Savio stayed close to me and I was eternally grateful for that. His presence gave me the necessary confidence to face his brothers and Fabiano Scuderi.
The blond man was the Camorra’s Enforcer and his reputation and the fights I’d witnessed made me as wary of him as of the rest of the men. Each of them shook my hand. They were reserved, distantly friendly. Serafina and Leona, on the other hand, were as welcoming as Kiara and hugged me before they introduced me to the kids.
There were Remo’s twins, two achingly beautiful toddlers with almost black eyes and pitch-black hair. The girl wore a pink tutu and had thick curls. The moment Kiara led me toward them, she stumbled toward Remo and lifted her arms. He picked her up and pressed her against his chest. Her twin regarded me boldly, while Kiara’s boys were too small to show a big interest in me.
I was overwhelmed by so many new people, but I kept up the smile.
“Let’s eat,” Kiara said with a knowing expression. “I’m sure you’re starving.”
Everyone headed for the table and Savio tugged me along. I sat down beside him, watching in astonishment how Nino and Kiara carried in the food together. I tore my eyes away and gave Nevio a smile. He poked his tongue out with a cheeky grin. I returned the gesture, causing him to grin.
“Great, another bad influence for the kids. As if there weren’t enough of those around already,” Remo said.
I winced, my eyes widening.
Savio scoffed. “You being one of them.”
I relaxed, realizing the Capo wasn’t really angry at me. It was difficult to tell with his harsh expression.
“Dinner’s served,” Kiara said with a bright smile.
Out of habit, I held out my hands for them to take so we could give our prayers before we ate.
Everyone stared at my outstretched palms as if I was suggesting a satanic ritual, which come to think of it, would probably have been received better. Especially Remo watched my hands with utmost disdain.
“What’s she doing?” Nevio asked.
I lowered my hands, embarrassed. Savio took my hand and squeezed, sending me a grin. He, of course, found this entertaining.
“She wanted to pray before dinner, right, Gemma?” Kiara said gently.
“Why?” Nevio blurted.
“It’s tradition in my family to give thanks to God for the food on the table.”
Nevio pointed a finger at Remo. “Dad’s paying for the food, not God.”
“No pointing with fingers at people,” Serafina admonished.
Nevio looked at his father as if he hoped the man would disagree.
“Nevio,” he said in warning. The boy dropped his hand.
“Who’s God?”
Savio rolled his eyes. I couldn’t help but smile. That kid was a handful. “How about we just eat and save the existential topics for cozy snowy winter evenings.”
“There’s no snow in Vegas,” Nevio said.
Savio gave him a grin. “Exactly. Now shut up.”
Nevio opened his mouth, an enraged look on his face. When Greta put her tiny hand on his, he snapped his lips shut.
Kiara stood and started to fill the plates with food. I untangled my hand from Savio’s and interlinked my fingers, then I closed my eyes and hurried through my usual prayer.
When I opened my eyes, several eyes were on me. Kiara loaded lasagna on my plate. “It’s okay,” she said quietly. “Don’t mind them.”
I gave her a grateful smile, ignoring the look Savio exchanged with the other men. I knew they weren’t religious, but I had no intention of hiding my beliefs only because they found them ridiculous.
Kiara and Serafina asked me about choir and kickboxing. I could tell that the conversation between the men at the table was… restrained. They didn’t see me as family yet, of course not. I was an intruder in their tightly knit unit, and it would take time to find my way into their family, but I hoped I’d be given the chance in the time until the wedding, so I already felt at home when I moved in.
When Diego picked me up later, I felt like Savio and I were on the right path.
Of course, I’d been completely ridiculous to think that.
Nino, Remo, and I were watching Kiara, Leona and Serafina go over last minute preparations with the staff of the most expensive hotel on the Strip—one that belonged to Will Reynold’s parents. They’d agreed to host the engagement party for free in their biggest banquet room, after some light coercion.
“I think Mr. Reynold’s eye is still twitching because of all the money he’s losing