I nod, and as I look into her eyes, she bursts out in tears and hurries toward me. I wrap my arms around her and let her cry. Not wanting to burden her mentally, I lie. “I made it quick.”
She nods as she grips me tighter.
I might not understand why she loved Will, but it doesn’t change the fact that she did.
I hold her for a minute longer before pulling away and saying, “I want to check on the kids.”
Taking the stairs up to the second floor, I hear Valentina behind me, and when I gently push the door open, light falls into the bedroom from the hallway.
Asher quickly sits up as I walk to the side of the double bed. Talia is already lights out.
When I crouch beside the bed, Asher moves closer and whispers, “Is my dad gone?”
I stare into his black eyes. Honestly, the kid is my spitting image.
Deciding not to lie to him, I answer, “Yes, and he won’t come back. From now on, Uncle Remo and I will take care of you.”
Asher’s eyes begin to sparkle with unshed tears. His jaw clenches as he fights not to cry.
I lift my arm and wrap my fingers around the back of his neck. Pressing my forehead to his, I say, “You don’t have to be strong yet, little man. It’s okay to cry. I’ll watch over you until it’s time for you to become a man.”
His arms dart around my neck, and he lets out a sob that delivers a punch to my heart. “I didn’t know what to do when he was strangling Mommy.”
“That’s why I came.” I rub my hand up and down his back. “And I will always come to help, Asher. I love you and Talia and will do everything in my power to keep you safe.”
“I love you too, Uncle Christiano,” he says, while his tears lessen.
“Get some sleep,” I say as I move him into a comfortable position. I press a kiss to his forehead, then straighten up. “Whenever you need to talk to me, just tell your mom to call me. Okay?”
“Can I call at any time?” he asks as he snuggles into the pillow.
“Yes.”
As I leave the bedroom, Valentina tucks Asher in. I take the stairs down, and when I reach the living room, Remo asks, “Do you want a drink?”
I shake my head. “I’m leaving.” I give him a grateful look. “Thank you for taking care of Valentina and the kids.”
“No thanks needed.” His eyes flick to the stairs as my sister comes down them, and his expression softens. “You know I’ll do anything for Valentina.”
I hope with all my heart that she can learn to love Remo.
I pat my best friend’s shoulder, then glance at Mom and Valentina. “Night. I’ll check in with you tomorrow.”
Leaving Remo’s place, I say goodbye to Dad and Uncle Angelo before I head to the SUV.
When Nico starts the engine, I can’t keep the exhaustion from my tone as I say, “Sienna’s apartment. After dropping me off, go to my place and pack me a bag. You can leave it with Ciro.”
“Okay.”
I lean my head back and close my eyes, my bones feeling like they weigh a ton.
I just want to hold my woman and smell her comforting scent.
Chapter 18
Sienna
I jerk awake, and because of the extra medication I took to help me cope with the taxing day I’ve had, my mind is cloudy.
