Page 94 of Unfettered

I may not be ready to say the L-word, as it's a complicated feeling I’m still getting used to with Jayden. But devotion? He has it. Perhaps Roman can help me figure this out, because it was so easy falling for him. Jayden has been a mess of unexpected complications, and yet…I’m proud he chose me.

Everyone is already in the large family sitting room when Lio, Carter, and I enter. It’s nerve-wracking, walking into a room full of people I care for and respect, knowing it’s me they’ll be looking at to lead. Except…I’m not alone. Lio demonstrates that by squeezing my hand. Whether it’s for my benefit or his, I appreciate the gesture all the same. Much as I am thankful for the weight of Jinx in my other hand, the kitten happy to come along for the adventure, especially as Lio carries his sister.

“Thank you for joining us,” Carter says as we hover just inside the room, so everyone can get a clear view of us all.

I note Keegan, Marcus, Sarah, Doc, and Soren are situated on the right side of the room, and Soren has positioned himself so he can easily face Jude and interpret for him.

Sitting with Jude is Nicolo, and I’m surprised to see Nario as well, but then, aside from needing a second surgery to reshape his legs, he’s doing well. He sits next to his twin, their hands entwined, but off to the side I spy the wheelchair…probably the same damned one I was forced to use when we first arrived here—though that feels like a lifetime ago.

Rather than sitting on the couch with his men, Antonio sits on the floor, his head resting against Jude’s leg, lounging there as if he doesn’t have a care in the world. It reminds me of the first meeting we had at the Martelli house, when Dad and Allesandro were pretending we didn’t need each other as badly as we do.

Ignacio sits on the couch beside Jude. My love looking as handsome as always, though the way he holds his arm has me frowning. I hate knowing he got hurt yesterday. Though I’m thankful he didn’t let Joel get hurt worse, or die—Tennant would have had a conniption—but it still doesn’t make it easier knowing someone spilled his blood. As if he can read my mind, Ignacio winks at me, offering me a sweet smile of reassurance.

My face heats and I squirm, turning my attention to where Hollis and Allesandro sit on the far side of the room, their shoulders almost brushing as they are sitting so close together on the two-seater.

Tennant and Benjamin aren’t sitting, but rather standing nearest to the door. Well, Ten is. He has Benjamin tucked into his far side, so he can push him out of the way should there be any danger. The sad part is, we can’t be sure we’re entirely safe yet. Not until the Senator is in the ground.

I squeeze Lio’s hand tighter, hating the helplessness that rises up in me at the thought that we’re failing these people. They’ve put their trust in us, and we’ve failed. We haven’t been keeping them safe. You only have to look at what happened to Cole, to Ely and her baby, to know that.

Thankfully, before my thoughts can spiral, Carter asks, “Where’s Leandro?”

“Here,” my best friend says from behind us. We move out of the way so he can wheel himself into the room, Boston and Midas following in his wake. “Sorry, I was setting Cristian up. Since he can’t be here in person yet, I thought it’d be easiest to let him have a direct line to the room… Or was I wrong? Would you have preferred to repeat yourself after this meeting?” Leandro turns to look at us.

“Leandro,” Tennant says in warning.

I try to defuse the situation. “No, you’re right.”

My best friend nods and moves to settle in near Hollis, though not before clicking his fingers and letting the dogs have their freedom. Neither hesitate to go straight to their favorite people: Midas to Lio—obviously—and Boston to me.

Lio lets go of my hand, but hesitates before dropping to his knees. He starts to pass Echo over, but Leandro reassures him, “He’ll be fine. He’s a very good boy, and loves other animals. I’ve had him training with the goats and bunny, too.”

Still, my love won’t want either animal to get hurt, so he’s careful to lower Echo so Midas can sniff her. The boxer doesn’t do anything except let the kitten headbutt him, making me and Lio laugh a little.

“Good boy. I’ve missed you so much. Have you been good for Leandro?” Lio pets his dog and talks to him, and I turn my attention away from him when Boston nudges me.

I huff at her. “I haven’t forgotten you.” I scratch behind her ears, and introduce her to Jinx. Boston takes one look at the gray and white kitten and then licks him.

“Eww,” Leandro grumbles.

I laugh. “Awww, you like him?”

Lio and I spend a few minutes showering all the animals with love before straightening. “Sorry,” I say, my face heating.

“Don’t. Take your time. It’s okay, we’re at your mercy,” Allesandro tells me gently, which only makes my blush deepen, because fucking hell. The former Il Padrone reassuring me? Talk about a fucking mindfuck.

“Let’s get started,” Carter says. “We have a few things to discuss with the family as a whole. As you know, we’ve been having meetings all week. The doctors have given good reports on all their patients. It’s nice to see Nario with us today. How are you doing?”

Nario shrugs. “I’ve been better. The pain isn’t as sharp, but I’m still…getting used to my new circumstances. I need to have another surgery, maybe two, to fix the damage done after losing my legs in such a traumatic fashion, but…I’m lucky. Grateful I’m still here.”

“We’re grateful for that too,” I tell him. “I’m sorry you got hurt. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to let us know.”

“Thank you, Boss.”

“Cristian is recovering,” I say, moving the conversation on. “He’ll be in the hospital for a little while longer, right?” I look to the doctors.

“Yes,” Doc replies. “His surgery went off without a hitch, but it was risky, and I want him to rest as much as possible before we move him around.”

I nod. “Good. I…am working on getting better.” It’s embarrassing as hell admitting to my weaknesses, but if I can’t be honest with my family, who can I be?