I felt as if I already knew them. I wondered how much they knew about me. I wasn’t someone who got nervous easily or who was anxious before meeting new people. I was definitely more of an extrovert even if I didn’t have any trouble being alone either. I knew not everyone liked me, and I could live with it, so I wasn’t worried about becoming Miss Popular. I was however nervous because this wasn’t just a random meeting. This held meaning. It constituted that my relationship with Adamo was serious for both of us. So far we never really put a name to it. We lived it. But this was a new step in our relationship.
When we pulled up in the driveway of the magnificent white mansion, my palms actually became sweaty. This was important for Adamo, and in turn, it was for me.
“Nervous?” Adamo asked with a smirk after we got out of the car. He grabbed the huge bag with presents from the trunk before he stepped up to my side.
I rolled my eyes but gladly accepted his outstretched hand as moral support. “Do I have reason to be? Everyone’s okay with me being here?”
Adamo gave me a look that made it clear he thought I was being cute. I nudged my elbow into his side. “Do you think there’ll ever be a chance for me to meet your father for a relaxed family meeting? Maybe celebrate your orthodox Christmas together?”
That Dad hadn’t killed Adamo when he’d shown up on our doorstep had been a miracle. He was very protective of Galina and his sons, so I doubted he’d allow Adamo to be in their presence any time soon. Maybe Remo didn’t consider me a risk to his family, but Adamo was a Camorrista, a Falcone, and for my father to not regard him as a threat would take a long time, if it ever happened at all.
“Let’s take this one step at a time, okay? He didn’t kill you last time. That’s a good start but we shouldn’t overstrain our luck too much. Let’s give him time to get used to the idea of you being a constant presence in my life. Right now, he probably still hopes our relationship fails.”
Adamo stopped in his tracks, eyebrows cocked and the same smirk on his face. “And? Would you bet on us?”
“We aren’t a safe bet,” I said with a wicked smile. “But who wants safe when they can have what we have.” I grabbed his collar and pulled him against me for a kiss. Adamo wrapped his arms around me.
Loud kissing noises disrupted the moment. Adamo and I pulled apart. Adamo groaned and narrowed his eyes at a trio of boys who lingered in the open doorway, watching us. The tallest boy with black hair stormed toward us and gave Adamo a grin before he faced me with a cautious glint in his eyes. “Who are you?” he asked—no, demanded.
Adamo nudged him forward. “That’s none of your business, Nevio. And you better watch your mouth or you’ll be in trouble.”
Nevio pressed his lips together but didn’t look guilty at all as he slanted me another look. The boy was maybe eight years old but definitely had the sass and confidence of a grown-up. Despite his rudeness, I liked the kid. If I ever had kids, I’d prefer them to have their own head and not let adults or anyone else trample all over them.
I raised my eyebrows at the kid. The two other boys showed more restraint but obviously distrusted my presence as well. They didn’t resemble Nevio. I assumed they were Nino’s kids.
“Are our presents in there?” Nevio asked, pointing at the bag. That seemed to pique the curiosity of the two other boys as well and they swarmed in on Adamo.
Adamo shrugged. “That depends on your behavior.”
“Nevio, Alessio, Massimo!” a woman shouted, her impatience ringing loudly in her voice. The boys turned on their heels and dashed back inside, leaving Adamo and me alone.
I let out a laugh. “Will the rest of your family give me a similar welcome?”
Adamo linked our hands again. “The kids aren’t used to strangers visiting the mansion. Remo doesn’t usually allow visitors. He’s very protective.”
I nodded, realizing what Adamo was telling me. That Remo welcomed me into his home was a big deal. “He trusts your judgment of me.”
Nino strolled over to us where we waited on the porch. “Won’t you come in?”