Page 111 of Broken Promise
“Yeah well, in my world it’s a nipple. Nowthathurts.”
I would rather not think about my sister’s nipples. I suppressed a shudder and turned my gaze back to the chubby baby in my lap with the big gray eyes and dark curls. Jesus, she was cute. I still couldn’t believe Lucia was a mother.
From the moment Lucia had come into the world, I’d been her protector and her biggest fan. Being ten years older than her had been strange. I’d never felt the usual competitiveness or annoyance that my friends felt with their siblings. She’d always seemed like she was so vulnerable, and I’d taken my role as big brother seriously. My father had drilled it into my head that it was my responsibility to watch over my sister, and I’d only renewed that vow after the death of our parents.
“I am so proud of you, Lulu. You’re an amazing mom.”
Lucia looked stunned at my words. Her lips trembled slightly. “You’re going to make me cry. Not that it takes much these days. Everything causes the waterworks since I had Isabella.”
“I figured that when I caught you crying over that cupcake the other day.”
She laughed softly. “Well, it was a really good cupcake.”
I kissed her forehead. “I’m serious though. For so long I didn’t think this kind of happiness was in the cards for either of us. I didn’t care so much about me, but it seemed so unfair for you to be punished for my sins.”
Lucia put her hand over mine. “Those days are over. Things are different now. I had no idea this kind of happiness was even real, but Noah has shown me that a forever love is possible. I want that for you too, and I’m so glad you’ve found Diana.”
My instincts were to deny it. History had made me wary of claiming good things for fear that they’d be taken away. But Lucia was right; things were different now. And I wanted to tell everyone that Diana was mine.
“I’m glad I found Diana too. When I think about how easily I could have missed meeting her, it scares the hell out of me.”
“Fate had other plans for you, big brother. Just don’t screw it up.”
“Got it. Any other advice for me?”
“Nope. That’s it. But don’t worry, I’ll let you know if I think of anything else.”
I chuckled. I had no doubt she would. Hopefully she’d have a long life of telling me and Noah what to do.
“That reminds me that I should go check on her. I don’t want her to feel like I’ve abandoned her to those crazies out there.”
Lucia smacked my arm playfully. “They’re our crazies, and we love them. They’re part of the family now.”
I thought of the assorted group of men that had become like family over the past year and a half. I’d never admit it out loud, but she was right. I’d do anything for those guys out there because they’d already proven their loyalty. I stood up and kissed the top of Isabella’s head before handing her over reluctantly.
“You need anything?”
“No. Oh wait, ice cream. Yes. I need ice cream. And a glass of orange juice. I know it’s weird, but it’s something I started doing when I was pregnant.”
I wrinkled my nose. “You want to drink orange juice while eating ice cream… You know what? Never mind.”
I walked toward the kitchen, shaking my head. After getting her items, I’d leave her to eat without an audience. It would turn my stomach to see milk products and orange juice being consumed at the same time. But then again, I’d better get used to the weird combinations now that Diana was pregnant.
The living room was empty, so before going to the kitchen, I stuck my head in my room. Empty.
Oskar was in the kitchen, drinking from a bottle of water. “Hey, what’s up?”
“Nothing. Just getting some stuff for Lucia. Have you seen Diana? I haven’t seen her all afternoon.”
Oskar shook his head, looking confused. “I thought she was with you.”
Jonas walked by.
“Hey, Jonas. Have you seen Diana?”
The other man looked confused. “Noah said she was with you.”
For reasons I couldn’t begin to deconstruct, I started sweating. It was illogical to assume that something bad had happened to Diana anytime we were apart. Going forward, we couldn’t be together all the time, something I would have to get used to. But I had great instincts, and listening to them had saved my ass more than a few times. So although logic told me to stay calm, my instincts told me something was wrong.
