Bound by my blood

Chapter thirty-nine

Vince doesn't move a muscle, his gaze locked onto my brother with a silent intensity, a storm simmering beneath his sharp eyes. My brother, Nico, mirrors the same ferocity, his posture stiff, as though daring Vince to make the first move. The tension between them crackles, thick enough to feel like it might snap any second. I roll my eyes, exhaling a dramatic sigh, and shove Vince lightly away from me, my hand on his chest. Without missing a beat, I step between the two men, my voice a little too loud, trying to diffuse the simmering rivalry.

"Pack it in, you two," I huff, crossing my arms. "No need to fight over who has the biggest ego."

Before either can retort, I turn to Nico and throw my arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug. His strong, familiar arms wrap around me almost instantly, as if he's been waiting for this moment. His lips brush the top of my head in a soft kiss, the warmth of his affection grounding me. When he pulls back, his eyes scan my face with an intensity that's both protective and searching. His hands find mine, his grip firm as he spins me slowly, taking in every inch of me with a careful look that doesn't miss a single detail. The weight of his gaze lingers on me as if ensuring I'm well-cared for, satisfied with what he sees before finally letting me go.

Marcel chuckles from behind me, his deep voice rich with amusement. He drapes an arm over my shoulder, pulling me into the comforting circle of his chest. His heart beats steady against my cheek, and I can't help but relax in his embrace, my arms instinctively winding around his torso. The scent of him—woodsy and comforting—grounds me further.

"Two people are waiting for you in the living room," Marcel murmurs softly into my hair, his voice low, like he's sharing a secret. The words spark something in me, and I pull away with sudden urgency, my eyes widening in surprise. The excitement bubbles up inside me, a wave of anticipation. I don't wait for further explanation; I barely register Marcel's amused nod before I dart off.

I crash into my best friend with a loud sob. We slide down to the floor in a tangle of limbs, our tears flowing freely as we hold onto each other. The joy of the moment overwhelms me, and for several seconds, all I can hear is the sound of our breath—ragged and filled with emotion—as we cling to one another, not wanting to let go.

"Guardare il bambino," Ameena laughs, her voice light and filled with joy. The words don't fully register at first, not until I pull away, my hands trembling slightly, and my gaze falls to her stomach. Suddenly, it hits me, and I can't stop my gasp. I cover my mouth instinctively, shock spreading across my face.

"You're expecting?" I whisper, so quietly that I'm surprised she hears me, but she nods. A grin spreads across her face, wide and bright, as she places her hands on mine.

I gently rest my hands on the small bump on her stomach, my fingers careful and delicate, as though afraid to disturb the precious life inside. Ameena places her hands over mine, and we both gaze down at the tiny bump, silent for a moment, sharing a feeling of awe.

Gio stands nearby, his eyes fixed on us—on her and the small life growing inside her. His expression is full of love, but there's also a sense of disbelief, as though he's still processing the enormity of what's happening. He's about to become a father.

I lean down to her stomach, my voice lowering to a whisper, "Hello, little one. You don't know me yet, but we're going to be best friends. We'll drive your daddy crazy together. I'll teach you all my favorite words. I already love you so much."

Ameena giggles through her tears, her voice thick with emotion. Gio, on the other hand, is completely still, eyes wide in shock as he seems to finally realize what he's getting into. I can't help but laugh softly to myself, imagining that this little one is about to grow up in a family that's a little—okay, a lot—chaotic. If Marcel and Nico have anything to say about it, this child will be learning to shoot by age nine. Maybe we should keep them away from babysitting.

A soft cough breaks through the moment, and I look up to see Vince, Nico, and Marcel standing at the door, watching us with amused expressions. I beam up at them, still caught up in the emotion of the moment. Marcel's laugh rings out, warm and affectionate.

"So I guess she knows," he says teasingly.

"Knows what?" Vince asks, raising an eyebrow, clearly confused as he looks between me and Gio. I nod excitedly, my heart still racing from the news.

Before I can respond, Gio cuts me off. "Knows that we'll be spending the night."

He raises an eyebrow, a playful grin tugging at his lips. I return his smile, though my confusion lingers. Vince doesn't smile, but his eyes soften, affection clearly evident in them.

"How long will you be staying?" Vince asks, his voice measured, calm. His eyes scan the group, lingering just a moment longer on each of us. The others share a look—a knowing one—and I make a mental note to ask Ameena about it later.

"However long we decide," Nico shrugs nonchalantly. "Just like old times at the cabin."

The mention of the cabin stirs something warm in my chest. I can't help but giggle softly. Every year, since Nico was seventeen and the older cousins—Marcel, Vince, and Railyn—had started going up to the Alps for two weeks, I'd always looked forward to it. I'd joined in when I turned sixteen, along with Elisa and Railyn. And Mia had spent months counting down the days until she could finally join us too.

Last year, the trip had been a blur of laughter, drinks, and fun. Ameena and I had spent one night painting the kitchen cabinets with flowers while the boys were sleeping. When they woke up, they were completely shocked. Ameena's flowers were beautiful—she had an art degree, and I always envied her talent. I always thought she could be famous one day, but she didn't share that belief.

As for my flowers? Well, they weren't as perfect. But they weren't terrible either. I hadn't painted over them.

"Just like at the cabin," I say with a teasing grin, turning to Gio. "Gio, I'm stealing your wife and we're going to stay in my room tonight."

Ameena laughs, intertwining our fingers as we share a look, both of us smiling.

"What? She's my wife, and I want her to sleep beside me tonight," Gio protests, though there's no real anger in his voice. I roll my eyes, exaggerating for effect.

"Well, you can't!" I declare playfully. "She's my best friend, and we have a lot to catch up on. Unless someone's dying, don't bother us, or I'll shoot you in the leg."

Nico laughs at my words, earning a glare from Gio. The moment only amuses Marcel further.

"I expect her back in one piece tomorrow," Gio finally relents. He looks at Ameena with soft affection. "No drinking, no staying up late."

Ameena smirks, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Whatever you say, daddy."

I can't help but fake a dramatic gagging noise. Gio's face turns bright red, and he stares at the wall behind us, clearly embarrassed. Marcel bursts into laughter, his voice full of teasing joy.

"Why don't you boys spend some time together?" I suggest, patting Vince's cheek affectionately, standing on my tiptoes to reach him. I flip the others off without any real reason, just because I feel like it, before grabbing Ameena's hand and pulling her up the stairs.

As we pass by my laundry basket, I toss Vince's clothes from the night before inside, my eyes catching Ameena's. She pokes me in the ribs, and we both burst into a fit of giggles. We collapse onto the bed like we're teenagers again, laughter filling the room.

"Ohhhh, so you finally got it on with Mr. Hot Stuff," she teases, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm. I roll my eyes, exasperated.

I had missed my best friend more than I had realised.