Pulling out my phone, I send the twins a text with very simple instructions, grateful that neither of them question the why of things, simply agreeing to do as I ask. If only our Bel Fiore was so well behaved. No matter, I get to use skills I haven’t in a long time, or ever, so this should be fun. For me and the twins, but not for Antonio.
Roman catches my attention and signs, “You have a slightly evil grin on your face.”
“Do I?” His attention only amuses me further, causing Roman to squirm a little. The boy may not be wholly submissive, but he’s enough of a pleaser that the tension in the air is getting to him.
By the time we get the notification that Marcus and Antonio are here, the tension in the office is heavy and thick, though at least Hollis’s typing has slowed some as he got himself under control. It’s a situation I’m going to have to monitor, though. With Tennant out, and Roman primarily focused on Carter’s recovery, Hollis is slipping back into dangerous work habits. It hasn’t even been two full days yet since Tennant left to deal with Cristian.
Glancing at Lio, who watches Hollis carefully before leading the way out of the office, I reconsider my plan…maybe some attention from the puppy will help settle Hollis’s ever-racing thoughts. Something to ponder after I remind my Boy where he belongs.
Roman and Lio lead Keegan, Benjamin, and me into the foyer to wait, and I’m happy to see Roman walking, albeit slowly and carefully, having just gotten his cast off. Seeing proof of his healing eases some of my stress, which, of course, my Bel Fiore just added to…
A thrill fills me when the front door opens and a dejected looking Marcus and Antonio walk through it.
Relief washes over my nerve endings as I lay eyes on my Boy, taking him in from head to toe, making sure he really is in one piece.
“I think I speak for all of us when I say how disappointed and upset we are over what you two did,” Lio says carefully.
They keep their heads bowed, eyes on the floor, as Lio speaks, though I can see the way Antonio stiffens as he listens to his Boss. I worry for him, as I know this can’t be easy, not with the history he has—that they all have—with Il Padrone and his methods. It’s a good thing Lio willingly gave up control to me and Keegan.
“You’ll be punished,” Lio tells them slowly. “But I’m leaving it up to your Doms to decide how.” Marcus seems to wince, while Antonio somehow curls into himself, becoming a smaller target.
I frown as I watch him, concern filling me right alongside the still-burning need to put him in his place.Fucking Il Padrone.He broke my Boy to the point I’m going to have to be more careful than I would prefer for this severe of an infraction. But, unlike him, I don’t want to damage my Boy.
“Antonio, you will also pay for the trackers you took from Hollis. I hope you don’t have any shopping plans in the near-future, because they’re not cheap.”
I have everyone’s financial status memorized already, so I know that while expensive, it’s not going to decimate my Bel Fiore, but it will put a nice dent into his savings.
“Yes, Boss.” I can barely hear Antonio’s agreement, his voice contrite enough that paired with his still-downturned head, it makes it difficult for me.
I grimace at the reminder that, as accommodating as everyone’s been, we still need to solve the issue of a permanent interpreter. I can’t keep relying on my lovers, though none of them would ever complain about it. Still, being an inconvenienceis something I’m familiar with, and it is not an easy pill for me to swallow.
Donovan agreed to teach Antonio and the twins ASL, with his brothers stepping in to help as needed. I hate being unable to do that for them, but I know I would be a terrible teacher. Though, of course, I’ll be the one they practice on.
“This isn’t how we do things. We have a Council for a reason, to make sure everyone is on the same page, and people are safe. Be very glad Hollis is good at his job, and that he’s not charging you interest for stealing from him. Dismissed.”
Lio’s authority comes off well, and even when Marcus and Antonio disperse from standing in front of him and Roman, their deference to the two Bosses is there.
“Upstairs, Tease,” Keegan orders. He looks to Lio. “Would you mind checking in on Cole in a while?”
“Of course not,” Lio reassures him.
Keegan follows his Boy, and I look to Roman as mine stands quietly at my side. “Anything else you need from me?”
“No. Check in when you’re finished, but don’t worry about me or Hol. We’ll be fine.”
I don’t hesitate to pull Roman in and kiss him, enjoying the way he moans at the roughness of my touch, and how he allows me to take what I want. When I pull back, Roman smiles sweetly at me.
“Don’t worry,” he signs. “I’ll take care of Hol.”
I give him one last kiss before pulling away, ordering Antonio to follow me up the stairs.
The tension between us is thick as we head to the bedroom he shares with the twins. The room I’ve started to think of asours, since I’ve been sleeping with them more often than not.
Upon entering, I stare at the sight before us for a moment, pride filling me when I see Nicolo and Nario are exactly as I asked them to be.
“What very good and pretty Boys I have,” I praise them. Turning to Antonio, I order, “Prep them. Don’t touch more than you need to.”
His cheeks flush as he meets my eyes and nods, before saying, “Yes, Sir.”
