Gemma pulled back and pressed her nose into the roses, a teasing twinkle in her eyes.
Her nonna was giving me a death glare that might even impress Remo. We settled around the table. Of course, I wasn’t allowed to sit beside Gemma. Diego and Daniele took the seats beside me.
“So how are things in Reno?” Daniele asked halfway into the dinner when Nonna’s prodding about the wedding got a bit too forceful.
“Shaky. Cristiano is of age now, but soldiers don’t like to be ordered around by a teenager. Only Remo’s protection is keeping him in power, but you know my brother. He thinks a true leader can control his men, so I don’t know how long Cristiano can hope for our support.”
“Remo is the best Capo,” Daniele said.
“He is,” I agreed.
“I hear you’re looking for another Enforcer to support Fabiano,” Diego said suddenly.
“We are. He’s been taking over more administrative jobs recently. He’s probably going to become Captain of the Betting Department.” Remo would have made him Underboss by now if Fabiano didn’t want to stay close to us. I regarded Diego closely, knowing where this was going. Enforcers earned a percentage of the money they collected. If you were good, that meant an assload of cash.
“Do you think Remo would consider me for the job?”
Gemma’s eyes widened.
“Diego,” Claudia whispered, shocked.
Diego ignored all of them. Daniele’s restrained reaction showed that he had been involved in Diego’s decision. Diego had helped me deal with a few Bratva members. He didn’t enjoy torture like I or my brothers did. He did what was necessary. I wasn’t sure if he would be a good Enforcer, but his family needed the money. “If you throw your hat in the ring, I’m sure he’ll choose you.”
Nonna shook her head and began clearing up the plates. Gemma soon joined her, but both were listening in. My eyes lingered on Gemma’s enticing shoulder, remembering how I’d kissed the spot too long ago, then I focused on her mouth, a mouth I desperately wanted to claim.
“I don’t want the job only because you’re going to marry my sister,” Diego said sharply.
I dragged my eyes away from Gemma. “Remo would never favor you for any reason but your qualifications.” That wasn’t exactly true, but he didn’t need to know that. I’d talk Remo into giving Diego the job and had to hope he could deal with the duties of an Enforcer.
Daniele stood and helped Gemma’s mom bring Carlotta to bed while Gemma and her nonna cleaned the dishes in the kitchen.
“If you keep undressing my sister with your eyes, I’ll kick your ass,” Diego muttered when we were alone.
I grinned. “She’s doing the same. Don’t tell me you can’t see how she’s looking at me. Gemma wants to see my bull.”
“Keep your dick in your pants around my sister.”
“If she wants my dick, she can have it, no matter what you say.”
Suddenly Nonna stepped up to us and hit us both over the head.
Gemma was right behind her, her eyes shot open in shock, and Diego, too, gave me a stunned look. Did they think I’d strike down their grandma just because she’d slapped me? Even Remo, who was as twisted as they come, would at least hesitate before killing a granny. And I actually liked Nonna. Even if her beliefs belonged in the middle ages and she wanted to take a potato peeler to my balls.
“I don’t want to hear that word again.”
“Nonna,” Diego said fiercely. “You can’t hit Savio. You know who he is.”
“Of course, I do,” she said, regarding me like a schoolboy in need of reprimand. “He’s a young man lacking manners.”
“Ahh, Mrs. Bazzoli, I didn’t mean any disrespect.” I gave her my most charming smile as I cupped her hands in mine before kissing the back of one. “I apologize.”
She raised one hand in warning, but she was smiling. “Oh, you’re a dangerous one, aren’t you? My Gemma needs to be careful around that charm of yours.”
Nonna glanced at Gemma. “That boy can charm the frock right off a nun, Gemma. Be vigilant.”
Gemma bit her lip. “Don’t worry, Nonna.” Her cheeks were flushed in mortification. “Would you like a sweet treat? We made tiramisu.”
“I’m always up for a sweet treat,” I said.
Nonna narrowed her eyes, obviously unsure if I’d made an innuendo. I gave her an innocent look. She muttered something unintelligible in Italian and disappeared in the kitchen. Gemma glanced after her then turned to me. Diego’s phone rang that