Family: Out of Business

Reminded

Tony's pov

Seeing EJ so emotionally vulnerable, both warmed and broke my heart at the same time. I knew he and Claire had grown close while I was away but I had no idea the extent to which my beautiful girl had melted her uncle's cold heart. Despite being the youngest member of the Dimerra clan, before Claire came along of course, my baby brother was a fierce rival to our father in competition for being designated as the most ruthless.

I'd heard some stories and rumors about Elliot James while he was in England but I naturally thought they were grossly exaggerated, simply by being repeated so many times or merely for effect. I never believed they could possibly be true, until now. He's far from heartless like our father tended to be when laying down the law or meting out justice. EJ's ruthless because of his passion.

I always believed he loved nobody but himself. Now I know, that's not true. My little brother loves my daughter, his niece, so much it hurts. I honestly never thought this day would come or that I'd live long enough to see it, but here we are.

"Look at me, fratellino (little brother)," I ordered, sternly yet softly.

"Brother, no." EJ quickly turned his back to me as he tried unsuccessfully to hide from me the tears slipping down his cheeks.

"Non te lo sto chiedendo, Elliot James, te lo sto dicendo (I'm not asking you, Elliot James, I'm telling you). Guardami adesso (Look at me now)!"

"Frattelone (Big brother), please don't make me face you right now."

"Need I remind you, Elliot James, I give the orders in this family and they will be obeyed, or there will be consequences. Sono chiaro (Am I clear)?"

"Si signore (Yes sir)," he replied dutifully, turning to face me.

After he wiped the tears from his eyes, I pulled him into a bone-crushing hug before stepping back.

Cradling his face in my hands, I whispered, "I love you, baby brother, and I would lay down my life for you without hesitation, now that I know how much you love this family. Don't ever forget that." I firmly patted his cheek before releasing my hold. "And quit calling my daughter a brat or I'll reintroduce you to Great-grandfather's strap. Capiscimi (Understand me)?" I asked, with a wicked grin on my face.

"Nessuna promessa, fratello, perché le vecchie abitudini sono difficili da rompere (No promises, brother, as old habits are hard to break). I'll do my best." EJ winked and smiled at me. "Now if we're finished discussing your prezioso angioletto (precious little angel), I actually do have a client waiting for me."

Laughing, I replied, "Si, fratello (Yes, brother), you are excused. I have a meeting of my own right now with the piccolo diavolo (little devil) upstairs."

Entering my daughter's room, I asked, "Is your homework completed like you were instructed, tesoro (sweetheart)?"

"I'm almost done, Dad. I just have one math problem I can't figure out. Can you help me?"

"Certo, bambina (Of course, baby). Let's take a look." I pulled up a chair next to Claire's desk and went over the problem with her. A few minutes later she was able to follow my explanation and complete the work on her own. Now that her homework is finished and submitted, it's time to get to the matter at hand.

"Take a seat on your bed, mia figlia (my daughter), so we may discuss the interaction I witnessed between you and your uncle downstairs." Claire sat on the edge of her bed, fiddling with her hands in her lap as she kept her head lowered. "I think you know I'm not happy about what I saw, signorina (young lady), and now I'd like an explanation."

"You don't understand, Dad," she whined, as she looked up at me.

"Then help me understand. Now's your chance, so I suggest you make the most of it and start talking, piccola ragazza (little girl)," I replied firmly.