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ti amo = I love you 

sorellina = little sister 

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Bruno & Logan — – –

Bruno stares at his phone, blushing and smiling at the same time. Logan watches him and wonders why he looks that way. Bruno glances up and feels caught in the act. "Erm..." He rubs his neck and gives Logan a shy look. He gathers his courage and reads the message out loud.

Logan smiles wide and asks: "Well? Do you like her?"

Bruno nods and says: "Yes. And she's really sweet with Enzo. So is Lucas." Bruno sighs and says: "Coming from a guy who never wanted a relationship or kids for that matter."

Logan chuckles and says: "Well, we're in the same boat then. Because I never wanted all of that. But I love Lucas and Enzo. He softly adds: "And Scorpia."

Bruno smiles at him and says: "If we make it through it all in one piece, we'll discuss it some more. But you have my blessing."

Logan nods and says: "And you've got mine."

Bruno grins and adds: "But before we get too serious, let's have a threesome tonight."

Logan laughs and asks: "Do you want something to drink?"

Bruno says: "Yes, your favorite whisky. Because that has to be a good one." Logan walks behind the bar and grabs a bottle of Lagavulin and two glasses. He sits back down at the table and pours the whiskey. Bruno holds the glass up against the light, before smelling it. He takes a sip and lets the fluid dance trough his mouth. He swallows it and gives Logan a pleased look.

"Wow. That's really good!" Logan winks at him and takes a sip himself. "I am wondering why the hell you're serving Puni Alba here though."

Logan chuckles and says: "For one, your brothers pay me three times what the bottle's worth. But mostly because Alba means Scotland."

"Ah, I didn't know that. It means dawn in Italian."

Logan says: "And I didn't know that... What are we going to tell Scorpia? About the brothers I mean."

Bruno says: "We're going to be honest about it. If she finds out for herself, she will be pissed. And we have to tell her if we want to use Ciro and Dino somehow. She would never go along with it otherwise."

Bruno's phone vibrates and he opens a message from Scorpia. He smiles when he sees the picture; Enzo and Lucas, side by side, with their faces covered in tomato sauce. Lexy is sitting next to Enzo and mamma on the other side, next to Lucas. They all look very happy.

He shows Logan the picture and he smiles. "They look happy together."

Bruno nods and says: "Yes, let's hang onto that with all our might."

A minute later Logan receives a picture too. He looks at Scorpia, being cuddled to death by Lucas and Enzo. Lexy added a message to it.

It's wonderful here.
Mamma Anna is very sweet and
seeing the two boys together is amazing.
Kiss for Bruno.

He chuckles and shows Bruno the picture, who reads the message below too. "Man, my heart is glowing. It was a smart plan, to take them to mamma."

Logan nods and says: "I think Scorpia is on her way over."

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Scorpia — – –

Scorpia hugs the two little boys longer than usual and tries to lock the feeling away in her brain. She hugs Lexy and mamma and asks them to take good care of her two favorite men. She grabs the spaghetti from the table and speeds out of the kitchen. She is way too scared they will notice how emotional she is.

Lexy yells: "Say hi to the guys for us. Have fun tomorrow!"

Scorpia takes a deep breath and walks out of the front door. She gets into the car and puts the food down on the seat next to her. She closes her eyes and whispers: "Please let me come back here, with Bruno and Logan." She starts the car and drives off.

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Threesome — – –

As soon as she enters the kitchen through the backdoor, the men yell: "Food!" Scorpia laughs and puts the food down on the table. She scoops the spaghetti onto their plates and they attack the food immediately. She notices a bottle of wine and three glasses on the counter. She walks over there and smiles when she sees it's Chianti. She pours the wine en sets the glasses down on the table, before taking a seat between Bruno and Logan.

She takes a sip from her wine and watches the men devour the spaghetti. She walks over to the fruit bowl and grabs a mandarin. She peels it and eats it. She gets up to throw the peel away and freezes when she opens the trashcan. "Erm, guys?"

Logan looks up and says: "Shit!" He stares at her, panic clear in his eyes and completely at a loss for words. He gets up and says: "I still have to clean up in the cafe and check on the bathroom." He runs out of the kitchen and Scorpia watches him go with a confused look on her face.

"Bruno?"

Bruno looks into her eyes and sighs. "Logan emptied his stomach in the trashcan. I'll try to explain if you'll let me." He tells her about meeting Dino and Ciro and that she is signed up for the tournament. About almost killing Ciro and Dino calming him down. And Ciro begging Dino to tell him that it wasn't true. 

That Dino told them something that made Logan and Ciro both throw up. And that Ciro threw the bottle of Puni Alba against the wall out of sheer frustration. Stating he and Dino are stuck with Salvatore and have lost their real family forever.

Scorpia sifts through the information quickly and asks: "What did Dino tell him?"

Bruno shakes his head and she asks again: "What did he say, Bruno?"

Logan walks in and says: "That's not important Scorpia."

She shoots him an angry look and yells: "The hell it is! I need something! Something that makes me angry enough. Especially now that I can't be angry with Ciro and Dino anymore!"

Logan looks her in the eye and asks: "Will it help to know that I am signed up for the tournament too?"

Anger flashed through her eyes and she hisses: "Maybe! Explain!" Bruno explains what they came up with if Ciro was going to join Dino for the meeting. To make sure Logan would be introduced too. 

Scorpia kicks a chair and yells: "No!"

"Bonnie?"

"No! I don't want that!" Logan walks up to her slowly and wraps his arms around her. She looks at him with her eyes full of tears and softly says: "No." The tears start to spill and she hits him in the chest. "No. I am not going to stand there and watch you get beaten to a pulp or worse!"

"Bonnie... I am very good at fighting, especially when I have something to fight for. And on top of that, I'm very good at being beaten to a pulp."

She softly says: "That's not funny."

"Maybe not, but it is true. I've made a nice amount of money by losing for five years straight and I'm still alive. And I am not dying dammit, not before I've taken you on a proper date!" She looks up at him in surprise and he says: "Like I said, something to fight for."

Bruno gets up, pulls the trash bag from the trashcan and walks out of the back door to throw it away. Scorpia still stares at Logan a bit shocked and he carefully pushes his lips against hers. She kisses him back and says: "You're just as stubborn as I am. Let's sit down and come up with a plan. But I am still not happy about it."

Bruno walks back in and asks: "Are we discussing things?"

Scorpia nods and when they are all seated she speaks. "I do not want to lose my first fight. I can't."

Bruno smiles and says: "I know you can't. And I'm hoping you'll end up against Logan eventually."

Logan's face turns pale and says: "No. Why?"

Bruno asks: "Would you rather have a stranger beat her up? Because she has to lose a fight against someone." Logan thinks about it and Bruno says: "I've bought clothing for all of us and a few fun extra's for you two."

He gets up to grab the bag and pulls out three black sweatpants and hoodies. The clothes purposely large for Scorpia. He also hands her a blonde wig and a Catwoman mask. And Logan gets a Batman mask. Bruno chuckles softly.

Scorpia puts the wig and mask on and asks: "How do I look?"

Bruno says: "Beautiful sorellina. Nice and blonde."

Logan clears his throat and asks: "Doesn't that stand out too much?"

Bruno nods and Scorpia says: "Yeah and it's supposed to for the shock effect. Now all we have to do is hope that I manage to win the first fight. Because if I lose the first one, they will probably throw me out. We only stand a chance if I win. That will definitely get people interested and willing to place bets." Bruno nods again and Logan thinks about it all some more.

Scorpia asks: "Bruno? I'm guessing we're fighting without gloves, right?"

The men answer in unison: "Yes."

"Okay. I've never done that before. Well, against a boxing bag, but not against another human being."

Logan says: "The first few punches hurt like hell. But your hands get stronger with every punch and you'll be able to handle the pain better as you continue."

Bruno says: "The oak tree in mamma's garden is still crying to this day."

Scorpia chuckles and says: "Maybe I should prepare myself by punching another tree."

Bruno asks: "Are you wearing your bracelet?"

Scorpia pulls her sleeve up and shows him the silver Scorpion. Logan looks at it and waits for her to explain. Scorpia opens the bracelet in one swift move and reveals the sharp blade that was hidden inside of it. He stares at it all fascinated and she says: "Quite a lot of bastards have met their maker thanks to this little knife. And to celebrate that fact, I used to visit my favorite cafe for a glass of Scorpion Vodka."

Logan smiles and says: "This bartender is honored. Signed up for the tournament as Barman by the way."

Scorpia giggles and says: "There's only one letter wrong in that name." Logan looks at her, his face clearly showing he's not getting what she means and she points at the Batman mask. Bruno and Logan laugh and she asks: "Under what name am I signed up?"

Bruno says: "P. Maestra. It seemed fitting to me."

Scorpia grins and says: "I agree." Logan doesn't get it and Scorpia says: "P. for Pia and maestra is teacher in Italian." He smiles at her and nods.

Scorpia's phone vibrates and she pulls it from her pocket. Her eyes tear up when she looks at the picture Lexy just sent her. Lucas and Enzo are sleeping in one bed, Lucas with his arm protectively around Enzo. 

She sends Lexy two hearts and shows the picture to the guys. They get a bit emotional too when they look at the two boys. Bruno clears his throat: "Talk about something to fight for." Scorpia and Logan nod and think about tomorrow in silence,

Bruno clears his throat and says: "So in short... We get up early tomorrow and I will drive us to the location. We'll have the hoodies up at all times. Scorpia will reveal her hair, but only after winning the first fight. After that, the hoodie goes up again. I will stay close to you guys, while scanning the crowd and keeping my eyes open for Salvatore." 

He looks at them both and continues: "Logan wins the fight against Scorpia, assuming you will end up against each other and Scorpia retreats to a room. Then we'll have to pray that Salvatore will follow her and will enter the room alone. From that moment on, it's up to you sorellina. After that, we get the hell out of there."

Scorpia says: "The file will be picked up at mamma's house on Monday and will be delivered at the police station to Detective Cavaliere. No matter what happens, the families of those girls will finally know what happened to them."

Logan asks: "Do Dino and Ciro know you box?"

Scorpia says: "No. I forced Bruno to teach me, about ten years ago. Because I didn't want to feel scared anymore. And I thought my brothers knew about it all and didn't want to share my secret with them. Mamma doesn't know either."

Bruno gets up and says: "I'm off to the gym for an hour or so. Because I don't get to fight tomorrow, but I seriously need to let off some steam. I advise you both to rest. You need all your energy for tomorrow."

Logan gets up and says: "Wait a minute. I'll get you a key. You can let yourself in when we're upstairs." Bruno takes the key and walks out.

Scorpia gets up too and grabs the bottle of Chianti from the table. She goes upstairs and Logan follows her with the glasses. She drops herself on the couch and smiles at him a bit insecure. "Are you sure you want to do all of this, Logan? You've been free for five years."

He sits down next to her and puts the glasses down on the coffee table. "You don't seriously think I'm able to take a step back now, do you? I really would like to leave you here and kill Salvatore myself. But I know I will never be able to get close enough to manage that and so does Bruno. The hardest part of it all comes down to you. But whatever happens tomorrow, I don't want you to be alone. I want to help you, in any way possible. And I want to rid this world of Salvatore."

He runs his fingers through his hair and says: "I've never been free. Free means going back to mom and dad in Scotland, without fear. Being free means that we don't have to keep Lexy and Lucas in mamma Anna's house, to make sure they are safe. Free means you can be yourself, all the time."

Scorpia stays silent for a while before speaking. "Mamma Anna? Do you know how special that is? That you're allowed to say that I mean. And Lexy says it too. Lucas even asked mamma if he could say nonna to her."

Logan smiles and says: "I think it's all because of Enzo. She trusts his judgment a lot."

Scorpia says: "Yeah. We all do. Enzo has only loved one other person from the very start before. It usually takes him way longer to trust someone. For example, he refuses to sit next to Salvatore. And even if Ciro comes to close, he cries. So yes, we trust Enzo's judgment blindly. Because Enzo sees the true spirit of someone. You have a good heart Logan, a kind heart."

Logan looks deep into her eyes and says: "You obviously do as well. Because Enzo is totally smitten with you." Scorpia moves closer to him and kisses him softly.

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Bruno unlocks the back door, steps inside, and locks the door behind him again. He got all his anger out in the gym and feels tired and relaxed after the hot shower. For as far as that's possible with the tournament on his mind of course. He goes upstairs and looks around the living room.

He walks over to the door at the other side of the room and quietly opens it. He takes his shoes and clothes off and walks over to the bed in his underwear. Logan looks up at him with sleepy eyes, Scorpia fast asleep in his arms. Bruno looks at his sister and gets into bed next to her. He kisses her cheek and says: "Ti amo, sorellina. Sleep well." He nods at Logan and closes his eyes.

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She wakes up the next day, feeling protected. She opens her eyes slowly and looks straight into Logan's grey eyes, who is looking at her lovingly. She smiles at him and discovers that she's not in his arms. She's spooning with Bruno, who has his arm firmly secured around her waist. He's still asleep, she can hear him snore in her ear.

Logan whispers: "Good morning Bonnie." She runs her fingers through his hair and whispers good morning back to him. Bruno tightens his grip on her, every time she tries to get closer to Logan. She frowns and Logan chuckles softly. He runs his finger over the wrinkle in her forehead and moves closer to her. He kisses her and she sighs happily.

She says: "It's almost time to hide my sweet and soft side." Her eyes give away that she's not as confident as she sounds. Bruno mumbles something in her ear and loosens his grip on her. She immediately snuggles up to Logan and he wraps his arms around her.

"It's okay Bonnie. I know you have to be strong and angry for the tournament. But don't close your heart off completely. Remember you're loved. That there are people waiting for you at home. And that there are two men coming with you, who are willing to walk through fire for you. Don't go through it all alone. Our strength comes from the love for each other and our families."

Bruno says a bit hoarse: "And because you've learned to box from the best of course."

Scorpia chuckles and says: "I love you guys. Let's try and end it today, once and for all. But whatever might happen today, know that I will always love you. I am really glad you're coming with me. And I hope love will conquer."

She sits up, stretches out, and crawls out of bed. She takes her clothes off, without hesitation and turns the shower on. Logan stares at her with his mouth wide open and Bruno laughs. She steps into the shower and starts humming a song. 

Bruno says: "She's in her own world from now on. And the best thing to do is to leave her there. No unnecessary conversations or other things that might cost her energy. The fact that you are seeing her naked, doesn't even register with her."

Logan swallows and says: "I wish I could say the same."

Bruno says: "Yeah, I can guess the effect this situation has on you."

"Is she going to walk around naked some more, once she gets out of that shower?"

Bruno says: "Yes, that's very likely."

Logan jumps out of bed and says: "I'll go and make coffee or whatever." He runs out of the bedroom and Bruno gets up to wash himself and brushes his teeth at the sink. He looks at the bag with the stuff he bought yesterday and lays Scorpia's clothes out on the bed, along with the Catwoman mask and the wig.

He looks around and sees a stack of towels in an open closet. He grabs one and waits for Scorpia to come out of the shower. She closes the tap and sings softly. Bruno hands her the towel and she walks over to the bed while drying herself off. 

She puts on a sports bra and panties and sticks her legs into the big sweatpants. She has to pull the cord real tight to keep them from falling down. She puts the big hoodie on as well and stuffs the wig and mask in her pocket. She walks out of the bedroom and sits down on the couch, staring into nothing.

Logan puts a cup of coffee in front of her and says: "Bruno, I have a cup for you too." He walks into the bedroom, where Bruno is just putting his hoodie on.

"Thanks Logan. I got the mask and clothes ready for you." Logan thanks him and walks up to the sink. Bruno sits down in the living room, next to Scorpia, and takes a sip from his coffee. He observes his sister and knows that she's going through all of the possible scenarios in her head. Everything that can go wrong and how to get out of that situation. It will all be thought through at least twice, to make sure she can do her job on auto-pilot, to be able to complete her task.

His thoughts drift to the tournament and he starts to get nervous. There are so many things out of their control there and they will be surrounded by Salvatore's men. He gets up and walks into the bedroom. Logan is tying the cords of his sweatpants and Bruno stares at Logan's bare chest in shock. He makes eye contact with Logan, who dryly states: "Losing fights for five years leaves you with a few scars."

Bruno nods and says: "I'm going to walk to the store to get some energy drinks, water, and energy bars. We can't trust anyone on that tournament. Promise me that you will not accept anything from anyone but me, not even a sip of water. Because Salvatore has never heard of fair play."

Logan nods and says: "I promise. What about Scorpia?"

Bruno says: "Scorpia simply doesn't eat or drink anything from anyone else. I hope I can get through to her between matches. But I will leave her be till the first match is over,  she absolutely has to win that one. The entire plan hangs on that win."

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There you go, Chapter 13. Or Capitolo Tredici.

What are your thoughts on this one?

Any expectations for the upcoming chapter(s).

See you next update! 

The next chapter holds the start of the tournament. Buckle up!

XO Hankie ❥