Jordan, the well-known painter, had always desired to have children. What happens when she encounters a set of twins that completely change her life?
Giovanni Milani, the leader of the most powerful mafia in the country. What happens when Jordan an...
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"Nico—I'm sorry." I apologized for the hundredth time. He took a seat in the chair next to me as we were outside on my sister, Valentina's patio. We've been avoiding each other all day until now. Since Jordan's car accident and everything else that followed, I haven't returned his calls or texts. Although I wasn't intentionally doing it since I was constantly taking care of the twins or supporting Jordan, it is my fault that I haven't been returning his messages.
"Your not." Nico coldly responded as he crossed his arms over his chest like an upset teenage kid that got his game console taken away because he disrespected his parents.
"I am." I spoke genuinely, sensing how disgruntled he was. I combed my hand through my grown out hair as I've neglected to get it cut since everything has happened.
"I just wanted to make sure you were okay." He reminded me, causing me to feel ten times worse than what I already feel.
"I know." I brushed my face as I sighed—disappointed in myself.
"I just missed il mio fratello maggiore [my big brother]." He uttered beneath his breath although it was loud enough for me to hear. Each word sent a dagger to my heart at how almost neglectful I've been when it came to Nico. I've forgotten how much he needs me. I promise myself from here on out that I will do better. Everything has just been happening so fast since I've met Jordan and the girls and my life has changed so drastically, I really haven't been able to catch up.
"I miss you too, il mio fratellino [my little brother]."
"Haven't acted like it." He quickly shot back.
I side eyed him in disbelief, "I'm trying to find a balance. A lot of shit has happened you know?" I raised my voice a bit higher as it got more stern. The Don in me quickly made a brief appearance as it's been awhile since I've felt so disrespected despite everything.
Nico's confident demeanor immediately deflated at the inflection of my voice and the anger he exuded quickly dissipated. I didn't mean to speak so harshly, I'm just stressed and he knows that. Nevertheless, I knew I shouldn't have spoken to him that way. I could see how much it affected him as I never speak to him like that. I could tell from the way his shoulders dropped that he was going back into his shell and I hated when he did that. One minute he could be the most confident man you've seen and the next minute he would turn right back into the mute teenage boy I found on the streets of North Italy.
I closed my eyes—again disappointed in myself. "I'm sorry." I apologized again.
Nico was silent.
"Nico." I pleaded. I knew what he was trying to do at that moment and I did not want him to go mute again.
Before he could respond, the sliding doors to the patio opened, momentarily interrupting us. "Is everything okay out here?" Mattia reluctantly asked, noticing the tense atmosphere between Nico and I.
