Bruno opens the door and finds Lucas on the other side. "Daddy? Where's Scorpia?"

"I don't know, son. I'm looking for her too."

Lucas looks past his dad at the lump on the bed and then back to his dad. Bruno winks and presses his index finger to his lips.

Lucas says: "I guess we will have to look outside."

He pretends to walk away and closes the door, quietly making his way over to the bed to crawl under the covers. Bruno chuckles softly and Lucas wiggles between Logan and Scorpia, facing Scorpia. He cuddles up to her and Logan throws the sheets off.

"What is going on here? What is that redheaded monster doing here? Snuggled up to my girl?"

Lucas giggles and kisses Scorpia. Logan tickles Lucas until his laughter fills the room. There's another knock at the door and Bruno opens it again. Enzo and Pia walk in and climb onto the bed too. Bruno exits the room laughing and closes the door behind him. Enzo wants kisses from Scorpia too and Pia wants to cuddle Logan.

They are seated against the headboard, Logan with Pia on top of him and Scorpia with Lucas on one side and Enzo on the other. The boys shoot her loving looks while Pia slowly falls asleep on Logan's chest. There's another knock on the door and Enzo gets up to open the door.

Ciro is in front of the door with Leo on his arm, staring at the bed where Enzo is already crawling back into to cuddle up to Scorpia.

"Dear God, sorellina. I came here for a hug." He laughs, "But I'm sure you have room for this little man."

He walks over to the bed and lays Leo on Scorpia's chest. Scorpia presses a kiss on his head and the boy sighs happily. Scorpia looks at Ciro, "Could you put something between the door? A shoe or something? Because as soon as this collection of kids falls asleep we won't be able to open the door."

Ciro nods bends down to kiss her, and puts one of Logan's shoes between the door before walking down. Pia is already asleep and Logan looks at the little girl with nothing but love in his eyes.

Lexy quietly walks in and takes Pia with her. Bruno walks in a little later to carry the sleeping Enzo out of the room and Matteo walks in to take Enzo's spot. Scorpia hugs him and Matteo rubs Leo's back. Logan pulls Lucas closer for a hug, smiling at Scorpia.

Bruno looks into the room. "Lucas and Matteo, I found a table football game. Do you feel like a game?"

The boys kiss Scorpia and climb out of bed to play. Scorpia sits up and lays Leo down on her lap. Logan scoots closer and wraps his arm around her. She rests her head on his shoulder and kisses his chin.

The door opens and Ciro and Dino run in, bumping shoulders on the way to the bed. Leo giggles and Dino makes it to the bed first and rests his head on Scorpia's lap in front of the little boy. Leo ruffles up Dino's hair, who chuckles. Ciro sits down on the end of the bed, laughing at Leo's antics.

Scorpia gently runs her fingers through Dino's hair and Leo says: "Pet Dino."

Scorpia looks at Ciro, asking him about the latest scoops.

"Dani and Thomas seem to be a couple. And Dani is even more ruthless at work. She found a few more young people. Dino saved them right before coming to Scotland and took them to the hotel."

Dino says: "The boys and girls were a little older and grateful to find a home at the hotel. Bart and Manon asked us to give you their love and want you to know they miss you."

Scorpia smiles, "If I'm really honest, I only missed one person during my time here without you." She lifts Leo up to her face to kiss him all over and he kisses her back.

Logan kisses Leo too. "I'll go and get something to drink. Can you look after my girl for me?" He doesn't have to ask twice, Ciro immediately takes his spot next to Scorpia. Logan laughs, shakes his head, and puts his shoes on before leaving the room.

Leo holds his arms out to Ciro and Scorpia hands her son to her brother. Ciro puts Leo on his arm and pretends to bite the boy's chin. Leo giggles and Scorpia watches them with love in her eyes. Dino moves his head further onto her lap and she runs her fingers through his hair again. He closes his eyes and relaxes.

"How are things with you and Violetta?"

Dino shoots her a lazy look and smiles. "Good. I think she makes me a little soft."

Scorpia raises her eyebrows and Ciro laughs.

Dino explains: "Not at work but in the um... bedroom."

Scorpia tries not to laugh and bites her lip. She exchanges a look with Ciro, knowing all too well what Dino's sex life used to be like. She strokes Dino's cheek and he says: "I don't even mind. Everything is different with her. Relaxed, sweet, nice."

Scorpia brushes the hair from his eyes and asks: "Exclusive?"

Dino grins, "Yes. Hard to believe, right? And I wouldn't have it any other way. She might be the one. I just wish she wasn't shy. Especially around the rest of the family."

Scorpia laughs, "I totally get that though. Imagine being introduced to this family. One where everybody touches each other and shares everything. And a family that holds a copy of you, getting all the attention."

Dino sits up. "But she is not like you at all, sorellina. Yes, maybe a little looks-wise but she's so different on the inside. And still, it feels like you intimidate her in some way. And Lexy even more."

Ciro happily cuddles Leo. "Lexy intimidates us all. Especially around this wedding. But Violetta just needs to gain some confidence. And maybe someone should tell her she doesn't have to be like Scorpia."

Dino looks at his brother, waiting for him to explain. "We have been talking about our sister a lot lately. Praising her. Mostly because we missed her and to make sure all bastardo's saw her boxing clip. But that could have made her even more insecure. Even Flavio felt it a little."

Scorpia frowns before changing the subject. "Ciro. The cottage we stayed in. Buy it. And a new Wrangler for Logan. I had to say it before he's back in the room."

Ciro winks at her. "I'll get it done, sis. The boxing clip was a huge success, by the way. The ones who were still stubborn are now convinced. And we really ended up with a nice amount of money. It's about time you show your face at the office but other than that everything runs smoothly. Ricardo is getting his foot in the door at more places now that people have seen your interview."

There's a knock on the door and Dino gets up to open it. Logan walks in with a tray full of cookies, a teapot, and glasses.

"Scottish tea for the adults and baby tea for Leo."

He puts the tray down on the desk in the room and pours tea for everyone. Scorpia puts a pillow up against the headboard and Ciro sits Leo up against it. The boy looks all proud to be sitting on his own and Logan hands him his bottle. Logan hands everyone a glass of tea, grabbing the plate of cookies last. They all sit on the bed, drinking tea with a decent amount of whisky in it.

Dino says amused: "I even like tea this way."

He grabs a cookie and Leo drops his bottle, staring at the cookie. Dino gives it to him and Leo puts it in his mouth right away. Dino laughs, "Cookiemonster!"

He grabs another cookie for himself and studies Scorpia's face. "You look different, sorellina. More relaxed. Mature. Serene. I'm not sure how to describe it. Prettier. Sweeter."

Scorpia smiles. "I feel different. More mommy to Leo and Logan's girl than anything else. I love it here in Scotland."

Ciro nods, "I've noticed it too. I'm so happy this trip worked out for you. You've overstretched yourself for too long."

'How are things with you and Flavio?"

Ciro grins and Scorpia catches a slight redness on his cheeks. He clears his throat, "It's going well. Very well. Great."

He laughs, "We're not shouting it from the rooftops at home but we're not actively trying to hide it either. We've been out to dinner together. And taking care of Leo was a very special experience too. You get to know each other on a different level that way. I love him, sorellina."

Scorpia smiles at him, "I saw that ages ago. But I'm happy you're not afraid to say it proudly. I love him too. He's a very special, sweet man."

Leo joins the conversation, making everyone laugh.

Dino quickly sits up. "I better go find Violetta because she's alone with Lexy, mamma, and Cait."

Scorpia shoots up too, yelling: "Dino! What the hell! That poor woman!" She gets out of bed, puts jeans and shoes on, and walks out of the room. Dino watches his sister disappear before looking at his brother and Logan.

He shrugs and Logan says: "If she still wants to be with you after all of this, you're lucky. Cause my sister and mom, in one room..."

Dino says: "I don't know how to make things easier on her. She gets angry when I touch her or I'm around her and she gets mad when I leave her alone. And when I talk about Scorpia..."

Ciro moves Leo to his shoulder and rubs the little boy's back. "Then what?" He looks at Dino, who avoids his gaze, sighs, and runs his fingers through his hair.

"I don't know. I can't make sense of it. For some reason, things go wrong when we try to talk. And it feels like she sees Scorpia as a threat somehow. Our last conversation was a disaster too. I may have said something stupid but I wanted to be honest."

He looks so desperate that Logan squeezes his shoulder and says: "Why don't you start by telling us what you said exactly. Maybe we can help you out here."

Dino nods. "I was on the phone with one of my friends. He called me to ask if that was really my sister against Duane. So I gave him every detail to tell him how tough she was.

Violetta overheard me, slammed the door, and walked off. Right after the tournament, I tried to explain to her how important that fight and the clip were in the battle to free more kids. She said she understood but asked me why I had to glorify Scorpia so much. If Ciro couldn't do that. I honestly didn't see the problem... I still don't...

We sat at the table that night and I asked her why she ran off mad and she said it was all about Scorpia lately. And then she asked me what I would do if Scorpia would call right now asking for help. I said I'd get on the first plane to Scotland to support her. We got on the plane with the kids with that still all up in the air. And when I try to talk about it, she tells me to drop it."

He looks at Ciro. "How is it for you?"

Ciro gently lays the sleeping Leo down on the bed. "Well, it's not an issue for me. Flavio loves her just as much and I'm conveniently gay. I mean, that probably takes some of the tension away. And Flavio knows I'd leave him like that when Scorpia needs me. He would do the same."

Dino nods and looks at Logan.

"Lexy had a very hard time with Bruno and Scorpia's bond at the start of their relationship. Especially after finding out that you're not biologically related. That increases the chances of something inappropriate. At least in the heads of the women, I think. I have never been worried about something between her and Bruno but Violetta seems like a thinker. And you know I was insecure when I found out Scorpia used to be in love with you."

Dino looks at him. "You know I don't want anything with Scorpia, right? And that I think you belong together?"

Logan nods, "You wouldn't be sitting here, on this bed, if you still dreamed of kissing her."

Dino laughs. "Hold it! I'm not responsible for my behavior when I sleep or drink too much."

Ciro clears his throat, "Yeah, yeah. Always the same excuse but you really have to talk to Violetta, fratello. Or it will en bad."

Dino drops back on the bed with a sigh, "I think I need whisky that isn't watered down with tea for that."

Logan laughs, "But not too much cause then you'll screw it up right away." He picks Leo up, lays him down in the crib the hotel arranged for them, turns the baby monitor on, and follows the two brothers out of the room.

-----

Scorpia arrives downstairs and searches for Violetta with her eyes. She finds her sitting between Cait and Lexy and she looks very stressed.

Scorpia quickly walks up to them and smiles at the women at the table. "Ladies! Can I steal Violetta from you for a little while? I need to discuss business with her."

Violetta gets up quickly and the two other women nod. Scorpia grabs Violetta's hand and drags her over to the bar, asking the bartender for a bottle of wine and two glasses. She takes them from him, giving him her room number to put it on the tab. She pulls Violetta along into the garden and sits down on a bench.

She fills the glasses and hands one to Violetta. Violetta takes a huge sip and breathes out. Scorpia takes a sip and studies the woman next to her. Violetta thanks her in a soft tone and gulps more wine down.

"Vio? You looked like you needed to be saved. What's wrong?"

Violetta takes another sip and avoids Scorpia's gaze. She sighs, "I'm not like you, Scorpia. Or like Lexy."

Scorpia looks her straight in the eye and asks: "And you want to be with Logan? Or with Bruno?"

"Huh? No, of course not!"

"Then why is it bad that you're not like me or Lexy?"

Violetta stares at Scorpia as if she grew a second head. Scorpia stays silent, giving Violetta the time to let the question sink in, sipping her wine.

Violetta sighs, "No idea. Cause Dino wished I was more like you?"

"Did he say that to you? Cause I find that really hard to believe. Dino wouldn't be able to handle me, plus he just told me you guys are exclusive and that you made him softer. He even suggested you might be the one. A man who wished you were different wouldn't say stuff like that. And Dino, the player, the brother who never talks about his feelings? Even less likely."

Violetta almost chokes on her wine and blinks. "Maybe you just feed into my insecurities. You're so strong and beautiful. You're amazing with kids but at the same time a very good boxer. You're the total package and I wish I was more like you."

Scorpia grins. "And there's the truth. It doesn't come from Dino but from your own insecurities. Sweet, sweet Vio, I wish I could be more like you. I don't want to box anymore, with the risk of getting so hurt that I can't take care of Leo. I would rather read stories to a classroom full of kids all day but I can't go back to that life.

I don't want to negotiate with mafia bosses or everyone to know about my rape and my struggle in the shadows of my mind. I want to be one and the same woman round the clock but I can't. It will never happen. I carry everything I did with me, every single day for the rest of my life."

She grins at Violetta, "You said I was beautiful, right? I think the same thing, every time I look at you. You know we look like sisters. So saying I'm pretty, means you're pretty too, Vio. All you need is a little more confidence. Because you're strong, beautiful and Dino loves you. What more could you possibly want?"

Violetta giggles softly, "Did Dino really say I could be the one?"

Scorpia nods and taps her wine glass against Violetta's. They drink the rest of their wine in silence and Violetta rests her head on Scorpia's shoulder. Scorpia presses a kiss on Violetta's forehead and closes her eyes. They hear a door open followed by incoming footsteps.

Logan softly asks: "I don't have to drive you home again, do I? It's quite a ride from here."

Violetta smirks at him and catches Dino, looking insecure behind the tall Scot. She looks at Scorpia, who winks at her.

Violetta doesn't blink when she says: "No need. We were really kissing this time and about to invite you guys to join us." She pretends to wipe the lipstick from Scorpia's lips, who is desperately trying to hold her laughter in. Violetta looks deep into Scorpia's eyes, lowering her gaze to Scorpia's lips.

She looks over Scorpia's shoulder, amused by the stunned looks on the men's faces. She rests her forehead against Scorpia's chest, unable to hold her laughter down anymore and Scorpia wraps her arms around Violetta.

Scorpia lets out, half laughing: "Oh yes Vio, like that."

It's impossible to continue their charade and they burst out into laughter, holding onto each other. The men move closer, still staring at the women. Dino stops in front of Violetta. "I have this feeling you're pulling our legs."

Violetta wipes the tears from her cheeks, "You will never know, darling. You should have come looking for me sooner, then you might have seen it with your own eyes."

Scorpia wraps her hand around Violetta's neck and kisses her lips lightly before getting up and wrapping her arms around Logan's neck. Logan's hands slide down to her ass right away, whispering: "Hot."

Scorpia chuckles and kisses him wildly. She hears Violetta laugh and knows Dino said about the same. She looks over her shoulder and catches them kissing passionately.

Violetta's eyes connect with hers for a second and Scorpia says: "Well, we found the best way to get our men's attention."

The girls laugh, Dino moans: "Oh God, the idea alone. Maybe we should find our hotel room Vio."

Violetta looks at him and blushes.

Scorpia registers the battle on her look-alike's face but Violetta gets up quickly and says: "Good idea. Come on, Dino." She pulls him inside.

Logan picks Scorpia up and sits down on the bench with her on his lap. She runs her fingers through his hair and kisses him softly. His hands slide under her shirt and he growls: "I knew it. We talked about not wearing a bra in public before, Bonnie."

Scorpia laughs, "I ran out of the room to save Violetta. No time for a bra. And it's a good thing I did because she was seated between Lexy and Cait."

"Oh God, poor Violetta. But you're coming back to the room to put a bra on. At the very least."

He glares at her and she pretends to pull her shirt up. He grabs her and tosses her over his shoulder. She squeals and he takes big strides towards the elevator. Logan keeps carrying her until they reach the room. He tosses her on the bed and sticks his head under her shirt, kisses, licks, and bites, forcing Scorpia to put a pillow over her face to smother her moans, to make sure she doesn't wake Leo.

Logan takes her shirt off and stares at her, stars in his grey eyes. He plays with her breasts and suddenly hears Leo babble. "Shit! Leo."

He gets up and pulls a black bralette from the bag on the chair at the other side of the room. He tosses it at her and she puts it on. She gets up, takes her shoes off, and wiggles out of her jeans, pulling her thong down.

Logan stares at her and she says: "I take it there's a matching thing too, handsome Scot."

He nods slowly and pulls it from the bag too. Scorpia puts it on real slow and dances up to him. Logan looks a bit scared and keeps one eye on Leo's crib. Scorpia kneels down in front of him and looks up at him. He shakes his head as she licks her lips. She unbuttons his jeans and that's when they hear the one word you don't want to hear at a moment like this.

"Mommy!"

Scorpia chuckles as Logan moans and disappears into the bathroom. Scorpia puts her jeans back on and takes a shirt from the suitcase without looking. She walks over to Leo's crib and finds her son happily waving his arms and legs around. She picks him up and cuddles him. Leo happily exclaims: "Mommy amo."

His little eye scans the room before asking: "Daddy?"

Logan opens the bathroom door, "Yes?"

Leo yells: "Daddy! Amo!"

Logan sighs, "I know boy. Daddy needs a minute before he can say ti amo back to you."

Scorpia laughs and now notices she's wearing her old Harley Davidson shirt. She looks for the little store bag with Harley clothes for Leo. She finds tiny sweatpants that look like leather ones, a romper with the Harley Davidson logo, and a small leather jacket. She dresses Leo in it and he's fascinated by the jacket, touching the fabric with his hands. Scorpia unwraps the mini biker boots and puts them on his feet.

"Wow, my little pirate. You look really hot this way."

Logan comes out of the bathroom and looks at Leo.

Leo giggles, "Petty. Amo."

Logan nods, "I agree, little cub. You look very handsome." He kisses Scorpia's cheek and looks for the Nessie plushie. He finds it and hands it to Leo. Leo wraps his arms around it and closes his eye.

Logan smiles, "Nessie is approved as well I see."

He rummages through the suitcase, pulls a shirt out of it, and laughs. He puts it on and turns around to face Scorpia. She reads the words on it and giggles. It says: 'Ginger + Scot = HOT'

"I can't deny that, handsome Scot. Very hot." She kisses him slow and Leo immediately asks for a kiss too. She picks the little man up and kisses him too.

They walk out of the room and go downstairs, where they find Flavio in the lobby. He's sitting on one of the chairs, looking completely relaxed as he reads the newspaper. Leo lets out a happy sound and waves happily at the laid-back man.

Flavio looks up from his reading material and checks out Leo's outfit. "Wow Leo, you look so tough!"

Leo holds his arms out towards Flavio, who takes him from Scorpia for a hug. Scorpia sees Ciro pace the floor with the phone against his ear. She walks up to him and his eyes connect with hers.

"Wait, I'll ask her right now, no need to wait. Sorellina? A green Wrangler?"

She grins and nods. Ciro says: "Yeah, one at home and one at the cottage. Yes, of course. No, I signed for it. The cottage is already Scorpia's. Yes, thank you, Bart. I'll talk to you later."

Ciro hangs up and pulls her into his arms for a hug. "Sorellina, the cottage is yours. And we're buying two new, green Wranglers. One to drive in at home and one to use here."

Ciro hands her a set of keys, "These are the keys to the cottage. The previous owner told me that she would love to keep an eye on the place when you guys are not here."

Scorpia kisses Ciro and thanks him for everything. He smiles and his expression changes when he watches Flavio and Leo. Scorpia follows his gaze, "Those two are so sweet together."

Ciro nods and they make their way back to the loves of their life. Leo sees Ciro and sticks his arms out to him, who immediately picks him up for a kiss.

Scorpia makes her way over to Logan and he kisses her slowly.

"Daddy! Mommy! Kiss!"

Ciro hands Leo to Scorpia and she kisses his cheek, while Logan does the same on the other side.

They move to the restaurant together and the entire family slowly joins them at the table. A happy, relaxed atmosphere fills the air as they eat and laugh together. Lexy explains the plans in preparation for the wedding and Scorpia feels already tired at the thought. 

Logan notices and strokes her neck with his fingertips, she relaxes and shoots him a grateful look. 

⊱ ────── {⋅.♏︎.⋅} ────── ⊰

A tiny bit of a filler 

but the smart reader will have picked up on me 

tying loose ends here and there.

XO Hankie