Belladonna (Billionaire Boys Club #1)

Chapter 10

                        Lucas :

"Be careful, cara mia." My mother takes the small roll of cannoli from my little sister's hands "It's hot."

"Mamma!" She whines.

"Shhh." My mother blows on the dessert before moving it to my sister's mouth. "Mm, open."

Lucrezia takes a bite out of it before sighing with a smile on her face.

I watch all of this in the reflection of the window as I look out at the darkened sky, facing away from them with my hands behind my back.

From the clear light blue it was this morning, it has turned to a deep cobalt. The lanterns and sconces outside provide a warm aura to wrap around the house as if protecting it.

The small lights scattered about the courtyard create a peaceful view. The flames flicker, brightening and darkening at the mercy of the wind.

"Come and try this, fratello."

I stare for a few moments longer before turning and walking to my mother and sister, sitting on the floor with them by the fire.

My little sister climbs into my lap and does as our mother did to her.

She picks up a roll, blows on it softly and then allows me to take a bite.

She smiles up at me and as if on cue, my own begins to light up my face alongside the roaring flames.

With my mouth still full, i repeatedly kiss her cheek, sweet giggles escaping her.

I swallow and look up to my mother, who gazes at us with all the love in the world. At least that's what she says. That all her love is for us.       Her famiglia.

"Do you remember when I first told you that I was pregnant?"

"I was eleven," I nod.

"You were. My little boy. You were so upset. You said you didn't want a little brother or sister. You didn't want me or your father to love anyone but you."

I roll my eyes.

"It's true. You wanted us to only have you."

"Hey!" Lucrezia glares up at me.

"That was before!" I defend.

"Yes. That was before." Mamma agrees. "Now, I can't imagine you loving anyone more than your sorellina." she smiles at us. Her dark green eyes glittering in the glow of the fire.

"Accept my mother of course." I smile.

"Of course." She laughs softly. 

"But you love me more, right?" Lucrezia looks up at me.

I glance between her and my mother, seeing mamma's brows raised.

"I love you both the same." I conclude.

"But me more." My sister whispers.

Mamma and i laugh, smiles wide on our faces and warmer than the hearth that lights up the dark room, beside us.

When my mother's laughs die down, a yawn escapes her.

"You're tired." I state. "Go to sleep, I'll put Lu to bed."

She nods, knowing full well I would carry her if she refused.

"Okay." She stands and takes a small step towards us, who are still seated on the plush carpet.

She strokes my hair and lays a hand on my cheek before placing a kiss on my head and then Lucrezia's.

"Buona notte, amori miei."