Chapter 4 Benjamin
I’m about dead on my feet when I drag myself to the medical suite.
It’s been chaotic setting up a new household, especially when we essentially have three Families together.
I hope Emilio, Carter, and Roman can figure shit out.
And I really fucking hope someone can get Lio to tell me what’s going on.
Something isn’t right with him, and it feels like more than just walking away from Il Padrone…
I haven’t seen him like this since he first came back after Peter had him.
Oomph. I collide hard with Dr. Ranlen, and blink several times when Tennant grabs my arms to steady me. Blushing, I quickly mutter, “Sorry.”
“Careful, Topolino,” Tennant murmurs in my ear, sending delicious shivers through me.
Dr. Ranlen rolls her eyes at me, and proceeds to check Roman over. The suite is much smaller than what we had, simply because there hasn’t been time to extend it. At least, it’s fully stocked, thanks to Doc.
“I came to check on the patients. Also, Lio would like to still do family meals, so everyone can be on the same page—that’s a request, not an edict. He also wants to know if Roman would be up to a meeting after dinner. He’d like to have all three Bosses meet up to start planning.”
I rub my temples as my head throbs from pain. My movement catches Dr. Ranlen’s attention, who frowns at me.
“Sit down,” she snaps, but Tennant is already dragging me over to a chair beside Roman’s bedside.
Grumbling, she rushes around before coming back with two pills and a bottle of water.
“Take it. They’re only over-the-counter pain relievers, but I can see your headache from here.
So could a fucking astronaut from space.
Make sure to drink that entire bottle of water.
You need to make sure you’re hydrated, if I can’t get you to rest. The last thing we need is yet another patient. ”
Cringing, I follow her instructions. I know she’s right, but I’m so fucking busy. I guzzle the water, surprised when I realize how thirsty I am. By the time I finish my bottle, Tennant is pressing another one into my hand.
“Thanks, Nocciola.” I tug him down so I can give him a quick kiss. It was meant to be quick, at least. He takes control immediately, his tongue demanding access, and I melt into him, submitting completely. My cock hardens, and I shift in my seat as he brushes his hand over my thigh.
The moment is broken at Roman’s snort. I blush as I pull away, carefully avoiding Sarah and Roman’s gaze. Roman merely laughs, although it trails off into a moan of pain that has me jumping out of the chair to check him over.
“Sit. Down.” Sarah points her finger at me.
Her sharp command has me sinking back into the chair as she carefully examines Roman.
“It’s not time for your medication yet. You’ve done too much lately.
Rest. You’ll need to eat dinner here, and if you’re going to have a meeting with Lio and Carter, I’d prefer if they came to you. ”
“I can have dinner with you if it’ll help,” I immediately volunteer.
Roman’s jaw drops as he stares at me. I bite my lip, uncomfortable with his expression. “Uh, sure. I mean, don’t you want to be with Lio, though?”
“You’re important, too,” I tsk, smoothing out imaginary wrinkles on my pants as I lower my eyes.
“I feel like I’m missing something here,” Roman murmurs, and my cheeks heat in embarrassment. “And that look confirms it. Out with it, Topolino.”
Snapping my head up, I narrow my eyes at him. “Nope. You are not going to call me that. Pick something else.”
Roman taps his chin as he studies me, while Tennant takes a seat next to me. “Fine. I won’t use it. But you have to tell me what I’m missing, because I know there's something.”
“Little Prince…” Tennant growls in warning, but Roman waves him off.
Sighing, I remind myself I’m an adult. Supposedly, at least. “Imayhaveclaimedyou.”
“What was that?” Roman’s nose scrunches up in confusion, and I huff in exasperation.
“Fine. I may have claimed you.” I meet his gaze steadily, refusing to show fear, even if I’m slightly worried about his reaction.
He barks out a laugh, and shakes his head in disbelief. “From who?”
“Your father. I claimed you, Tennant, and Ignacio. And I’d fucking do it again. He had no right to do what he did. Speaking of…” I turn to glare at Tennant. “You and I are going to have a discussion about you stepping in for me on things like bullshit punishments.”
Tennant’s expression darkens. “I did what needed to be done.”
“As interesting as this is, and by that I mean not at all,” Dr. Ranlen cuts in. “I need to go check on Ignacio. Was there anything you needed from me in the meantime?”
“Yeah, actually, I wanted to check on Ignacio as well.”
“Vitals are steady. I think we can start tapering off his medication tomorrow and bringing him around. I gave him a little more during the transition to help keep him under, but it’s about time he starts waking up.”
I slump in relief. I had worried the move would be too much on him, even if they did everything to minimize any issues. Doc and Sarah—hell, their entire team—really came through on it. I hope Doc is managing with the two assholes that stayed with him, but he had the chance to leave.
“Thanks, Sarah. Alright. I need to get moving again.” I hesitate briefly before asking Roman, “Did you want me to come stay with you for dinner?”
“No, I’m going to keep him company. You can go deal with the rest,” Leandro says as he wheels himself into the room. I jolt as I didn’t realize we’d been talking that loud.
Standing, I nod to him, before brushing a kiss on Tennant’s head, and then awkwardly giving Roman a peck on the cheek. Clearing my throat, I open my mouth before closing it again. Giving up, I rush out of the room, embarrassment swamping me.
Fuck. I did not want to let Roman know I claimed him. I can only imagine what he thinks of me now. He’ll be insufferable… Maybe I’m wrong. At least, I hope so. For now, it’s time to check more items off my seemingly never-ending to-do list.
Getting three Families up and running is ridiculous. Fucking Il Padrone and Cristian. This is all their fault. I definitely wish I would have stabbed Il Padrone on the way out…