“Hungry,” she answered.
“Me too. We should make Matteo buy us food.”
I chuckled. “She wants Giorgio’s.”
“Perfect. Me too.”
We left the hospital, and Frank met us with my SUV. After getting Bianca inside, Alessio vowed to get the pizza for us.
My phone buzzed. I looked at the message from Alessandro.
Alessandro: I got us an earlier flight instead of us separating with Trent and Ryder. We’re leaving. I love you. Please be safe. Call me if you need me. I will come back for you.
I smiled at his words. I never thought I’d have my family back, and perhaps I’d lost half of them, but I still had my boys.
Matteo: I love you. I am proud of you. Take care of Rosalie and your brother. Call me when you get to Colorado, so I know you’re safe.
Alessandro: I will. Talk soon.
We drove in silence the entire way home, and I knew the next step I had to take. Sylar had told me months ago to do it, and now was the time.
When we got to my estate, I helped Bianca out and led her to the elevator, then to her room. She snuggled into her bed immediately, her eyes half-mast.
“I’ll let you rest. We can eat when Alessio returns.”
“Mmhmm,” she mumbled, her eyes closed.
I left her and went to my room, where I stripped my clothes off and showered.
I stood beneath the warm spray and let it soothe my tired, sore muscles for a long time before I got out and toweled off. I returned to my room and sank onto my bed naked before I lay back. It was immediate.
I was too tired to fight it, so I closed my eyes and took the rest I desperately needed.
I wokelate into the evening. I blinked in confusion as I sat up and looked at my watch.
It was almost eight at night.
“Damnit,” I muttered, sliding across the bed. I hadn’t intended to sleep that long. Granted, I’d needed it, but Bianca had been hungry hours and hours ago. I winced at thinking I’d let her down, and she was likely starving in her room.
She did have a stocked kitchenette in there, but she asked for pizza, and I’d made a promise.
Quickly, I went downstairs and saw a note from Alessio on the kitchen island.
Teo,
You looked peaceful. I didn’t want to disturb you. Bianca slept as well. I am taking the evening off. Hopefully, you do too. Pizza is in the fridge. Frank took two slices. He called it a cousin tax. I punched him in the balls. I called it the best friend tax. You’re welcome.
Sio
I chuckled at Alessio’s note and went to the fridge. My phone buzzed, and I pulled it out of my pocket before answering.
“Matteo,” Sylar’s voice greeted me.
I closed the fridge and took a seat at the island.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“I will be there in a few. We should talk.” He disconnected the call, and I sighed.
