss is there. It holds all things sweet and patient about Jace. Not the rough heat I get from Gio’s scorching kisses. However, this feels as right as when my lips touch Gio’s.
I pull away and look up at Gio. He shakes his head and rolls his eyes at me. Grasping the back of my head, he kisses my forehead and then does the same to Jace.
He presses his forehead to Jace’s and takes a deep breath, then blows it out. This is who we are, friends, family. We get each other. They are my life.
“I’m sorry I kicked your ass. I knew what she’s been hinting at. I’ve just been dealing with how I feel about it.”
Jace nods. “I get it. Riccardo has been calling us faggots since we were little. It made me uncomfortable at first too. I love you, but not like that. I want you both happy, with or without me.”
“Does that mean what I think?” I ask hopefully.
“I’m thinking about it, but we need to be able to trust each other. No hooking up behind my back.”
I squeal and leap into Gio’s arms, wrapping my legs around his waist. He places his forehead to mine and releases a long breath. Jace wraps his arms around my middle and kisses the back of my head. I kiss Gio, then tilt my head back to kiss Jace.
“Shit, fuck,” Gio suddenly curses. I follow his gaze, turning for the sliding doors in time to see Ava rushing away. I slide down Gio’s front and step back like he’s on fire.
“I’m…I’m sorry,” I stutter.
Gio runs a hand through his hair. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll talk to her. Let’s get out of here. We shouldn’t do this around here anyway.”
Ava
I have no idea why I’m so surprised. I saw this coming. I just didn’t think Gio was cut out for a poly relationship. Yet for Nyla I think my son would do anything.
However, I’m still shocked and fearful for my three babies—I wasn’t the only one to see them. I need to protect my children. I won’t teach them that their actions are wrong, they’re not.
Do I think they’re ready for this? Nyla has always been so mature. Jace is a people pleaser. However, my Gio…I don’t know if he’s ready.
I watched my own relationship go up in flames. I made the mistake Nyla is about to make. I chose two dominant men.
I assumed that they could give me all I needed and put themselves aside. Emil would have done anything for me. Lucas would have too, but he couldn’t bring himself to my grant ultimate wish.
I need to think this through. Riccardo has always been a problem for me. I’ve only allowed him to stay close because I’ve wanted to keep an eye on him. Today, I regret that decision with everything I am.
I’m going to have to kill him, I can’t put it off any longer. Gio has just given him what he’s been looking for. My thoughts race as I plan my next move and rush into the side doors of the house.
I stop in my tracks as the blood drains from my face. Dante is at the door of Gio’s bedroom with his hand on the knob. I don’t want him to walk in on what I just witnessed. He’s eight, he won’t understand.
“Dante,” I bark.
I shake my head at him. I’ve told my younger boys to stay out of Gio’s room uninvited when he has company. They never listen.
“What have I told you about going into Gio’s room uninvited? You have to respect others’ privacy. Get your hand off that door. Where’s Dario?”
I look around for my other son. He’s usually the curious one. I would expect to find him here.
“I…I only wanted to hang with Gio,” Dante whispers.
I run a hand through my hair, trying to get my thoughts together. I need to find out where Riccardo went. I’ll blow his brains out all over this house if he does something to harm those kids. I need to know exactly what he saw. I close my eyes to calm the rage inside.
“You can’t go in there. You need to listen when I tell you something, Dante. Go to your room. You boys are out to make me crazy,” I say to get Dante away from that door before I can go handle this situation.