For three blissful months, the Falcone family enjoyed a period of complete peace. During this time, Remo proposed to Serafina, and Nino and Hope grew closer. Everything seemed perfect, but the tranquility was short-lived. Emerging threats began to s...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
We had just arrived at the Falcone mansion. It was early in the morning, and an eerie silence hung in the air. I assumed everyone else was still asleep. Nino carried the luggage, insisting that I didn't do any of the work.
He had been incredibly protective since the incident when someone shot at me. Nino wouldn't let me go anywhere alone and was constantly on guard, his eyes always scanning our surroundings for any potential threats. His vigilance was both reassuring and a reminder of the danger that still loomed over us.
Nino's hands were full, so I picked up one of the lighter bags. He immediately protested.
"Hope, your hand is still hurt. I'll just come back for the rest."
"Nino, I'm not disabled. My left hand works perfectly fine. Besides, when have I ever listened to instructions?" I stuck my tongue out and rushed into the mansion.
Not paying attention to where I was going, I rammed into something solid. I was about to lose my balance and fall when a strong arm stabilized me. I looked up to see Remo, who stared down at me with a stern expression before snatching the bag I was carrying.
"Aren't you supposed to be resting?" he asked. By then, Nino had caught up and was smirking.
"Well, you should've just let me carry it for you."
I pouted. "It's not fair! You two are ganging up on me. My left hand can still lift things."
"Well, too bad. You won't be doing that until you're completely recovered," Remo stated firmly.
Nino handed another bag to Remo, and before I could react, he tossed me over his shoulder. I let out a tiny yelp of surprise.
"Put me down, Nino!" I protested, squirming in his grasp.
"Not a chance," he replied, his tone light but firm. "You need to rest, and I'm making sure you do."
Remo chuckled, carrying the bags effortlessly as he followed us inside. "You should know by now that arguing with Nino is pointless, Hope."
I sighed, resigning myself to my fate. "Fine, but only because I don't want to cause a scene."
Nino grinned, clearly pleased with his victory. He carried me through the grand foyer of the mansion, navigating the halls with ease. He set me down on my feet once we entered our room.
Remo left the bags in the corner alongside Nino's.
"Get some rest. I'm sure Serafina and the kids won't leave you alone once they're up," Remo added before walking out and shutting the door behind him.
I shrugged off my jacket and tossed it onto a chair. Turning around, I found myself face-to-face with Nino's chest. I looked up, confused. He traced his nose from my neck up to my forehead, resting it against mine.
"Should I make sure you follow instructions?" he growled, his voice a blend of playful and teasing.
I gulped, feeling the sexual tension in the room spike.
I stood frozen, my breath hitching as Nino's eyes locked onto mine, filled with a mix of concern and desire.
"You know," he murmured, his voice low, "you drive me crazy when you don't listen."
I felt a shiver run down my spine. "Nino, I'm fine," I whispered, but even I could hear the doubt in my voice.
He shook his head slightly, his forehead still pressed against mine. "You're not fine until I say you are," he insisted, his tone softening as he pulled me closer. "I can't stand the thought of something happening to you."
I placed a hand on his chest, feeling the steady thump of his heart beneath my palm. "Nino, I know you're worried, but I'm stronger than you think."
He sighed, his breath warm against my skin. "I know you are. But that doesn't mean you have to face everything alone."
Before I could respond, he captured my lips in a tender yet demanding kiss. It was a kiss that spoke volumes about his need to protect me, to be there for me in every way possible. I melted into him, the tension between us dissolving into a deeper connection.
When we finally pulled apart, I rested my head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. "Just promise me you'll take it easy for a while," he said softly, stroking my hair.
I nodded, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. "I promise."
With that, Nino guided me to the bed and tucked me in, his protective nature making me smile. As he sat beside me, I couldn't help but feel grateful for his unwavering support and love. For the first time in a while, I felt safe.
"Aren't you going to join me?" I asked, looking up at him.
"Hope, you're still recovering. We can't do anything that might hurt your shoulder," Nino replied, his worry evident.
"Just to cuddle. I promise no teasing," I said, playfully placing my hand over my heart as if taking an oath. He chuckled, then slipped under the covers, pulling me close.
The warmth of his embrace and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat soothed me. "See? This is all I wanted," I murmured, snuggling into him.
He kissed the top of my head. "I know. Just rest now. I'll be here when you wake up."
With Nino holding me, I felt safe and content, finally able to relax. I slowly drifted off into a deep sleep.
