THE DARE | BWWM 18+ (editing)

xviii - a new family tradition

L E O N A R D O

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Iris and Bella.

The two girls in my life.

Granted they don't know about each other yet.

I know they'll like each other because over the past couple of days that I've been spending with Bella, I've been getting to know more about her and she is precious. I'll give Maria a few points because she's very well-mannered, but I need to take her to the doctor to get her vaccinations up to par.

I could call Dr. Brown but I want to keep Bella separate from my killing activities. I also plan to move her from the house with all my men to the house I took Iris to after the Zane incident.

Isabella Rose Sorelli.

My beautiful daughter.

Maria had the audacity to give her my last name but failed to mention her entire existence to me. I'm upset that I've missed her growing up but all that matters now is that she's here and we can make new memories together.

I tried telling Iris about her but I wanted to see her reaction to Zeus first. Maybe I'll tell her everything and then give her a dog. That would soothe the blow, right?

I just know that I don't want to lose her. I can't. I promised her that I would make sure she never gets hurt again, and I can't hold that promise if we're apart. Even if we were to be apart, she'd still be mine and I could easily kidnap her and force her to stay. But where's the fun in that?

She's been through enough without me adding to her trauma, but I will do everything in my power to make her stay.

"Cazzo, where are you?"

"Shut up X, Bella can hear you."

"No, she can't. She's watching Dora."

I fucking hate that bitch Dora. First of all, where are her parents? She goes everywhere with that damn monkey. And she acts stupid half the time.

"Where's the ocean? Do you see it?" Uh, I don't know. Right behind you idiota.

And the backpack. She somehow has everything in that damn backpack. But my angioletta loves to watch her so I'm stuck hearing that theme song over and over again.

"Bella, we have to go soon."

"Where are we going, papa?" Papa. I'm a dad. I'm still getting used to her calling me that. It sounds surreal and it's still settling me for me.

"To get shots," Xavier says and her lips start to tremble. What's happening?

"No, I'm scared. They hurt." How bad can a tiny needle hurt? Wait, I forgot I'm talking to a toddler, not a grown adult.

"It's not that bad angioletta. Papa and zio will be with you the whole time. Okay?" (Translation: Uncle)

"Okay," she sighs and gets up from the couch.

She's taken a liking to Xavier and I am happy to see them bonding. X's childish tendencies are useful after all.

I pick her up from the couch and Xavier grabs her jacket. We make our way to the car and drive to the pediatrician. I called in advance because I hate waiting. My patience is nonexistent.

After I park, we make our way inside the building and find the elevator. I carry her and the three of us get in. Before the door could close, someone stops it and gets in with us. He stands next to me and I notice something on his forearm. Devil horns. Diabolos.