Page 91 of The Godfather’s Christmas Twins
“Are the kids still sleeping?” Bella asks.
“Yes.” Gia glances at me but then turns her attention to Bella. “Thank you for taking care of them.”
I’m desperate to tell her that my being here has nothing to do with duty. I flew across the country to tell her I love her and the kids.
"That's not why I'm here." The words burst from my throat, rough and desperate. "Not just for protection."
Gia looks at me, but it’s almost as if she is seeing through me.
"I've fucked up, Gia. For six years, I've been fucking up everything." I take a step toward her. "I told myself I was protecting you, protecting the family, but I was just… I was a coward."
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Nic’s eyes narrow, his head tilt to the side as if he’s confused by my words. But I can't stop now. The words I've held back for so long spill out like a broken dam.
"I should have fought for you instead of running away to Vegas. And last year, when I saw you again…" My hands clench into fists at my sides, trying to avoid taking her in my arms because I don’t have that right. "I pushed you away because I was terrified of how much I still wanted you."
"What the fuck?" Nic steps forward, but Bella stops him.
Gia's eyes soften slightly, but she remains silent.
"And now…" I swallow hard, my throat tight. "Now I know about the twins, and I've messed that up too. Six years I could have been there for them. For you. But I was too wrapped up in duty and obligation and what everyone else would think to see what really mattered."
I take another step toward her on the stairs, my heart hammering against my ribs. I’ve never felt like my life, my future was on the line as much as in this moment. "When you left Vegas, you took everything with you. The house, it's just empty walls now. No laughter, no kids running around, no light in the morning when I walk into the kitchen." My voice catches. "You took my heart when you left. My reason for being.”
I feel like I’m still fucking this up, not getting the words right. “Like always, I tried to convince myself that it was better this way. But it’s not. I can’t pretend I don't need you, pretend I don't love you.”
Gia's eyes glisten with unshed tears. The sight of her pain slashes at my heart. I want to rush the last few steps between us and take her in my arms, but I force myself to stay put. The next move is hers.
"What the fuck are you talking about, Max?" Nic's voice cuts through the tension. "My sister? The twins?"
The moment I've dreaded for six years has arrived, but I find myself more terrified of Gia’s rejection than Nic’s reaction, which could quite possibly be my death.
I wait a moment for her to say something, but she’s just looking at me.
I try again in case I wasn’t clear. "I love you, Gia. I have for six years. And I love the kids…ourkids."
"You mother fucker!" Nic's hand pulls back, and when he releases it, it catches me in the jaw, knocking me back. “Get the fuck out of my house before I kill you."
28
GIA
My head spins as I try to make sense of everything that's happening. One minute, I’m tied in a warehouse facing death, then unexpectedly, Max enters, and then I’m in Nic’s foyer, watching Max pour his heart out. Is this a dream? Or did I die and this is some form of heaven? Seeing my children safe, sleeping like angels under Nic’s roof and then Max delivering the words I’ve always wanted to hear…
It can’t be heaven as Nic just punched Max. So maybe this is real.
"I love her, Nic. I’ve already chosen you over her too many times.”
“How long? How long have you been fucking my sister?”
Max squares his shoulders, rises to his full height, glaring at Nic. “Careful.”
“Or what?” Nic sneers. Then he grabs Max, pushing him against the wall. “You’re a sick motherfucker, Nic. I can’t believe I trusted you.”
“Nic.” Bella stands behind Nic, gently trying to walk him back off the cliff he seems destined to plunge his and Max’s friendship off.
“Nic, stop,” I say more forcefully.
“Tell me!” Nic bellows.