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While I’ve been giving Ny all my attention and affection, I know that’s going to have to stop soon. I need to figure out what my next move is concerning her.
I can’t keep her here in Italy and I’m not sure I’m ready to go back to the States. I’ve learned enough about the business to go home and run it. Dad has stood in long enough, at least with our legit business. I can give him a break.
Jace runs a hand down Ny’s ponytail, and she tips her head back to look up at him. The smile on her face is one I want to see her keep. I know I’m not going to be able to do that for her for much longer.
I rub at my chest.Am I being selfish?My thoughts travel back to when we were little. There’s a reason I’m so loyal to Jace. Anyone else, I would have killed them by now.
“You really love him as a friend. I do think you would have killed someone else by now.” I look down my leg to see Ming standing below as she speaks my thoughts back to me.
“We were about seven and Ny was six. Jace’s dad had taken us to the beach. Ny wanted ice cream, so Uncle Emil went to get us cones,” I start in answer.
The day is as clear to me as if it were yesterday. It was hot and the beach was crowded. Ny’s hair was cornbraided up into a ponytail with clear beads at the end. She had on a pink-and-yellow bathing suit. My trunks were blue and Jace’s were yellow.
“We weren’t supposed to move. I was showing off for Ny. I’ve always had the biggest crush on her. I ran into the ocean to show her I could swim against the strong currents of the Atlantic. I was doing fine at first. Emil taught us all how to swim. However, Jace was the better swimmer.
“Because of me, he got to prove that. I was pulled under and couldn’t come back up. Jace saved my life. I would have been embarrassed too, if Ny hadn’t kissed and hugged me because I was okay.
“I’ve owed him my life since. He has always been like a brother to me, but that made him blood in my eyes. What’s mine has always been his.”
“Except for Nyla. I think I’m starting to understand.”
“Understand what?” I frown down at her.
“Nothing. None of it is my business. I was just looking for you guys to tell you I’m leaving for my flight in an hour.”
“Ny will want to see you off. I’ll call you in a few days about the construction. Have a safe flight,” I say, dismissing her.
“Thanks,” she murmurs and rushes away.
I’m left pondering my memories. That day at the beach clings to my thoughts. Jace could have drowned in that water with me. He risked his life to save mine. I wonder if he regrets that now.
CHAPTER22
Triple Flame
Gio
I smileas Nyla’s crazy laugh fills the kitchen. She just burned our dinner. I love her for trying, but she’s never going to work at one of the family restaurants.
“Thank God Nonno’s not here. He’d be so disappointed,” she laughs, then turns to me. “I promise to get better. Our kids won’t starve.”
I stiffen, not wanting to touch that subject. Jace snorts, drawing my glare. He’s been hitting the grappa pretty hard tonight. He’s been this way for the last few days since Ming left.
I’ve told Jace how I feel about having children. He tried to tell me then it would be a problem. I shake the thought off and get up to help get something to eat on the table.
“Go sit down. I’ve got this,” I say as I kiss the back of Ny’s neck.
“I’m sorry,” she says and makes this cute face.
I kiss her nose. “Your aim is A1. I’ll let you pass on the cooking.”
“Because you need a shooter more than a wife who can cook.”
“Baby, when you’re my wife, you won’t be a shooter. You will be shopping somewhere, living the life.”
Jace pulls a face and gets up to stumble out of the room. I stare after him. I’ll deal with him later.
Ny sighs and then whispers, “Gio, I don’t know what to do. I know something is bothering him.” She looks down. “I think it’s us.”
