Always and Forever by Rose Nikila

Author:Rose, Nikila
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2024-01-13T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Gualtiero

I hear laughter behind me as I run through the field. The grass is up to my shoulder and my head just sticks above it. I turn around and spot a head of dark hair bobbing up. Teo is trying to catch up, but he just can’t run as fast as me… yet.

I crouch low when I reach the lone tree standing tall above everything else. When Teo runs past, I pounce, and we tumble into the soft grass, laughing. My little brother giggles uncontrollably as I tickle him.

Then large arms encircle both of us. For a second, my heart stumbles until my father’s laughter joins ours, and he’s wrestling with us.

Then the moment turns serious. “Always be aware of who’s around. Then have your fun. But don’t get lost in it, or the consequences could be dire.”

He ruffles our hair as we stand up, and we make our way back to the house, my father’s hand on each of his son’s shoulders. I look up at him, but his gaze is fixed on the backdoor of the house.

Mama is standing there, waiting for us. His eyes always have a sparkle when he sees her. I nudge Mateo and grin at him. Mama is papà’s One, or so he tells us. He kisses her on the lips to greet her; it takes way too long.

She gives us both a hug as we enter.

“Did you look after your little brother?” she asks as she kisses my forehead.

“Always,” I reply, standing a little taller. “And I will care for my little sister too,” I tell her, rubbing her big belly.

That puts a beautiful smile on her face. “I’m so proud of you, caro. Mateo looks up to you. No matter what, always be there for him, help him, guide him, sì?”

“I promise.”

I wake up with a jolt, mama’s word still echoing in my mind. The same dream has been plaguing me for the last few nights.

Mateo is on my mind whenever I close my eyes.

I failed him.

And I failed mama, breaking my promise to her.

I left my brother to fight on his own. It’s weighing heavily on my soul.

I’ve been keeping an eye on him as much as it’s possible from here. As expected, he’s taken over as the Don, but it’s not something he’s ever wanted. I pray he’ll find a way out.

I feel guilty for forcing him into this position with my supposed death.

But would I change the abrupt change of direction my life took all those weeks ago?

I stare at my angel who peacefully sleeps tucked against my side.

To think I only met her in August… yet it feels like she’s been part of my life forever.

If Claudette is to be believed, she has been, and it was only a matter of time before we met. I wish it had been years ago.

But it is what it is. Ella is here now. That’s what matters.

And today is the day she’s becoming my wife.

There are still a few obstacles, but I will let nothing stand in my way.

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