Something passes between the four of them. Seb, angry, is an awesome sight. But the four of them together, with the rage pouring off of them, is over-the-top—and that’s an understatement. I’m not from this world, but even I know that shooting at the Sovranos when they are together and on their home ground, is nothing less than a call to a full-blown war.
"Somehow, I shouldn’t be surprised that this medical kit has all of the supplies I need for stitching this wound," Aurora grumbles under her breath. "By the way, you're next, once I’ve seen to Seb." She jerks her chin in Axel's direction.
I glance around and take in the broken glasses, plates smashed on the floor, the ripped curtains... The lights seem to have escaped though, which might be the only reason more of us weren't hurt by flying glass. A trembling grips me. His arm around me tightens and he pulls me even closer.
Footsteps crunch on glass as Paolo walks over to us. He places a tray on the table on which are squat glasses filled with a clear liquid; I surmise it’s grappa.
"Everyone okay in the kitchen?" Michael asks.
His jaw firms. "One of the chefs was wounded; some of us have scrapes from broken crockery. It's a damn miracle no one is dead."
"This is the second time this has happened." Michael balls his fingers into fists. "I’m going after theCamorra.This has their fingerprints all over it."
"I’m not sure that’s wise," Seb retorts.
Michael fixes his gaze on my husband. There’s such coldness in his eyes that I shiver and cuddle closer to Seb.
"You have something to say, Capo?" His voice is so placid that I wince.
Seb doesn’t back down. "Nonna wanted us to build bridges with theCamorra."
"If Nonna were here, she’d understand that the only way to win this war is by crushing our opponents."
"Or forming an alliance with them."
"What do you mean?" Christian scowls.
"We were lucky this time. I saw the light reflect off the gun and acted quickly. Next time..." Seb shakes his head. "If anything happens to her…" His grasp on my hip tightens. Pain shudders up my side, but I don’t protest. It’s a reminder that I’m alive, and so is he. I cuddle closer, not caring that there are people around us. He tucks my head under his chin, and runs his fingers over my hair.
"We can’t let this happen again," Seb says in a hard voice.
"Precisely why we need to finish off theCamorra," Christian snarls.
"Even if you kill every single person in that clan, someone, somewhere, is going to survive and be back to take vengeance. If not on us, then on our children." Seb glances pointedly at Karma, who places a hand over her belly.
"Be very careful what you say next. You’re very close to crossing the line." Michael pushes Karma behind him, blocking her with his body.
"I almost lost my wife. Do you think I don’t want to gun them down? Don’t you think I want revenge for Nonna?" Seb growls.
"It sure doesn’t seem that way from where I am," Christian snaps.
"Firstly, we don’t know if itistheCamorrabehind these attacks. It could be thatfiglio di puttana,Freddie,” Seb murmurs.
He’s referring to the man who was once their father’s silent partner, so Theresa mentioned to me. The guy threatened Axel and Theresa in London; he shot at Axel, but Axel managed to scare him off.
"There’s a very good chance it is Freddie," Axel admits.
Both Michael and Christian open their mouths to speak, but Seb holds up his hand. "Hear me out, will you? And trust me. I’m only proposing this because it offers a better long-term, permanent solution."
The silence stretches for a few moments. "Speak," Michael growls.
"What I’m going to suggest is a valid consideration, whether theCamorraare behind the attacks or not. I propose..." He glances between them. "I propose that one of us marries aCamorraprincess."
"That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard in a long time, youminchione." Christian chortles.
Michael, however, doesn’t react. He stares at Seb.
Christian glances in Michael’s direction, then does a double-take. "You can’t be taking this seriously." He rubs his chin. "Even if theCamorrawere behind the attacks—"