The Mirage

Ch. 10 "Women in the mob"

"I'm ready to shower." Luca said walking in the room.

"Okay baby." Gemma got up and grabbed a towel from the hall closet. She turned on the water as Luca undressed. She didn't really need to help him, he just liked to talk to Gemma about anything as he showered. Occasionally she had to give him a bath if he was really dirty but she never minded. Gemma turned off the water and opened the towel for Luca. The towel dragged on the floor as they walked to his room. He stepped into his new boxers and hopped in bed. "I love you mommy." He said and gave her a peck on the lips.

"I love you too baby. If you wake up tonight you can come into my room." Luca nodded and turned over in bed. Gemma grabbed the towel and turned out the light. She got another towel and discarded her clothes stepping in the shower. She was finished and looked for a brush in the drawer of the sink. She brushed her hair and walked to the room. She grabbed a new pair of panties and the graphic tee and slipped into them. She walked to the kitchen throwing away the tags and getting a bottle of water. She turned around to see Nico on the other side of the counter.

"What are you doing?" He said walking over to her.

"Getting ready for bed."

"Those women were jealous of you. They didn't like that I bought everything for you."

"Well I'm not a big fan of th-" She was cut off by his lips crashing into hers. His comment was unexpected but his actions were even more unexpected. Gemma kissed back and wrapped her arms around his neck. Nico was aggressive, annoyed that Gemma always had to say something even if he was helping or being nice. Nico lifted her to the counter and kissing to her ear.

"Why do you always talk back?" He growled nipping the skin below her ear. He pulled away from her. He had never lost control like that. He was frustrated with himself and her. "Go to bed." He demanded. Gemma rolled her eyes and slid off the counter walking up the stairs. 'He's so bi-polar' she though but she liked that he was rough and unexpected. She had never done anything like that before. Nico shook his head knowing he shouldn't have done that.

* * * *

Nico woke up to the smell of eggs. He walked down to find Gemma standing and Luca sitting at the bar stool. Gemma smiled looking behind Luca. "Good morning. Would you like some coffee?" Nico nodded as she filled up another cup setting it next to Luca.

"Morning." Luca said as he finished his plate. He hopped down and went upstairs to put clothes on.

"Why are you guys up?"

"Well to be at the hotel by nine we should leave by eight-thirty and it's eight o'clock right now." Gemma replied cleaning the plates. She turned back to find Nico looking where her butt was. She shook her head and walked out of the kitchen. Pulling on her jeans and a nice button up seems to fit as Renzo and his men always wore suits. Sliding on the booted heel was not Gemma's favorite idea but she didn't buy any flats. Walking into the bathroom she found a new tooth bush and pulled one down for Luca who walked in. She pulled half her hair back into a bun and let the rest of her wavy curls fall how they pleased. Spraying the perfume on and slipping her wallet and phone into her pocket she walked down to see Nico in a black suit with keys in hand.

* * * *

In Renzo's office Gemma looked around blankly. Renzo and Nico were talking behind the desk and Nico pounded his first on the desk.

"You even said women don't belong in the mob! You can't even protect her!" He whisper yelled so Gemma couldn't hear.

"Then I guess you'll just have to marry her." Renzo would never joke about marriage so Nico knew he approved and walked in front of Gemma and sat down with Nico following with his arms crossed glaring.

"So because you know most of Costa's men I'm going to take you to an event with me. Your job will be to stay quiet and keep an eye out for anyone you know."

"Who will watch Luca?"

"Nico will stay with him. I will have my men there so Nico won't flip out. I just want to see how you work and if I can trust you." Gemma nodded her head waiting for Renzo to finish. "Nico will help you get ready. I will pick you up at seven-thirty tomorrow night." Gemma stood and walked to the other room where Luca was talking to Luis. Luca waved at the man and walked over.

Luca had never spoken to many people let alone intimidating men he just met. Gemma picked Luca up as he smiled. Her free hand was grabbed by Nico's, with the tight grip he pulled her down the hall to the elevator. Threw the lobby many people gave feared looks to Nico who had rage in his eyes. They got in the car and drove. The way Nico's knuckles turned white with the grip on the steering wheel Gemma could only want to calm him. She didn't like the way Nico never said a word with the cold look on his face. Gemma reached her hand over the center console placing it on his mid thigh. Nico flinched and stiffened but soon relaxed with Gemma's touch. Arriving home Nico continued not to talk. He walked in the house and went straight into the bedroom upstairs with the slamming door behind him. His thoughts were everywhere, between Renzo wanting to put Gemma in danger and the way he underhandedly told Gemma that he cared for her made him full with anger.