Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 70928 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70928 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
My phone begins to ring as Nico steers the SUV away from the curb. Pulling it out of my pocket, I glance at the screen, and seeing Enzo’s name, I quickly accept the call. “Are you with Gianna?”
“Yes,” my brother and second-in-charge replies. “She’s just shaken up. Riccardo looks like shit, but the doctors say he’ll make a full recovery. He needs to stay here a few days, then we’ll send them back to New York with the private jet.”
“And Augusto?” I ask as my eyes continuously scan our surroundings while we drive through the Upper East Side.
“He wants to find the men responsible and kill them,” Enzo answers. “So that’s what we’re doing. Rosie is searching for them now.”
“Just watch your backs. You’re on the Yakuza’s turf, which gives them the upper hand.”
“Don’t worry about me. You have enough on your plate that side.”
“Keep me updated,” I order before I end the call.
Silence falls heavily in the SUV until Nico asks, “Where to?”
Needing to be alone, I irritably grumble, “Home.”
When my phone begins to ring again, I let out an aggravated growl and rip the device out of my pocket. Seeing it’s Dad. I close my eyes and take a deep breath before answering, “Yes, Dad?”
“Have you talked to Enzo or Gianna?”
“I’ve just spoken with Enzo. He’s with Gianna and has everything under control.”
Dad exhales an audible breath of relief. “Good. While I have you, what’s this I hear about you beating up Will?”
Jesus fucking Christ.
My temper flares dangerously high, and I can’t keep the aggression out of my tone. “He deserved worse.”
“Why?”
“Because he’s a piece of shit that doesn’t do anything for his family,” I snap angrily. “You can all be glad he’s still breathing.”
“I’m not fighting you. Calm down.”
Calming down is the last thing I’m able to do right now. “I have to go.”
“Put the phone on speaker.” Frowning, I do as he asks. “Why?”
“Nico,” Dad says to get my guard’s attention.
“Yes, Sir?”
“Bring Christiano to me.”
The call ends before I can argue, and it takes a lot not to crush the fucking device in my fist.
“Sorry,” Nico says, then he changes direction and carries out the only order that trumps mine.
Dad might be retired, but he’s still respected and obeyed by all the men.
Twenty minutes later, Nico parks the SUV in my parents’ driveway, and I let out a heavy sigh as I exit the vehicle.
Before I make it halfway up the path, the door opens, and Dad tips his head, indicating for me to follow him.
We head straight to his office. He shuts the door behind us, then without saying a word, he points at one of the leather chairs.
I take a seat and watch as he pours two tumblers of whiskey. After handing one to me, he sits down and orders, “Drink.”
“I have work to do,” I say, my tone too tense.
Dad levels me with a glare that would make most men piss themselves, and knowing he’s serious, I down the amber liquid.
As it burns my throat, he orders, “Talk to me.”
“I’m…” The usual response of saying ‘I’m busy’ stalls on my lips, and after taking a deep breath, I admit, “The thing with Sienna is getting to me.” Indicating a very fucking small space between my pointer finger and thumb, I say, “I’m this close to forcing her to marry me.”
Dad sips on his drink, then shakes his head. “Franco and Augusto won’t allow it.”
When I stare at Dad, his eyebrows lower and he mutters, “Fuck, you’re serious. Why, Christiano?”
“Could you live without Mom?”
A resigned expression settles on his face. “If Sienna doesn’t agree, it will rip the Cosa Nostra in two.”
Standing up, I begin to pace while my mind races a mile a minute. “Only if they know she’s being forced.”
“What does that mean?”
“Sienna is a people pleaser. She’ll do anything to keep the peace.”
“Jesus, son.” Worry ghosts over his face. “Would you really do that to Sienna? Force her to marry you against her will?”
My tone doesn’t waver as I say, “Yes. I will do whatever it takes. Once we’re married, she’ll realize I did the right thing.”
He stares at me for a long moment. “The other men trust you to lead them. Don’t destroy everything we’ve worked so hard for.”
Dad gets up again and pours us each another whiskey. As we enjoy our drinks, we sit in silence, and my temper settles a little, enough for me to think more clearly.
After a minute or so, I ask, “Why do you think Sienna broke things off with me?”
“Son, there’s a lot I know, but when it comes to women, I’m stupid as fuck.”
A chuckle escapes me, then suddenly the office door swings open and Mom comes in, gasping, “I thought I heard your voice!”
I get up and brace as Mom makes a beeline for me. She plows into my chest and hugs the shit out of me.