“We'll be here every step of the way.”
“Thank you.”
Cole comes up to me, shoving things into my hands. “No more sad,” he says.
Looking at his offerings—a half eaten granola bar, a block, and one of his favorite stuffies—I can't help but smile.
Looking into his eyes, I hold the items close. “Thank you. This helps, no more sad.”
He grins and throws his arms around me, hugging me tight before pressing a sticky kiss to my cheek.
When he pulls away, Keegan says, “That was very nice, Cole. Can Daddy and I get hugs, too?”
“No!” he says, cackling as he goes back to minding his own business.
The three of us laugh. Kids… so uniquely them, and unashamed of it. It's part of the reason I wanted to have one with Cristian, but…that dream was crushed along with my heart.
This, the family I have with Roman…the one I'm building with Marcus, Keegan, and Cole will have to be enough.
Itisenough.
“I'll be okay,” I repeat.
“Yes, you will,” Keegan tells me. “You're stronger than you were left to believe. And he'll see it, we'll make him.”
Yes, yes we will.
Cristian seems to have forgotten that while I may choose my battles carefully, it doesn't mean I don't know how to fight.
I’m about dead on my feet when I drag myself to the medical suite. It’s been chaotic setting up a new household, especially when we essentially have three Families together. I hope Emilio, Carter, and Roman can figure shit out. And I really fucking hope someone can get Lio to tell me what’s going on. Something isn’t right with him, and it feels like more than just walking away from Il Padrone… I haven’t seen him like this since he first came back after Peter had him.
Oomph. I collide hard with Dr. Ranlen, and blink several times when Tennant grabs my arms to steady me. Blushing, I quickly mutter, “Sorry.”
“Careful, Topolino,” Tennant murmurs in my ear, sending delicious shivers through me.
Dr. Ranlen rolls her eyes at me, and proceeds to check Roman over. The suite is much smaller than what we had,simply because there hasn’t been time to extend it. At least, it’s fully stocked, thanks to Doc.
“I came to check on the patients. Also, Lio would like to still do family meals, so everyone can be on the same page—that’s a request, not an edict. He also wants to know if Roman would be up to a meeting after dinner. He’d like to have all three Bosses meet up to start planning.”
I rub my temples as my head throbs from pain. My movement catches Dr. Ranlen’s attention, who frowns at me.
“Sit down,” she snaps, but Tennant is already dragging me over to a chair beside Roman’s bedside. Grumbling, she rushes around before coming back with two pills and a bottle of water. “Take it. They’re only over-the-counter pain relievers, but I can see your headache from here. So could a fucking astronaut from space. Make sure to drink that entire bottle of water. You need to make sure you’re hydrated, if I can’t get you to rest. The last thing we need is yet another patient.”
Cringing, I follow her instructions. I know she’s right, but I’m so fucking busy. I guzzle the water, surprised when I realize how thirsty I am. By the time I finish my bottle, Tennant is pressing another one into my hand.
“Thanks, Nocciola.” I tug him down so I can give him a quick kiss. It was meant to be quick, at least. He takes control immediately, his tongue demanding access, and I melt into him, submitting completely. My cock hardens, and I shift in my seat as he brushes his hand over my thigh.
The moment is broken at Roman’s snort. I blush as I pull away, carefully avoiding Sarah and Roman’s gaze. Roman merely laughs, although it trails off into a moan of pain that has me jumping out of the chair to check him over.
“Sit. Down.” Sarah points her finger at me. Her sharp command has me sinking back into the chair as she carefully examines Roman. “It’s not time for your medication yet. You’vedone too much lately. Rest. You’ll need to eat dinner here, and if you’re going to have a meeting with Lio and Carter, I’d prefer if they came to you.”
“I can have dinner with you if it’ll help,” I immediately volunteer.
Roman’s jaw drops as he stares at me. I bite my lip, uncomfortable with his expression. “Uh, sure. I mean, don’t you want to be with Lio, though?”
“You’re important, too,” I tsk, smoothing out imaginary wrinkles on my pants as I lower my eyes.
“I feel like I’m missing something here,” Roman murmurs, and my cheeks heat in embarrassment. “And that look confirms it. Out with it, Topolino.”
