Page 93 of The Godfather’s Christmas Twins

"You trusted him with your life," I remind Nic. "With mine and the children's. Why can't you trust him with my heart?"

“I did trust him. And he fucked you.”

My heart clenches as Nic spits out those crude words about Max and me. The vulgarity of his accusation makes me flinch, reducing what Max and I shared to something cheap and tawdry.

Before I can respond, Max steps between us, his shoulders rigid with anger. The muscle in his jaw ticks as he faces down my brother.

"Don't talk about her like that." Max's voice comes out low and dangerous. "I’ve always cared for and respected her.”

"Some way of showing respect," Nic scoffs.

"I'm sorry I've hurt you, Nic. You're my brother, and betraying your trust was never my intention." Max's voice softens slightly, though his stance remains firm. "But I won't apologize for loving her. Nothing you say or do will change how I feel about Gia."

I watch them face off, these two men who've been through so much together. I hate that I’m the source of what could ruin a lifetime of friendship and brotherhood.

Nic's face darkens. "I want you out, Max. Now."

"Not until I talk to Gia." Max's voice carries that stubborn determination that often annoyed me. I wonder if it’s the first time he’s used it against my brother.

Nic’s face is red with rage, and I worry he’s going to do something drastic.

"I'll go with Max.”

“The hell you will.”

I ignore Nic and look up at Max. “We need to get the kids."

"Leave them for tonight," Bella suggests softly. "They're already asleep upstairs."

I shake my head. "No. I'm not leaving my children here. Not with Nic like this." The words come sharp.

Nic's expression shifts from anger to hurt. "You don't trust me with them?"

“They’re a part of me and Max. They need to be with us."

"You really want to do this?" Nic asks, his voice tight with barely controlled fury. "Choose him over family?"

I can see those words hit Max hard. "Until a moment ago, Max was family. Your brother." I shake my head, so disappointed in Nic. "You're a self-centered jerk. Not everything has to revolve around you even if you are the Don. Family doesn’t mean whateverNicwants. Family is love and respect, even if you don’t agree." I turn to Max. “Let’s get the kids and we can go to my house?—”

“I own that house.”

I turn to Nic, surprised by just how angry he is.

“Nic…” Bella intervenes again. “Don’t?—”

“No. It’s okay. We’ll go to a hotel. You don’t own all of them.”

I lead Max up the stairs to where the twins are sleeping. My heart squeezes as I watch him pause in the doorway, taking in the sight of our children. There's a new softness in his eyes I've never seen before.

Daniella stirs first when I touch her shoulder. "Mommy?" Her sleepy eyes widen when she spots Max. "Uncle Max! You came back!"

"Hey, princess." His voice catches as she throws her arms around his neck.

Dario sits up, rubbing his eyes. "Are we going home now?"

"Yes, baby." I stroke his hair.

“Is Uncle Max coming too?” Daniella asks through a yawn as I lift her into my arms.