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Both Matteo and I holster our guns, then wrap our arms around Giovanni and Gia, holding them while they sob into our shoulders. Eventually I help Gia to her feet, and she hugs me.

I stroke her hair. “It’s time to go home, sis.” I’m so grateful she’s in my arms.

Matteo picks Giovanni up and hugs him tightly. “I’m so sorry, buddy. You’re safe now.”

Gia looks over at them and meets Matteo’s eyes, which are full of admiration for my sister.

“Thank you for looking after Gio and keeping him safe,” Matteo says quietly.

Gia nods and puts an arm around me. I lead them out.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

GIA

We spend the night at Matteo’s mansion, because by the time we’re finished at Tony’s hideout, it’s the early hours of the morning. I’m too exhausted, so Andrea thinks it’s better to spend the night.

I cannot explain how heavenly the shower is when we get back at two in the morning. I then drop into bed and sleep like the dead. I can think about what happened tomorrow.

When I get up, I find clean clothes on the table. Ah, clean clothes. When I go to the bathroom, I almost cry when I use the flushing toilet.

I know these are things I’ll never take for granted again.

I shower again—because somehow Tony’s stain still clings to me. Then I dress and open the door to the guest room.

It’s unlocked.

Outside…no Roberto.

I smile softly and descend the stairs to the dining room where I hear Andrea and Matteo talking like old friends. I stand and listen. It makes no sense to me because a couple of days ago they were sworn enemies, and now it’s like they’ve been best friends for years.

They’re both laughing and joking, and it makes me smile.

I hear hurried footsteps behind me and know it’s Gio. I turn, and he launches himself at me, hugging my middle tightly.

“Hi Gia.”

I smile and hug him back. “Hi Gio,” I say softly.

He looks up at me, and my heart hurts at the dark rings under his eyes. I feel so bad for him. He must have had such bad nightmares last night. I know he slept with his father. I don’t know who that was more for—Matteo or Giovanni.

As I look at him, I make a silent vow to ensure he heals from this trauma and grows up to have a happy life. I’ll take whatever active role I can play in it.

I take his hand and lead him to the dining room. “Good morning,” I say.

“Morning,” Andrea says, sipping his coffee.

Matteo’s eyes meet mine, and there’s that desire in his eyes again that makes my heart flutter and my stomach do flips. “Good morning, Gia, Giovanni.”

Gio runs to his chair and climbs on top of it, saying loudly. “Morning, everyone.”

Matteo is at the head of the table, so I sit opposite Andrea. Gio sits happily next to Andrea, and Maria comes to dish up for him.

They both stop talking and watch me. I look up. “What?”

Matteo gives me a warm smile. “Just wondering how you’re feeling?”

I nod. “It’ll take a few days to feel normal again, but we’ll be alright.” I smile at Gio, who gives me a crooked smile. “I’d like to stay to help with Gio, though, if that’s okay. I won’t be underfoot.”