So far, Alessio has kept that promise, but I’ve already made it clear that if he ever needed me, all he has to do is ask. I’m not as sharp or fast as I used to be, but I’ve never allowed my training to slack. If danger ever comes, I’m going to be ready to defend my family, no matter what.
“Rori, did you say Lane and the others might show up?” Gia calls out.
The tension doesn’t come like it used to, but it still lingers at the mention of our final additions to the group. The relationship is new, and mostly at the insistence of Amara wanting to be close to her sister, but with Lane finally hanging up her assassin knives after a couple of decades, it’s made things easier.
I nod. “They said they’ll try to get in by the end of the week. Zakhar and his wife just had their newest baby and they’re waiting for doctor approval to fly.”
“Jesus Christ, another one?” Alonzo groans as he makes his way over. “That’s like, what ten?”
“That’s their fifth,” I correct with an exasperated look.
“Feels like fucking ten. He needs to get the hell off her,” he mutters, pulling me into him.
“Didn’t Mila just have another baby too?” Massimo asks as he and Lazaro come over. Zeno has made his way over to the football game, unwilling to miss out.
“Yeah, her third,” I say with a grin. I wasn’t sure we would stay in touch after everything, but damn, I’m glad we did. That was a whirlwind. It helps that I had some inside information on her husband, of course, but I’m just glad they’re both so happy. “A girl this time.”
“Weird as shit that Zakhar is a grandfather and still having kids of his own,” Alonzo points out. “What the hell do they call each other?” I roll my eyes, but he has a point. Sometimes it still messes with my head, but they’re all happy, so who am I to judge?
“Shit, that means if they’re all coming, they’re bringing that damn wolf and panther, aren’t they?” Nico bites out.
“Not this time, but Oleg told me to tell you that’s only because he doesn’t want to see your kids cry again that you won’t let them have one.”
Nico gives me a cold stare. “He lets his own kids ride those fucking things like horses. I don’t need mine getting any more ideas.”
I roll my eyes, but I get his point. I’ve been very clear with my two that the only pets they’re allowed to have are dogs. Even if I secretly really want a wolf pup to train. A panther is cool too, but cats aren’t my thing. Maybe some day when the kids are all grown up and out of the house.
Alonzo must realize where my head is at because he narrows his eyes at me in warning. As if that’s going to work. I just give him a sweet smile and pat his arm. I like keeping him on his toes.
“I’ll get the staff to make up the guest houses for them,” Sienna offers. Then she grins. “But I’ll warn Signora Francesca they don’t have the animals with them this time. Might save off all the cursing.”
I laugh. “Yeah, good idea.”
“Hey, Uncle Boo Bear, are you going to come and play?” Luca suddenly calls out, drawing our attention.
“I really am going to shoot you,” Nico mutters to Alessio.
“Boo Bear, you’ve been promising that for years. First you rejected the cock ring idea, then the ceremony, and you named your kid after me. I’m getting mixed signals.Fuck!” he yells as he goes flying into the pool. He comes up sputtering and glaring at Nico, who smirks and walks towards the kids.
“Papa!” Gemma squeals happily, paddling over to him. “Toss us. Toss us!” The other girls in the pool all swim his way. It’s their favorite game.
“These are the times I think about having another one.” Sienna sighs dreamily, watching him toss the kids over and over again into the pool, grinning.
“No, you fucking don’t.” I laugh. “You puked your entire pregnancy with her.”
Sienna cringes. “Right, never mind. I’ll just get my baby fix when Mila and Roan get here.” She heads for the water, and soon everyone disperses, leaving me with Alonzo, who grins at me.
“You sure you don’t want another one,orsetta?” he teases. Then he leans down, his eyes darkening with desire. “You drained me dry earlier if you recall.”
“And push out another one of your giant-ass babies? Forget it.” But I give him a wicked grin. “But I wouldn’t say no to us sneaking away for another quickie. I haven’t reached my orgasm quota for the day. We can call it pretend baby making practice.”
I let out a shrieking laugh as he hauls me over his shoulder and sprints toward the house.
THE END
