42. Roman
Everyone is already in the large family sitting room when Lio, Carter, and I enter.
It’s nerve-wracking, walking into a room full of people I care for and respect, knowing it’s me they’ll be looking at to lead.
Except…I’m not alone. Lio demonstrates that by squeezing my hand.
Whether it’s for my benefit or his, I appreciate the gesture all the same.
Much as I am thankful for the weight of Jinx in my other hand, the kitten happy to come along for the adventure, especially as Lio carries his sister.
“Thank you for joining us,” Carter says as we hover just inside the room, so everyone can get a clear view of us all.
I note Keegan, Marcus, Sarah, Doc, and Soren are situated on the right side of the room, and Soren has positioned himself so he can easily face Jude and interpret for him.
Sitting with Jude is Nicolo, and I’m surprised to see Nario as well, but then, aside from needing a second surgery to reshape his legs, he’s doing well.
He sits next to his twin, their hands entwined, but off to the side I spy the wheelchair…
probably the same damned one I was forced to use when we first arrived here—though that feels like a lifetime ago.
Rather than sitting on the couch with his men, Antonio sits on the floor, his head resting against Jude’s leg, lounging there as if he doesn’t have a care in the world.
It reminds me of the first meeting we had at the Martelli house, when Dad and Allesandro were pretending we didn’t need each other as badly as we do.
Ignacio sits on the couch beside Jude. My love looking as handsome as always, though the way he holds his arm has me frowning.
I hate knowing he got hurt yesterday. Though I’m thankful he didn’t let Joel get hurt worse, or die—Tennant would have had a conniption—but it still doesn’t make it easier knowing someone spilled his blood.
As if he can read my mind, Ignacio winks at me, offering me a sweet smile of reassurance.
My face heats and I squirm, turning my attention to where Hollis and Allesandro sit on the far side of the room, their shoulders almost brushing as they are sitting so close together on the two-seater.
Tennant and Benjamin aren’t sitting, but rather standing nearest to the door. Well, Ten is. He has Benjamin tucked into his far side, so he can push him out of the way should there be any danger. The sad part is, we can’t be sure we’re entirely safe yet. Not until the Senator is in the ground.
I squeeze Lio’s hand tighter, hating the helplessness that rises up in me at the thought that we’re failing these people. They’ve put their trust in us, and we’ve failed. We haven’t been keeping them safe. You only have to look at what happened to Cole, to Ely and her baby, to know that.
Thankfully, before my thoughts can spiral, Carter asks, “Where’s Leandro?”
“Here,” my best friend says from behind us.
We move out of the way so he can wheel himself into the room, Boston and Midas following in his wake.
“Sorry, I was setting Cristian up. Since he can’t be here in person yet, I thought it’d be easiest to let him have a direct line to the room…
Or was I wrong? Would you have preferred to repeat yourself after this meeting? ” Leandro turns to look at us.
“Leandro,” Tennant says in warning.
I try to defuse the situation. “No, you’re right.”
My best friend nods and moves to settle in near Hollis, though not before clicking his fingers and letting the dogs have their freedom. Neither hesitate to go straight to their favorite people: Midas to Lio—obviously—and Boston to me.
Lio lets go of my hand, but hesitates before dropping to his knees. He starts to pass Echo over, but Leandro reassures him, “He’ll be fine. He’s a very good boy, and loves other animals. I’ve had him training with the goats and bunny, too.”
Still, my love won’t want either animal to get hurt, so he’s careful to lower Echo so Midas can sniff her. The boxer doesn’t do anything except let the kitten headbutt him, making me and Lio laugh a little.
“Good boy. I’ve missed you so much. Have you been good for Leandro?” Lio pets his dog and talks to him, and I turn my attention away from him when Boston nudges me.
I huff at her. “I haven’t forgotten you.” I scratch behind her ears, and introduce her to Jinx. Boston takes one look at the gray and white kitten and then licks him.
“Eww,” Leandro grumbles.
I laugh. “Awww, you like him?”
Lio and I spend a few minutes showering all the animals with love before straightening. “Sorry,” I say, my face heating.
“Don’t. Take your time. It’s okay, we’re at your mercy,” Allesandro tells me gently, which only makes my blush deepen, because fucking hell. The former Il Padrone reassuring me? Talk about a fucking mindfuck.
“Let’s get started,” Carter says. “We have a few things to discuss with the family as a whole. As you know, we’ve been having meetings all week. The doctors have given good reports on all their patients. It’s nice to see Nario with us today. How are you doing?”
Nario shrugs. “I’ve been better. The pain isn’t as sharp, but I’m still…getting used to my new circumstances. I need to have another surgery, maybe two, to fix the damage done after losing my legs in such a traumatic fashion, but…I’m lucky. Grateful I’m still here.”
“We’re grateful for that too,” I tell him. “I’m sorry you got hurt. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to let us know.”
“Thank you, Boss.”
“Cristian is recovering,” I say, moving the conversation on. “He’ll be in the hospital for a little while longer, right?” I look to the doctors.
“Yes,” Doc replies. “His surgery went off without a hitch, but it was risky, and I want him to rest as much as possible before we move him around.”
I nod. “Good. I…am working on getting better.” It’s embarrassing as hell admitting to my weaknesses, but if I can’t be honest with my family, who can I be?
Lio wraps his arm around me, supporting me in the way he has been for months now. I don’t hesitate to lean against him, soaking up his strength.
“I need to have more sessions with my therapist before I think I’ll be allowed off suicide watch, but I’m working on it. I promise.”
Lio presses a kiss to the side of my head. “I’m so proud of you, Love,” he whispers in my ear.
“Take your time, Amore,” Hollis tells me. “We’re here to support you. You don’t have to fight against an arbitrary goal or deadline. However long it takes, we’ll be here.”
I give him a watery smile.
Hollis clears his throat, and Allesandro reaches for his hand as he says, “I am also working with Javi and a therapist. I…I’m sorry I let things get so bad before reaching out for help, but I’m working on it. I’ve realized my mistakes, and I am working on not letting them control me anymore.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for, Tesoro,” Tennant reassures him. “What’s important is what you’re doing now.”
Hollis nods, but he seems to cling to Allesandro, seeking his comfort.
Which…isn’t something I ever thought I’d see, but when I sneak a glance at Lio, I see nothing except relief and happiness at the sight.
So I decide to just…go with it. Sometimes it’s easier than trying to make something a thing.
I trust Hollis. If there’s something I need to be aware of, he’ll tell me.
“I think that leads us into our first serious topic,” Carter says gravely. “The treatment of Allesandro and Cristian by our guards and house staff… It’s gotten out of hand.”
“It’s straight up bullying,” Lio says vehemently.
I nod in agreement. “It is. And it stops now. The Voices have already passed this down to those under them, but we want to make it clear here, as a family. We failed them. Not just us as a Council, though that’s a big part of it, but all of us.
We agreed to take them in, to give them a chance.
Yes, we were all upset, some more than others.
” I eye Antonio, who buries his face into Jude’s leg for a moment.
“But they cannot live this half-life. Allesandro has been in therapy. He’s atoned for his sins, and I trust him.
I trust him with my life, and with the life of the man I love.
” I wrap my arm around Lio for emphasis.
“You all need to build your own relationships with him and Cristian, in whatever capacity sees fit.
But if you see anyone treating either of them in a way that's less than how you would want to be treated in your house, you need to bring them straight to one of the Voices.”
Jude extracts himself from his Boys and walks over to stand in front of Allesandro.
I can’t see his expression, and his body blocks Allesandro’s from me, but his voice is clear and firm.
“As a Voice, I need to apologize. I am so deeply, truly sorry, Allesandro. I know what it’s like to be bullied, especially by those you should be able to trust.” He shifts his weight from one leg to the other to make his point.
“My mother tried to kill me; she hated me that much. She permanently damaged my body, and to think I ignored all the signs… There is no excuse. I can claim I was busy with work, and I can say I stopped those who would have gone too far and took care of them, but the reality is, I never should have let any sort of mistreatment happen. I won’t ask for your forgiveness, but know I will keep this guilt for a very long time. ”
No one says anything for a long moment, but Allesandro finally says, “Thank you.” His voice is choked, and so he clears his throat. “Thank you. It’s not your fault, but I appreciate your apology.”
Jude nods and turns to face the Council. “Once again, I’m sorry.”
Lio stiffens against me, but he nods once. “Your punishment stands. You’re to spend time with both Allesandro and Cristian. Get to know them, find common ground.”
Jude nods. “I’ll apologize to Cristian in person as well.” He heads back to his seat.
Lio releases me, readjusts a squirmy Echo in his arms, and says, “We have come to the conclusion that the work is simply too much for two Voices, so we put it to a vote, and with our original two Voices in agreement, we have selected Tennant to be our third. I’m sure you all know this already, but it’s best to lay everything out on the table. ”
“I’m honored to serve the Council,” Tennant says smoothly.
“That’s not the only change,” Carter announces.
“With the help of Javi, we will be bringing in five PAs. Two for Hollis and Leandro, and three for the Voices. I know bringing in outsiders, after everything, is a risk, but with Javi’s help to pick the right type of…
aptitude, and Hollis and Leandro vetting them, we’re confident we can find the perfect matches… eventually.”
“Don’t worry about me,” Tennant says.
“Every Voice is getting a PA,” I tell him firmly. “No excuses.”
“Oh, I’m not arguing that, Little Prince,” Tennant replies. “But Sandro has agreed to be my interim PA until he and my other two Boys can find the elusive perfect match. After all, I doubt any of them will be comfortable with just anyone at my side.”
Lio lets out what sounds like a relieved breath. “I didn’t think of that. But seems sensible. I highly doubt we’ll find the perfect PA right away, and well…it’d probably be like that fucking first idiot therapist all over again. But I trust Master with you, Daddy.”
“You don’t think that’s a conflict of interest?” Benjamin speaks up. “I mean, you’re already working with Lio, Roman, and Jude on the Council… You don’t need someone unfairly saying your opinions are weighted because four of your loved ones are working either with you, or for you.”
You could hear a pin drop, the room goes so quiet as everyone stills. From the looks on Marcus, Keegan, Ignacio, and Antonio’s faces, they didn’t know about Tennant and Allesandro being more than friends and metamours.
Tennant shakes his head. “Are you questioning me, Topolino? I trained both you and Jude, did I not? I believe my affection and attention for my Sweet Boy will only be a boon, not a hindrance. As Emilio said, I’ll be less likely to kill him, and I know I don’t have to worry about his loyalty, or if he can get the job done.
He ran a Family, so helping me run the background things when it comes to being a Voice?
It’s almost too easy of a job, but I want him with me.
At least, until you three can figure out a better solution.
After all, I know how protective you are of your Daddy. ”
Lio sucks in a breath, and I glance at my friend in concern, wondering if that—Tennant practically admitting to being Sandro’s Daddy, not just his lover—is too much for him.
“No,” Benjamin says, just loud enough for me to hear from where I’m standing on Ten’s other side. “I’m sorry. You’re right. I just worry about you.”
“You don’t need to be, but your concern is noted, Topolino.”
Carter clears his throat. “I think that’s everything we needed to address.
I’m sure you all heard that the hospital board was corrupted by the Senator.
” Sarah lets out a noise of disgust at his words.
“Ignacio tried to interrogate the former Head of the Board, but the bastard was one step ahead of us. We will need to try to flush him out again, but that is for another meeting, not this one. We’ll get with the people we need to over the next few days, to go over next steps, and hopefully take him down.
Otherwise, this meeting is adjourned, unless anyone else has something to say? ”
“Oh, I think there’s a big elephant we need to address,” Antonio snarks. “One piece of very important gossip has apparently been left out.” He looks up at Jude with a pout, before swiveling his head to look between Tennant and Allesandro. “Super Daddy apparently has a Sweet Boy?”
He says it almost innocently, but he bounces his sharp brown eyes between Tennant and his former Master.
My heart pounds in my ears as I flick my gaze over every Martelli in the room. I am so glad I’m not in Tennant’s shoes right now.