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V A L E N T I N A

The second Diego left, all eyes turned to me.

My father's brows furrowed, his jaw clenched tight. Enzo crossed his arms, giving me a cold hard stare he always did. Nonno sat in his chair, watching me with quiet expectation, while the rest of my uncles and brothers were visibly waiting for my response.

"Care to explain how you know Diego?" Antonio asked, his voice calm but edged with suspicion.

 Leaning against the wall, I crossed my arms and shrugged. "He's my best friend."

That didn't seem to satisfy anyone because all of them had annoyed scowls. On the other hand the women seemed to be unfazed.

"Your best friend?" Rocco repeated, his cold gaze pinning me in place.

"Yes, my best friend," I said, emphasizing each word. "Is that a crime now?"

Zio Stefano scoffed hearing my answer but when zia sofia glared at him,  he shirnked back into his seat and gave her a 'sorry honey' look. I think the only reason why my family- well the men are acting this way is because diego is the heir to the Spanish Mafia.

"Diego is just a friend, you have nothing to worry about," I replied rolling my eyes. Did these people not hear the word gay come from that idiots mouth.

Lorenzo exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand down his face. "You expect us to believe he's your best friends ?"

I smiled sweetly, sarcasm coating my words. "What can I say? I'm a very sociable person."

Before they could press further, the front doors burst open.

"What the hell happened?!" Ren, my cousin's voice boomed as he and Leonardo stormed in, both looking ready for war.

Here we go again.

Leonardo's sharp gaze darted around the room, narrowing when he didn't see any immediate signs of destruction. "We were told that there was an explosion."

Adri and Gio, sitting comfortably on the couch, exchanged a glance before simultaneously launching into an explanation.

"Well, technically," Adriano began.

" it wasn't an explosion," Gio added as he glanced at leo and ren.

"It was more of a spontaneous combustion,"

" caused by a very small, totally minor kitchen accident "

" that resulted in a cake turning into charcoal" Adriano finished, blowing out a breath. Both of them then bowed slightly and sat back down

Silence.

Ren blinked. Leonardo stared. Enzo pinched the bridge of his nose, probably questioning why he ever let us live under the same roof, or maybe how hes related to them.