Page 30 of Sandro

“I don’t really know much about all of that. But I would think that’s what he’s supposed to do? Or is that not what a second does?”

I smiled at Leo. “Yes. Marcello does many things, and taking care of business is certainly one of them.” Marcello was…someone to be experienced. I didn’t know how to explain him beyond that. I had no doubt that he was going to be accepting of Leo and his own beloved becoming friends. But he could be a bit difficult to explain to someone who wasn’t around the “family,” so to speak.

“I know we have more time here, but I wouldn’t mind going back. It’s not like we can’t continue getting to know each other there. And to be honest, I could really go for an authentic carbonara, because what that little place that we found here is calling that isn’t what it is.”

I laughed at that. He wasn’t wrong. We’d happened to stumble on the restaurant on one of our many trips into the local town to explore. We’d both been excited about the place, and even I would admit that the food wasn’t horrendous, but it certainly was nothing like the food at home.

“I can make certain you have your carbonara as soon as your stomach can handle it. For now, let’s stick with ginger ale and crackers,” I told him. “Speaking of crackers…” I left briefly to go to the pantry and pull out the bag of square crackers. He should eat a few until I could get ahold of Rio and we could return to Naples. “Here,” I told him. “Eat a few of these, and I’ll see if I can get ahold of Rio. It’s late evening there, and I can’t be certain what time he retires. I know he checked on me often, but I don’t have his schedule memorized.”

Leo took the crackers and immediately started eating one. “It’s fine, Sandro. I’m good with staying here if we need to. I’m not the first person to be pregnant and get sick. I’m certainly not going to be the last.”

He wasn’t wrong, but both sides of me didn’t like the fact that he was experiencing sickness. The doctor side wanted to take care of him and offer medical assistance to help him feel better. The beloved side wanted to burn the world down for him and ensure everything he needed to be safe, comfortable, and well was given to him. I wanted him to have everything he ever desired if I could do so, and I was certainly going to find a way.

I walked over to the counter and picked up my phone where it had been sitting charging. After waking it, I found Rio’s contact, and instead of making a call, I decided on a text. It was less intrusive, and if he wasn’t readily available, I wouldn’t disturb him. If it were truly an emergency that we return home now, I would call and wake the entire house. That wasn’t the case though.

Me: Good evening. I hope this isn’t too inconvenient of a time for you. If you have already turned in for the evening, it’s not an urgent need at the moment. It is possible that Leo has started experiencing pregnancy sickness. As I don’t have anything beyond crackers and ginger ale here to help him, if you could help us to return to Italy, we would appreciate it. We have explored what we feel we could, and Leo’s energy isn’t really where it was a few weeks ago, and going on even a short hike has become taxing for him. Any assistance with his care would be greatly appreciated.

I sent the text before returning to Leo. He was eating another cracker, which was promising. “How are you feeling? Any better?” My stomach didn’t feel nearly as uneasy, but that didn’t mean anything.

“Better. But I’m tired still. I know I was just having a nap, and I should be full of energy because I’m young, but I feel not quite like I do after a heat, but not far from it either.”

I ran my hand across the side of his head, then down his cheek before I settled it on his shoulder. “You being tired is expected, and rest is the best thing for you. It’s not being lazy; it’s being sensible while pregnant,” I told him. “Unless you need me to stay here with you, I’m going to go pack our things.”

“Can I come with?”

“Of course. You are always welcome wherever I am.” I held out my arm, and Leo used it to steady himself as he slid from the counter. He seemed stable enough on his feet, but I walked slowly beside him to the stairs that would take us up to the loft. We didn’t have much to pack, as we didn’t have a whole lot here with us. In fact, Leo didn’t have much of anything. We would certainly be changing that in the near future once we returned to Italy.

We had just reached the top of the stairs when my phone chimed in my pocket. Leo smiled at me, then went to sit on the side of the bed. “I’m sure that’s Rio.”

I was as well, as I hadn’t messaged anyone else, nor did I get a large number of messages. I pulled out my phone and sat beside Leo. We read the reply together.

Rio: It’s never inconvenient for me to come and help. There are two options. I can bring some tea for Leo and the two of you can continue your time away from the coven. Or I can bring the two of you back to Italy and we can see to Leo’s care here. It is completely your choice. I’ll wait for a response before dropping in either way.

Leo looked over at me. “I’m happy either way,” he said. “It might not be terrible to go back to Italy. You can have something to do while I sleep the afternoons away, apparently, because I’m obviously tired.”

“Are you certain? We will, of course, have privacy, but it’s not going to be like it is here. There will be activity in the house.”

Leo snorted. “I grew up in a pride house. There was always activity there.”

After a moment of us looking at each other more intensely than I think the moment warranted, I nodded and then messaged Rio back.

Me: We’re ready to return to Italy. Leo’s energy is low and we’ve explored everywhere here we could. He’s ready for real carbonara and naps. Give us a bit to pack up, and then we’ll be ready to return.

I sent the message and then stood, handing my phone to Leo. “You hold this, and I’ll go into the bathroom and grab our things from there.”

“All right. I can help. And I’d really like to brush my teeth after getting sick. And I have a cracker stuck in the back on a molar that is being extra stubborn and won’t come out.”

I chuckled at that. “Then you can brush your teeth while I get our things packed,” I told him. Leo and I went into the bathroom, and even though it only took me a few minutes to grab our things, he was finished and left before I did. I placed everything in the smaller bag that was specifically for them, and then I went back to the bedroom, where I found Leo sitting on the bed again. He had my phone in his hand, and he held it out to me. “Rio messaged again. He said he will be here in ten minutes, but that was a couple of minutes ago.”

“Not an issue. We have very little here with us, and we’re not exactly messy people.” That was something I was grateful for. I would accept my beloved being messy, but he was inherently tidy, which was a bit of a relief.

“Are you excited to get back to the coven?” Leo asked. “I know from your memories that it can cause you pain because your brother isn’t there anymore.”

“I will always miss Vitto. He was much more excited about life than I have ever been. But his time was cut short, and I have learned to accept that. There was nothing I could have done to prevent that. It is sad, yes,” I said, “but I have you, and although you aren’t a replacement for him and never will be, you give me a purpose. You might not believe me when I say it, but you are an amazing man, Leo. I’m very much looking forward to making memories with you in Italy.”

“I’d like that,” Leo said. “I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do though.”

I smiled at my beloved. “Whatever it is that you wish. For the time being though, I’d very much like for you to take things slow and rest. That’s it. You are growing a new little being, and it’s going to take a lot of energy from you.”