ILLICIT DESIRES | 18 +

BONUS (NEW)

HELENA

When I married Antonio, I gained many Brothers.

Donatello, Roman, Valerio, and Marco all treat me like a little sister.

Donatello is very caring. He always makes sure I am all right and defends me when his brothers and I quarrel. When Antonio sends him abroad for business, he even brings little gifts for his nephew and nieces.

Valerio is stoic and monotone, much like Antonio at the beginning of our relationship. He rarely shows his feelings and speaks only when necessary, preferring not to meddle in others' affairs. Yet, I've often caught him smiling while taking care of my children. He is also very protective of me whenever he accompanies me outside.

Marco is exceptionally hygienic. He dislikes dirty clothes and hates anyone touching his belongings — but he makes an exception for me. According to him, my hands are clean, unlike Roman's, whose whereabouts he questions.

Roman, of course, is a snitch. Though he has his own apartment, he lived with us simply to use every opportunity to tease and mock me. Yet, despite the mischief, he has always protected me, even against my husband in serious moments. Our bond feels truly sibling-like, though we share no blood.

I will not abandon these special connections, especially with Roman. A fight with my husband won't make me give up on my brother. Now that he has a wife, I can even return the favor — snitching, subtly, in jest.

But visiting him and his family requires gumption. Antonio is far from naive; deceiving him takes skill. That's why I leave the tricky part to Marco, though he, too, hesitates. He worries Roman might be detrimental, but I know better. Roman's eyes tell the truth — they look at me the same way they look at Mia, though with a hint of annoyance because of my big mouth.

Yet, he will not get rid of it anytime soon. I know it.

Rita invited me last week, and today I finally intend to visit. Marco is taking care of Antonio, so I pace in front of the office, my heart fluttering in anticipation.

Alana is in my arms, her gray eyes curiously wandering. I smile at her. "We're going to visit Ilaria. Excited?" I whisper carefully — Antonio has an ear like a hawk.

My baby only smiles and drools. Chuckling, I wipe her tiny chin with the small towel I always carry. The door opens, and Marco finally emerges.

"And? Can we go?" I ask eagerly, excitement bubbling, as Marco closes the door behind him.

He nods.

"Really?" I chirp, bouncing lightly on my heels and brushing a stray strand of hair behind my ear. "What exactly did you tell him?"

"That I'm dropping you off at Roman's mansion for tea with his wife," he says, smiling faintly, his fingers fiddling with the edge of his coat.

"Really? And he agreed?" I frown, suspicion creasing my brow, lips pursed in doubt as I tilt my head, addled. Did they rekindle without my knowledge?

"Of course. He even suggested stopping at a bakery to buy biscuits — because Roman loves them," Marco adds, glancing sideways with a playful glint in his eye. The thought makes me laugh softly, the sound mingling with the chirping of birds outside.

"But... Roman doesn't like biscuits. Are you sure?" I ask, puzzled, while Alana squirms gently in my arms.

"Of course not!" Marco groans, running a hand through his hair with exaggerated frustration. "I told him you wanted biscuits and tea at a nearby bakery."

I smile.

"He can never say no when I want to drive around for food," I chuckle, patting his shoulder as the sunlight warms my face. "A brilliant little lie. Well done."