Hopefully, the nightmares won’t find me tonight. The ones I’ve had since I said yes to Mom. So far, they’ve haunted me every night. But with how exhausted I am, I dare hope.
Outside, snow begins to fall in earnest, ticking against the window like nature’s metronome counting out the seconds of my first night as a full orphan.
Chapter 4
Raffaele
The fork slides between my fingers as I twirl the last bite of pasta. Dinner at the estate always feels like this; a careful balance of power and obligation, business and blood.
The Russo family dining room breathes old money and quiet power. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm light over dark wood paneling, illuminating the faces of my family.
“Earth to Rafe,” Enzo’s voice cuts through my thoughts. “Are you planning to hypnotize that pasta or eat it?”
I bring the fork to my mouth, savoring the rich flavor of the cook’s signature carbonara. “Why? Are you so hungry you’re now wanting the food on my plate?” I snort.
He snorts. “You’re a joy to be around.”
Ignoring him, I continue to push food around my plate while counting down the minutes until I can leave.
There was a time when I enjoyed our family meals. Especially when we’re all here. But for the last six months, nothing has really seemed all that fucking enjoyable to me.
Across from me, Matteo leans back in his chair, his black eyepatch a stark contrast against his pale skin. The scars peeking from beneath it tell a story of fire and vengeance that’s earned him a reputation even more terrifying than mine.
His hand rests protectively on Raven’s shoulder, his thumb tracing absent circles as she shifts uncomfortably.
“These two are doing acrobatics tonight,” she complains, wincing as she adjusts her position.
Her round belly strains against her loose blouse, and despite her complaints, her face glows with a contentment I’ve never seen before. Her pink hair catches the light as she tosses it over her shoulder dramatically.
“Pretty sure they’re practicing their WWE moves using my bladder as a trampoline.”
Matteo’s lips curve into that dangerous half-smile that makes most men reach for their weapons. “Maybe they’re just preparing to face the world,” he says, his fingers brushing a strand of pink hair from her face. “Smart kids.”
“God help us all if they take after their dad,” Enzo drawls, sharing a look with his wife that speaks volumes. “One Matteo is more than enough.”
Piper smiles, the kind of warm, genuine expression I’m still getting used to seeing at our family table. “I don’t know. A mini-Lee might be just as terrifying.”
Even though I know Raven’s first name is Lena, which is why Piper calls her Lee, it still sounds weird when none of us ever use her first name.
“More terrifying,” I correct, raising my glass in Raven’s direction. “At least Matteo’s predictable in his madness.”
“Fudge you very much,” Raven fires back with a grin, her hand settling over Matteo’s. “And for the record, I’m hoping they get my charm and his… something else.”
“Fudge?” I question, quirking an eyebrow. “When the hell did you stop swearing?”
“Heck!” she snaps. “The word is heck when I’m around. And since I found out these two troublemakers have been able to hear me since my sixteenth week of pregnancy.”
Remus smirks. “Raven, you’re six months pregnant and you’ve been swearing every day of those months. Isn’t it too late to—”
“Don’t start with me,” Raven interrupts. “It’s fudge, heck, and whatever else you can come up with. Better late than never, guys.”
Piper’s laughing so hard the glass in her hand shakes to the point it looks like she’s about to spill her wine. “Of all the things you and Matteo are going to end up accidentally teaching your kids, I doubt swearing is the worst sin.”
Laughter ripples around the table. For a second, I feel myself almost laughing with them. Feel the familiar upturn of my lips. But then the darkness bashes it away, leaving me with a grimace that’s nothing more than half a smile.
Even so, having Enzo and Piper here makes the room marginally easier to tolerate. The power couple moved from Washington D.C. three months ago when we learned Raven was carrying twins.
Remus clears his throat, drawing all eyes to the head of the table. As the Don, he commands attention without effort; his presence a gravitational force. “Speaking of chaos,” he says, his gaze settling on me. “How are you planning to handle the Brewer debt, Rafe?”
