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sorellina = little sister

pronto = hello (answering the phone)

dannazione = dammit

fratello = brother

bastardo = bastard

mamma = mother

nonna = grandma

ti amo = I love you

Ti amo con tutto il mio cuore 

=

I love you with all of my heart.

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Pia — – –

The adults ask her about her jeans and her lack of glasses all throughout the day. But the kids don't care about her new 'look' at all. She treats them the same way and they still love her just as much.

It's recess and she steps outside, on her way to her favorite bench. But then she notices Lucas bolting over to the fence and sees Logan and Bruno walking up. She walks over to them with a smile on her face and Lucas cheers at the sight of his uncle. 

Logan asks: "Miss Pia? I am really bored. Can I play soccer with Lucas and his friends?"

She nods and opens the gate for him. "Of course you can. Have fun!" Lucas and Logan run off towards the field and she looks at her brother. Bruno quickly walks through the gate too and gives her a hug.

"Hello sorellina. I have something to ask of you." He factually explains the plan to her and tells her he has to prepare some things with Logan later. And that he wouldn't mind having her there, but that Enzo has to see her today. And that someone has to take Lexy and Lucas to mamma's house.

She looks into her brother's eyes and sees he has thought of everything and has to admit that the idea of Lexy and Lucas safely in mamma's house makes her feel better. On top of that she really looks forward to having dinner with the boys. 

She says: "I think that's a really good idea. And it gives me time to charge up on Enzo love, before preparing myself for the tournament. But how am I taking Lexy and Lucas over to mamma?"

Logan comes strolling up and hands her a car key. "With the green jeep over there." He points at the car. "You can use it to come to the cafe tonight and we'll drive to the tournament with it tomorrow."

She looks at him and asks: "Yours?"

He nods and says: "Yep. ... I have one question though." He waits for Scorpia and Bruno to look at him and he asks: "Is it your first threesome as well?"

Bruno bursts out in laughter and holds his stomach, while Scorpia looks at him with a shocked expression on her face. Bruno has trouble breathing and needs a moment to recover. Once he's able to breathe again, he says: "Definitely not my first. The first time with another man though."

Scorpia stares at him and asks: "Have you two been drinking?"

Logan chuckles and says: "Sorry, that was a lame joke. We're sleeping at my house tonight. And Bruno said that as long as we kept you in the middle, it would all be fine."

A naughty grin appears on her face, right before the bell rings. She opens the gate and pushes both men through it, to the other side. She says, while looking straight at Logan: "You do realize he is not my real brother, right? And that he has the body of a boxer?" 

She turns around, laughing softly and walks into the school building. The men exchange a look, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

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Logan— – –

Logan and Bruno walk over to the cafe and start to laugh halfway down there. They start to relax and Logan says: "That sister of yours is dangerously sharp and unafraid. We don't stand a chance without her."

Bruno nods and says: "I'm afraid you're right. She is the key to successfully beating Salvatore. Our love for her, her fearlessness, and the element of surprise give us a shot. And on top of that, she's lightning-fast and ruthless. I just hope that tomorrow is the last time she ever has to be that way." 

Bruno runs into a store and comes out with a pair of boxing gloves and a bag full of other items.

────

They walk into the cafe and Logan turns the lights on. He rummages behind the bar and invites Bruno to sit down. Bruno feels his phone vibrate and pulls it from his pocket. He sees it's Dino, calling him and picks up.

"Pronto Dino! I didn't expect you to call... Ah yes... Scorpia? She's okay... What do you mean you don't know? (...) Salvatore raped her Dino! While laying next to a dead girl in the shed! Dannazione! (...) You can say that again! (...) What? Yeah, I still want to talk to you in the cafe... No, I get that... What? You want to bring Ciro? Sure... No, of course, I don't forgive you. I never will little brother. But you might be able to help us here. Show me who's side you're on... Yeah. See you in a bit!"

Bruno hangs up and rests his forehead on the bar, breathing out slowly. Logan holds his breath and stares at Bruno with a ghostly white face. Bruno lifts his head up and looks at Logan. "Err, judging by your face, she didn't tell you everything."

Logan shakes his head, pours himself a whiskey and drinks it all in one go. His hand is shaking and he closes his eyes.

Bruno gives him a worried look and says: "I'm sorry. That was a shitty way to find out. But I really thought you knew about it all."

Logan shakes his head and says: "She didn't even use the word rape herself."

Bruno says: "I'm really sorry. But Dino is coming over and he is bringing Ciro. If we play our cards right, we should be able to introduce you and my mystery boxer."

Logan gets the Puni Alba ready, along with three glasses, and tries to breathe calmly. Bruno looks at his phone, makes eye contact with Logan, and says: "Showtime!" 

Dino walks in first and Ciro follows.

Logan says loudly: "Thanks for lending me these Bruno. I bought my own gloves today. I'll be back next week for more training!"

Bruno nods and takes the gloves from him. "See you next week!" He turns around and sees Ciro and Dino seated at a table. He walks over there and sits down too.

Ciro looks at him with an investigating look and Dino says: "Hi Bruno."

Bruno nods and says: "Hi, little brother. So it's true? There's a tournament tomorrow?"

Dino nods and says: "Yeah. You can only get in on it if one of us introduces you. Are you going to fight yourself fratello? "

Bruno shakes his head. "One of the guys I train told me about it. And you know I don't want anything to do with that world. Especially after... Anyway, you know. But this guy is up to his neck in debt and he's a damn good boxer. And you can earn money fast if you're willing to work for that asshole."

Ciro clears his throat and gestures to Logan to bring the bottle of whiskey over. Logan walks up to them and Dino says: "Give me the name, Bruno. I'll put him on the list. But from that moment on it's up to him."

Bruno nods and says: "P. Maestra, I hope his talent will rise above. For his sake." Dino nods and types on his phone. Ciro grumbles that he can't believe Dino's introducing a fighter and he has no one to sign up. Bruno says: "Well Dino picked up the phone when I called him." Ciro looks guilty for a second and then he nods at Logan, to tell him to put the bottle of whiskey and glasses down on the table.

Logan says timidly: "I hope you pay for your drinks this time. Because it's hard enough to keep this place afloat."

Ciro is about to give him a snarky answer, but suddenly grins mysteriously. "Money trouble barman?"

Logan mumbles: "Always."

Ciro takes a few banknotes from his pocket and hands them to Logan. "And you box too?"

Logan nods and says: "Started recently. I'm not very good though."

Ciro grins even wider and says: "Come to the tournament tomorrow. I will introduce you. Wear a mask and fight anonymously. There's money to be made there, especially for losers."

Bruno sees the anger flash through Logan's eyes, but it doesn't last long. Logan asks: "Really? I don't have to be good?"

Ciro says: "Here's five-hundred for you. There's a lot more where that came from." Logan pretends to be really happy with it and Ciro asks: "Under what name do you want to be signed up? Barman?"

Logan nods and says: "Sure, why not."

Ciro looks at Bruno and asks: "You know where the tournament is taking place, right?" Bruno nods and Ciro says: "Good, you explain to the little barman where it is. Let's drink together bro."

Logan almost runs into the kitchen, afraid of showing his anger. He leans his head against the fridge and takes a few deep breaths. So far so good. But what if the anger rises like before? He drinks a glass of water and gets behind the bar again. He pretends to check his stock while listening in on the brothers.

Bruno says: "I'm here to help the guy I train, nothing else. I am sure as hell not drinking that bottle of Puni Alba with you, like nothing happened."

Dino looks defeated and Ciro says: "Fuck you, Bruno! You have no idea what happened because you weren't there. And you know there's no free will in that world. Not really at least. So don't be naive!"

Bruno slams his fist on the table and curses his brother to hell in Italian. He gets up and really has to channel all of his self-control to prevent himself from strangling Ciro.

Dino gets up too and places a hand on Bruno's shoulder. "Bruno. We didn't know. I swear. Talk about naive... Go Bruno. Your fighter is signed up. Go, before you do something you'll regret!" 

Bruno turns around and walks out of the front door. 

Dino sits down with a sigh and looks at Ciro.

Ciro looks his brother in the eye and yells: "Tell me it's not true! Tell me he's exaggerating!"

Dino sadly shakes his head and says: "I just found out that Salvatore is still very proud of what he did to her. He tells his recruiters about it every time they are willing to listen. He says it was the tightest pussy he ever fucked. Ask those guys about it and they will all tell you the same story."

Logan runs into the kitchen and throws up, until his stomach is completely empty. 

Ciro runs into the bathroom and does the same there, leaving a crying Dino at the table.

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(Scor)Pia — – –

She walks towards Logan's car with Lucas and he asks: "Why do you have uncle Logan's car?"

"Because I am going to take you and your mom to Enzo and my mamma. We will eat together there and you guys get to sleep over for the weekend. And maybe even longer, because we have a week-long holiday, starting Monday."

Lucas asks: "I get to sleep over at Enzo's?"

She nods and says: "Yes. You and your mom."

Lucas smiles wide and asks: "Why?"

"Because Bruno and uncle Logan are competing in a boxing tournament and I am going with them to help out. So that means Enzo will be alone. And my mamma has a big house and a big yard, where you can play with Enzo. And your mom gets to relax."

Lucas gets excited and jumps out of the car when they reach his home. He bangs on the door and Lexy opens up with a smile. "Mommy, I'm going to pack some toys!"

Lexy yells after him: "You do that honey. I packed our suitcase already!"

Pia looks at Lexy and asks: "Are you looking forward to it?"

Lexy says: "Yes. But I am nervous too."

"Why?"

"Err, because I am meeting Bruno's mother and spending the night right away. But it's a lot of fun for Lucas. And I can use some time to relax."

Lucas asks if he can take his soccer ball too and Pia nods. "Sure you can, sweetie." Pia puts her hand on Lexy's arm and asks: "Do you like Bruno?"

Lexy blushes and says: "I might."

Pia smiles and says: "Good. Because I think it's mutual. And don't worry about mamma. She is very welcoming and loves women and kids. Because there's usually a fair amount of men in her house." She smiles and Lexy relaxes a little.

Lucas comes out with a trash bag full of toys and says: "Done. I'm ready!"

The women laugh and Pia says seriously: "I have to tell you something. You know me as Miss Pia, but my mom named me Scorpia."

Lucas says: "Ohh Soppia!"

Scorpia laughs and says: "Yes, that's why Enzo calls me Soppia.

Lucas asks: "Can I call you Scorpia too? Or do I have to say Miss Pia?"

Scorpia crouches down to his level and says: "You have to call me Miss Pia at school and when other kids from school are there. But aside from those times, you can call me Scorpia."

"Okay, Scorpia. Let's go!"

Scorpia chuckles and gets up. 

Lexy says: "Nice to meet you Scorpia. Let's go, before Lucas gets mad at us." They laugh and walk over to the car. Lexy puts the suitcase in the trunk and Lucas lays the trash bag down next to it. 

Lucas sits in the backseat and Lexy next to Scorpia. They sing songs together, on the way to mamma's house.

────────────

Logan— – –

Logan lifts his head when he hears the back door open and looks straight into the furious eyes of Bruno, but his eyes quickly change to a look of confusion. Logan shakes his head and holds his index finger against his lips, before walking back into the cafe.

He sees Ciro come from the bathroom, with an almost green complexion. Ciro grabs the bottle of Puni Alba, drinks straight from the bottle, before roughly setting it back down on the table. Dino wipes the tears from his cheeks and looks at his brother. 

Ciro swears and says: "Now what? We're connected to that bastardo forever. And we've lost our real family in the process." He swears and says: "Come with me! I have to do something about this anger, before facing Salvatore!"

Dino nods and says: "Let's go to the shooting range and calm down. Because the last thing we want is him taking it out on mamma, Enzo, or Scorpia."

Ciro swears again and throws the bottle of Puni Alba against the wall. It shatters and he yells over his shoulder: "Sorry barman. I'll bring you more money later!" The brothers walk out together and Logan sinks to the floor, behind the bar.

Bruno comes out of the kitchen and sees Logan is barely holding it together. He runs towards the entrance and locks the door from the inside. He runs back to Logan and sits down next to him. "Logan? Are you okay?" 

Logan shakes his head and tries to breathe calmly. 

Bruno says: "They didn't know... Idiots. They were young then, but still."

Logan says softly: "Salvatore proudly talks about it. He says that she..." He rubs his arms forcefully, suddenly feeling horribly cold.

Bruno's voice cracks when he says: "She told me what he said to her. Is he still repeating that?"

Logan nods and says: "When I heard the youngest brother say that... I emptied my stomach in the trashcan and I'm guessing your brother did the same in the bathroom. The youngest brother cried the entire time."

Bruno sighs and closes his eyes. "Jesus Logan, what a mess. But I am glad I didn't kill Ciro just now. Because we might need those two later. And I hope they will make the right choice this time around. But how in the hell are we going to tell Scorpia that they really didn't know." Logan looks defeated and Bruno runs a hand across his face.

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Scorpia — – –

Scorpia drives onto the driveway and Lexy whispers: "Wow. It's beautiful out here." Lucas silently agrees with his mother by nodding his head.

Scorpia gets out of the car and opens the trunk. Lexy grabs her suitcase and Lucas gets his trash bag out. They walk to the front door together and Scorpia opens it to let Lexy and Lucas in first. They hang up their coats and leave the suitcase and trash bag in the hallway. 

"Come with me. Mamma is probably in the kitchen." 

Lexy and Lucas look around in awe and follow Scorpia quietly.

Mamma throws herself in Scorpia's arms and hugs her tightly. Scorpia hugs her back with a smile on her face. She introduces Lucas and Lexy to mamma. 

Lucas wants to shake mamma's hand, but she pulls him into her arms for a hug. She says: "Hi Lucas. I'm mamma Anna. Scorpia's mamma and Enzo's nonna."

Lucas asks: "Nonna?"

"Yes, it means grandma, so that's what Enzo calls me." Lucas thinks about it, while Lexy steps forward to great mamma Anna.

She sounds a little intimidated when she says: "Nice to meet you, signora Anna."

Mamma hugs her warmly and says: "Call me mamma Anna, your brother does too."

Scorpia stares at her mother in surprise, but she doesn't add anything to it.

Lucas carefully asks: "Can I call you nonna too?"

Mamma's eyes shimmer when she says: "You certainly can. I would really like that."

Lucas smiles and asks: "Where's Enzo, nonna?"

"Enzo is still asleep. But Scorpia will go and get him soon. Would you like a cup of tea first? I baked some lovely baci di dama to go with the tea. You really have to try those."

Lexy and Lucas sit down at the table and Scorpia says: "Mamma, I'm going to check on Enzo."

────

She opens the door to his room quietly and sits down on the floor, next to his bed. He is sleeping with his thumb in his mouth and she watches the love of her life with a smile on her face. 

She says as softly as possible: "I promise I'll be careful. I will come back to you. And I'll bring pappa and Logan back home safely too. Ti amo con tutto il mio cuore."

She looks at him with her eyes full of tears and hears him whisper: "Ti amo, Soppia." She smiles at his sleepy face and watches him as he wakes up properly. As soon as he realizes she's seated next to his bed, he jumps up and yells: "Soppia!" She gets up and lifts him into her arms. He wraps his arms around her neck and kisses her face. He says: "Ti amo!"

Scorpia laughs and says: "I love you too!" She gets him dressed and he holds his arms out to her. She lifts him from the changing table and cuddles him, taking in his scent. "Enzo? I have a surprise for you. We have visitors." Enzo's mouth forms an o and Scorpia whispers: "Lucas and his mom are here."

Enzo cheers and says: "Down, down. Now!"

Scorpia chuckles and says: "Yeah, yeah. Calm down. We're going downstairs. But you will have to stay calm or we'll fall down the stairs." Enzo gives her a serious look and nods.

She walks down the stairs with Enzo on her arm and puts him down on the floor. He yells from the top of his lungs: "Lucas!" Lucas comes running and hugs the little boy with a big smile on his face. Enzo hugs him back and says: "Ti amo!"

Lucas says: "I think you're sweet too Enzo. I brought a lot of toys. Come."

Scorpia says: "Take Enzo into the kitchen with you, Lucas. He needs to drink something first before you play together. I will bring the toys in." She lifts the bag full of toys and walks into the kitchen. She finds Enzo on Lexy's lap, drinking from his sippy cup and Lucas seated next to them, eating a cookie. Mamma looks at them with eyes full of love and Scorpia smiles.

She puts the bag of toys down in the corner and sits down next to her mom. Mamma pours her a cup of tea and pushes the plate of cookies her way. Scorpia takes a cookie and sips her tea. 

Lucas gets up from the table and starts rummaging through the bag of toys. He pulls out a few toy cars and lines them up on the floor. Mamma says: "I'm going to start on dinner soon. Scorpia, are you joining us? And do you want to take food with you for the big boys?"

Scorpia says: "Yes, that's a great idea. I will send a message to Bruno." She takes her phone out and then feels someone pulling on her sleeve.

She looks into the grey eyes of Lucas, who whispers: "Scorpia? Can I ask you something?"

Scorpia nods and understands it's something he doesn't want his mom to hear. They walk into the hallway and she crouches down to get to his level. "What's wrong Lucas?"

He draws circles on the floor with his foot and nervously says: "Mommy says uncle Logan can't give me a little brother. But... if mommy and Enzo's daddy... Will Enzo be my little brother then?"

Scorpia gets emotional and runs her fingers through his hair. "Yes, if your mommy and Enzo's daddy like each other a lot, then that's possible. But even if that doesn't happen, you won't lose Enzo. You can always come over and play with Enzo, I promise."

Lucas nods and says happily: "I'm off to play with Enzo again." He runs off. 

Scorpia sits down on the stairs and sends Bruno a message.

I'm staying for dinner.
I'll come to the cafe afterward.
Mamma made food for you guys too.
I'll bring it with me.

Bruno?
Do you like Lexy?
Cause she likes you.
Lucas asked me if Enzo would become his 
brother if you two got together.

I promised him he could always come over
to play with Enzo.

See you later!
Kiss for Logan!
XX

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There you go, Chapter 12. Or Capitolo Dodici.

What are your thoughts on Ciro and Dino?

And Enzo en Lucas?

The tournament is getting closer...

Will it go their way?

See you next update!XO Hankie ❥