Page 53 of Sandro

Leo snorted, and I had to bite my lower lip. Truer words could not describe Marcello. He was amazing at his job, which was why he was the coven’s second. But he tended to be cranky, as Abel and Leo called him.

“I needed to go to the bathroom,” Abel said. He waved before he hurried off.

I kissed Leo’s forehead again before I placed my hand on his back, and we went to the dining room. I felt Leo’s mood shift through our bond, and when I glanced around, it was to see Marcello staring in our direction with a scowl on his face.

“Marcello, knock it off,” I said. “You’re making Leo uncomfortable, and I’m tired of it.”

There was a snort from down the table somewhere, but I couldn’t tell you who it came from.

“Sandro,” Leo said quietly as he pulled on my arm.

“What did I do?” Marcello asked, his face now showing nothing but surprise.

“You’re always glaring,” I said. Leo tried to leave, but I held him in place beside me.

“I’m not,” Marcello said.

“You are,” several others said together from around the table.

Marcello sighed and peered up to the ceiling before he looked directly at us. “I apologize, Leo. I mean nothing by anything. My face is broken most of the time, it seems, but I have nothing against you, and I am happy you are here. You make Abel very happy and have become a good friend to him.”

“I’m going to make you pay, Sandro,” Leo said through our bond.

“I…uh…didn’t say anything, but thank you,” Leo said before he quickly sat down.

“I apologize, mio amato. I know how uncomfortable he makes you, and I never like that you feel that way around him.” I sat down, and immediately, Leo placed his hand on my thigh and offered me a smile.

“I understand. And it’s sweet, but I think that he’ll not like me even more now.”

Abel returned, sat down, and didn’t seem to realize what had happened in his absence. He picked up his fork but froze when he realized that the table was unusually quiet. “What did I miss?” He looked directly at Marcello. “Did you growl at someone?”

Marcello’s eyes rounded. “Why do you immediately think I’m the one that did something?”

“Because it wouldn’t be unusual for you to have been the one to cause everyone to be quiet.”

I cleared my throat. “Actually, it was me,” I said. “I swiped at Marcello. It was me this time around.”

Master Vincent entered the dining room and sighed. “Children, please behave. You are not showing the beloveds your best sides,” he said. He ran his hand through Leo’s hair, and when Leo looked up at him, Master Vincent smiled. “How are you feeling? The sickness is passed completely?”

I could see Leo’s smile from where I was sitting. “Yes. I think it was more me not eating as often as I should. Sandro has set a timer on my phone to remind me to get a snack every three hours.”

“Bravo.” Master Vincent smiled again, then went over and placed his hand on Abel’s shoulder. Abel smiled up at Master Vincent. “And how are you this morning, Abel?”

“I’m good, Master Vincent. Frankie and Luci are finally starting to sleep in longer spurts. Hopefully, it isn’t just a temporary thing because sleeping in almost four-hour stretches is wonderful.”

“That’s also good to hear. My hope for you and Marcello is that they continue to sleep for longer stretches.” Master Vincent sat down, then looked directly at Marcello.

“Where’s Naldo and Mazzi?”

“Naldo is on assignment with Nicolo and Carmelo. Mazzi, as far as I know, is with them, staying at the hotel with Tulio. He can get them out in a hurry if needed.” I sighed, contemplating telling him they were in Florence looking for Franco and his brother, Pietro. Their days were numbered, and Leo deserved to know it. “They are in Florence, looking for Franco and Pietro.” Leo’s hand tightened on my thigh. “The council has sent some enforcers as well. That is a bit of a surprise since they don’t particularly care for Master Vincent.”

“Why not? What did he do?”

“Our family doesn’t exactly follow the rules, mio amato. We break them. All the time. We are involved in what is considered illegal activities. And yes, we kill if needed.” I felt Leo’s mood shift through our bond. “The same was true of your father before he left his family once you were born. You said it wasn’t an issue for you when we first met.”

“It’s still not. I guess I just don’t understand why Master Vincent isn’t liked by the council. He doesn’t mistreat those in his coven. In fact, he’s incredibly protective of us. He takes care of all of us, and I’ve noticed he really seems to dote on us omegas.”

It was difficult not to laugh. That much was true. Master Vincent had a soft spot for all omegas and carriers. If a man deserved a beloved of his own, it was Master Vincent. I hoped that one day he would be gifted a strong-willed and understanding beloved.