Bound To My Mafia Stepuncles novel Chapter 205

Chapter 205

Valentina

I woke up to silence. The kind of silence that made the house feel too big. Too still. Light was just starting to filter in through the curtains, soft and gray like the sky had not yet made up its mind about the day. I lay there for a moment with my eyes open listening to the faint ticking of the clock on the wall. Every tick felt too loud in my ears.

I sat up slowly careful not to wake Chiara beside me. Her hair was a messy halo against the pillow her mouth slightly open as she breathed in deep and slow. She looked peaceful and that made my stomach twist. I didn’t know why exactly. Maybe I did. I wrapped my cardigan around my shoulders and stood, The floor was cold beneath my feet but I welcomed it. It grounded me.

I moved through the hallway and down the stairs like a ghost. The kitchen greeted me with the familiar scent of yesterday’s coffee still lingering in the air. F reached for the kettle and filled it with water then set it on the stove. My fingers moved through the morning routine without needing to think. Chop fruit. Crack eggs. Stir the batter. All mechanical. All muscle memory.

But my hand shook when I cracked the second egg. A piece of shell dropped into the bowl. I stared at it for a second before fishing it out with trembling fingers. Stupid. Stupid. I muttered under my breath and forced myself to hum a soft tune to cover the sound of my thoughts. A happy tune. Something Chiara liked. She said it made her think of summer.

1 plated some of the food and set the rest aside to keep warm. Then I made my way upstairs again. I paused outside Chiara’s door my hand hovering in the air for a second too long before I knocked gently and opened it.

She was still asleep. Sprawled across the bed one leg sticking out from under the covers her arm flung over her eyes. I stood there watching her longer than I should have then walked over and touched her shoulder. She groaned and rolled over pulling the blanket over her face like a child. I laughed but it sounded wrong. Thin and distant even to my own ears.

Wake up I said brushing her hair back from her face. She peeked at me through one eye. What time is it she asked her voice rough and sleepy. Time for you to get up and help me eat all the breakfast I made I said. She reached for me pulling me down onto the bed and kissed me. Her lips were warm and soft and familiar. It should have made me feel better. It didn’t.

kissed her back then stood quickly before I could fall into her warmth. Breakfast I said again onto her back. I left the room before she could pull me back in.

more firmly this time. She groaned dramatically and flopped

Downstairs the triplets were starting to emerge one by one. Dante came in first shirtless as usual his expression unreadable as always. He nodded at me then sat. Enzo followed with a small smirk and a sleepy good morning. Matteo came last rubbing his eyes and yawning loudly. I greeted them all with a smile and started pouring coffee.

You’re up early Enzo said watching me. Couldn’t sleep I replied quickly. Coffee helps. They exchanged a look that I pretended not to see. The air felt thicker now. Like it knew I was lying.

Where’s Aria Dante asked. Still asleep I said. She had a rough night remember. That seemed to settle them. They nodded and focused on their food. I sat across from them trying to join the conversation but my mind was elsewhere. Every sound made me flinch a little. Every laugh felt too loud. I stared at my plate without really seeing it.

Chiara came in at last her legs bare her oversized shirt hanging off one shoulder. Her hair looked wild and perfect and she looked like something out of a painting. She walked straight to me straddled my lap and kissed me long and slow in front of everyone. I kissed her back but I didn’t close my eyes. I was Hooking at the window behind her. Watching for something I couldn’t name.

You okay she asked brushing her fingers along my jaw. Of course I said. Just tired.

Aria came in then looking pale but stronger than last night. She gave everyone a small smile and sat beside Matteo. The table grew lively again. Jokes and teasing and questions about what happened the night before. I nodded along pretending to be part of it. I kept checking the time.

When my phone vibrated on the counter I felt the blood drain from my face. I stood too fast making my chair scrape loudly against the floor. Sorry I said grabbing the phone. Just need to take this.

I stepped outside onto the patio the morning gir biting against my bare legs. I answered the call with my voice low. Hello. I paused listening. No not yet. I. need more time. You promised you said there would be no pressure. My hand clenched at my side. No I can’t do that. Not yet. I told you I’d let you know. Just wait. Please.

hung up and stood there for a second breathing hard trying to slow the beating in my chest. When I turned around I froze,

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Chapter 205

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