His Bambina

Chapter 12

The day went amazing. Vincenzo took me on a walk around the city before we stopped for a late picnic. The park was beautiful, and it almost felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. Then we took a drive, as he showed me some of his favorite places he used to visit as a child. Finally, we decided to head home to cuddle and watch a movie.
"Can we bake some brownies?" I skip to Vincenzo after changing into one of his t-shirts and some sweats he bought me last week.
"Sure thing baby, let me grab the things for them and we can start." We begin mixing the ingredients, sometimes forgetting about the unfinished dessert as we slow danced in the kitchen.
Finally Vincenzo finishes mixing in the dry ingredients and I watch him as his muscles flex under his tight t-shirt he changed into. I don't think I could ever get tired of looking at him.
"You like what you see?" His shit eating smirk tells me he's got a big head and I shouldn't boost his ego anymore.
"Eh," I shrug, and scrunch up my face just to make the point across.
"Why you..." His hands instantly dart to my sides and my laughs and pleading cries for help fill the kitchen.
Someone clears their throat making me tense up and Vincenzo grunts in displeasure. Amelia and Nico by the fridge awkwardly. We haven't been able to fully talk about things between Vincenzo and I, and I know they're doubting my choice to be with him.
"Hey guys..." Vincenzo's phone rings and he mumble a few curse words, I'm assuming, in Italian.
"I have to take this... you got the brownies?" They just need to be poured into the baking sheet, so I nod, and he leaves quickly.
  "So, you and Mr. Hotty Boss Pants?" Amelia wiggled her eyebrows trying to be supportive, which is one thing I love about her.
"Yeah..." We both giggle and she washes her hands offering to help me finish and clean up.
"Is he forcing you?" I look at Nicolas in shock, but his eyes stay glued at the floor, with his fists clenching at his side, "Because if he is using this business deal as blackmail over your head, you don't have to do this. We could start the protection business we planned on and train hard. We can take care of our family ourselves."
"Nico..." I place a hand on his shoulder, which makes him finally look up at me, "I love you for taking care of me, but I'm not being forced to do anything here. We've gotten to know each other, and he asked me to give him a chance, so I have. He's not that bad of a guy as he seems."
It's almost as if Nico flinches with sadness, but he quickly covers it up. What's his problem?
"Well even if he's not as bad as he seems, his people are jerks, so I don't trust them." Nicolas pouts and Amelia shrugs slightly in agreement with his words.
"They're not all that bad... Hey, how about once these brownies finish, we have a game night with some of his family?"
Amelia looks at Nicolas for his opinion on the subject. Even if she tries to act independent, she's always looking for Nicolas to stand by her in her decisions. I look at Nicolas, pleadingly, "Please? I promise it'll be fun. We're going to be here for a while so we might as well try to get along."
He sighs and finally agrees, making me want to jump up and down in excitement.

Laughter echoes through the theater room. Stephano, Tony, and Fabiano race each other in some video game as another girl comments on their mistakes. Tony's girlfriend Gabriella doesn't seem to be here which both surprises and relieves me. Tonight will be a fun night... hopefully. Amelia carries the napkins and bowls, and Nico begrudgingly follows with snacks in his hands.
"Oh, hi! I'm Emily, we haven't gotten the chance to officially meet." The girl bounces from her seat next to Fabiano and brings me in for a tight hug. Her long, brown hair is held high in a ponytail, and her bangs hang beautifully on her face.
"Chill sis you'll scare them off," she elbows Fabiano telling him to shut it but laughs.
"The brownies smell delicious Aria," Sergio waltzes in wearing a plain white shirt and some grey sweats. It's the most casual I've seen him yet. His attention isn't on the brownies for long as his eyes find Amelia's, "Nice to meet you all."
"No way... brownies!?" Sergio tears his eyes away from Amelia slowly as Tony swoops in for a brownie.
Amelia not-so-subtly fans her face mouthing an 'oh my god' making me laugh. Nico grunts and takes a seat on the couch. He really isn't excited about being here, but I'm glad he's making the effort to support me. Speaking of, where's Vincenzo? It's not until everyone is settled, do I find Vincenzo by the mini bar whispering to someone on the phone.
I admire him from a far as he paces before approaching him. Once he sees me it's like he's broken out of his zone. He mumbles a goodbye then embraces me with open arms.
"We're about to get started with a Mario Kart tournament. Care to join?"
He shrugs with a big sigh, "How about I watch."
It's more a statement than a question. Figures as much, I didn't expect him to really join in and loosen up tonight. At least he got everyone here.
"Only having beer tonight, hope that's cool with you guys," Tony starts handing out beers. I normally wouldn't pass up the chance, but feeling Vincenzo towering over me I decide to try to sneak one another night. What? I don't always have to be a goody-two-shoes for Daddy.
Vincenzo leans down nibbling on my ear, "Good girl." He gives my ass a subtle squeeze making me blush and grabs a beer for himself. No fair...

"No! I almost had him!" I jump up in my chair from the anticipation. Tony only sticks his tongue out at me and Stephano pushes him down claiming Tony's ego has grown too much from this tournament.  
I pout to Vincenzo, "I was gonna win..."
He pecks my pouty lips with a smile, "I know baby, maybe next time." I think the three beers have really helped him be less tense tonight, well only a little but I'll take what I can get.
"Truth or dare anyone?"
"Gah, Tony, you're such a child," Stephano teases, but follows Tony to sit in the circle. I pull a reluctant Vincenzo to sit next to me. Sergio takes the spot next to Amelia making her blush. I don't think I've seen her act this way in front of a guy before. Usually she's full of confidence and has problem showing the boys who's boss.  
"All right we'll spin the bottle to choose turns. I'll start," He spins the bottle and it lands on Nico, "Truth or dare buddy?"