“Why’d I even come here?”
“I have no idea. I didn’t invite you.”
“Well, maybe I should go.”
“Don’t do me any favors.”
I start to fidget, feeling like we’re all witnessing something very private. My family has moved closer. I know it’s probably because Bethany put her hands on me.
“What are you saying, Dante?”
“I’m saying we’re both happier without you. Do whatever you want. We’ll be fine.”
Dante pauses as if to take a calming breath. “It’s time you get some help. Talk out your issues and pull it together. Whatever you need to do, but you’re not going to subject Bella to this any longer.”
“Subject her? Subject her? What about me? She’s the issue. I never—”
“Finish those words and I’ll have you dropped right here where you stand,” Gio seethes.
Dante
I stop breathing. My brothers and I have been fucked up since we were younger and our mother left us. To have my wife fix her lips to tell this amazing little girl in my arms she never wanted her is like an arrow through the heart.
I would never put my hands on a woman, but I can’t say I don’t have the urge to slap the shit out of Bethany, especially when the alcohol on her breath singes my nostrils.
“You should be careful who you threaten, Gio.”
“I don’t make threats. You don’t even know how close you are to taking your last breath.”
Lizzy’s sister appears behind Bethany at that moment. I don’t question my brother’s words. I learned not to a long time ago. Not to mention, I caught Gio and Lizzy’s sister in a heated conversation earlier that told me this isn’t their first time meeting.
I brushed it off at the time, but now as my brother looks at the gorgeous woman communicating with only her eyes, it’s clear to me there’s a lot here I probably don’t want to know.
“This is your fault,” Bethany snarls in Lizzy’s face.
I expect Lizzy to shrink back. I get ready to snap out of it to defend her, but she shocks me. Bethany goes to slap Lizzy, but Lizzy catches her hand midair.
Nyla grabs Bethany by the back of her hair. “You must have lost your drunk ass mind. I ought to beat your ass for making that baby cry,” she hisses down into Bethany’s face.
“Ny, don’t.” Then in pig Latin Lizzy says. “She’s not worth it.”
Nyla shoves her away. “I’ll see you again soon.”
“You’re all going to regret this. I hope you have someone to look after that brat once you’re gone.”
“Now who’s slinging threats,” Dario snaps. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Beth.”
“You’ve all hated me from the beginning. You think I’m not prepared? I knew you’d turn him against me.”
I scoff. “As if you needed help?”
She bursts into fake tears that put my five-year-old’s tantrums to shame before she storms off. When I gaze around me, embarrassment starts to set in. All eyes are on us.
I turn to head back toward the offices, so I can tend to Bella. Gio places a hand on my shoulder. He leans into my ear.
“That’s a problem.”
“I know. What would you have me do?”
He looks me deep in the eyes before he nods. “Nothing, do nothing.” He kisses the top of Bella’s head. “Uncle Gio will make this better. Promise.”
Chapter 10
Normalcy
Lizzy
The event has wrapped up, and I told my family I’d find a ride home. I wanted to stick around and make sure Bella was okay. She has been upset since her mother stormed out. Not even the magic show could cheer her up.
I knock on the door to the back office. The door swings open to reveal Dario, Gio, and Dante huddled together. Jace peers out at me, then steps back to allow me in.
The three brothers embrace and murmur to one another before breaking apart. The twins tower over Gio, bringing a smile to my face. Gio is larger than life and is such a protector when it comes to these two, so it’s cute to see. One thing I’ve learned about Gio is that he loves these two men fiercely.
“Call me if you need me,” Dario calls over his shoulder as he goes to leave.
Gio pats Dante on the back and moves toward the door. I look over at the couch in the office to find a sleeping Bella. She looks so peaceful.
Gio stops to pull me into a hug as he exits. “We need to talk. Everything is about to change. Now is when I need you,” he whispers in my ear.
I nod my understanding as he releases me. I’ve never fully understood why Gio wanted to hire me. However, I’m always ready for anything. Especially if it means helping this family.
Jace closes the door behind him after everyone leaves. Dante moves to the couch and scoops Bella into his arms, taking the place she had lain.