Filed to story: Bound by Honor (Aria & Luca) Drama Story
“Life changes with kids, but you’ll discover new things, and raising a baby doesn’t mean you won’t still have time to do the things you love. It just requires more planning. Give it time.”
Give it time was advice Aria had given me repeatedly. Unfortunately, I wasn’t the most patient person but since becoming pregnant I’d learned patience.
Lily watched me nurse Isa for a while before saying, “I really love seeing you like this.”
I gave Lily a tired smile. “Don’t get used to it. After Isa, we’ll make sure there won’t be another one.”
Lily laughed. “I wouldn’t mind four or five of these little ones.”
My eyes grew wide. “Good luck with that.”
Matteo
“So, how do you feel as a first-time dad?” Romero asked me as he led me into the garage.
I let out a low whistle when I spotted his new car, an ancient Chevrolet that would need plenty of attention before it could grace the road with its presence.
“I don’t really feel different, just like old Matteo with more responsibility.”
Romero chuckled. “Holding your child for the first time and realizing you’re responsible for their upbringing makes you grow up in seconds.”
“You were always the responsible type. And I don’t really feel any more grown-up or sensible than before.”
Romero opened the car, showing me the barren inside. No seats or steering wheel.
“I hope you got this as a gift.” I’d never been a fan of vintage cars. I loved to have the newest gimmicks.
“This is a rare piece. I would have paid double just to get my hands on it.”
“So you think you still have time for such a big project besides work, two kids, and a wife?”
Romero shrugged. “I sleep less and I don’t party anymore. The time I wasted on nursing hangovers in the past is now dedicated to other things.”
“Could you sound any more straitlaced?”
“After all the shit we see and do in our job, I enjoy the boring, ordinary side of my home life.”
I shook my head. “Speak for yourself. I still love the thrill.” My phone rang and Luca’s name flashed across the screen. I took the call.
“We got our hands on two new recruits from Tartarus. I thought I’d ask if you feel like getting your hands dirty.”
My smile widened. “Do you even have to ask?”
“Maybe you’re still stuck in the baby bubble. Don’t want Gianna to get her panties in a bunch.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be there in a bit. Where?”
“Warehouse 2.”
I hung up.
Romero scanned my face. “That’s your torture prelude face.”
“Luca got a job for me. You interested in getting your hands on some bikers?”
“I have to pay a visit to one of our bars. And you probably need me to take Gianna home later, right?”
I nodded. “Yeah, probably. I’ll see what she says.”
I headed back into the house. Lily and Gianna were still on the couch, drinking coffee. Isa slept beside Gianna, her arms stretched out over her head. Gianna looked up, scanning my face with narrowed eyes. “What’s up?”
“Luca called and asked if I could help him.”
“From the eager look in your eyes, I’m guessing it involves plenty of blood.”
“It might.” It most definitely would. I hadn’t been involved in the business for almost two weeks and felt itchy to return.
Gianna shrugged, touching Isa’s chest lightly. “We’re good here. I’m sure Romero will give me a lift later. Go have fun.”
I leaned down and gave her a lingering kiss. I waved at Liliana, then said a quick goodbye to Romero before I raced off in my car. My pulse began to quicken. For some reason this felt like the beginning, when the prospect of torture and danger still kept my blood pounding for a long time.
When I pulled up in front of our warehouse, I was whistling and eager like a teenage boy before his first fuck.