“He’s a pain in the ass, but Syrus respected him for a reason. He’s loyal to the familia.”
“He isn’t loyal toyou. Which makes him disloyal to the familia.”
I wave off the idea, not allowing myself to get too tempted. “It isn’t what Syrus would’ve wanted.”
“I don’t much care what Syrus would have wanted.”
I search my brother’s face. His words don’t sound bitter or angry. They’re more matter-of-fact.
“Well, I do.”
“I know.” He leans forward and rests his elbows on his knees. “And I respect that. But if Romano doesn’t learn his place, hewillneed to be dealt with. I don’t mind handling it myself.”
I sigh but nod. “We’ll give him a little time to adjust. I do understand his bitterness, having to take orders from men he still sees as kids, but I agree with you. The slights are unacceptable. And if it comes to that, I’ll handle it. I don’t need you to fight my battles, little brother.”
“As far as I’m aware, it’s part of my job description,DonSettimo.”
I chuckle and run a hand over my face. Silence ensues and I allow it. Lorenzo doesn’t mind the quiet, and when I’m with him, neither do I.
“I’m curious. What the hell was Leo talking about when he said you knew that girl?”
Lorenzo’s dark eyes study me intently as I shrug. There is absolutely no point in lying to Lorenzo. About anything. Ever. He will always know, and if he doesn’t, he’ll find out.
“I had sex with her.”
“When?”
“Why does it matter?”
“Because Leo Romano plucks a girl out of the gutters to make her a member of his family, and you don’t find it the least bit curious that youhappenedto have had relations with her?”
I shake my head. “It happenedaftertheir engagement. It was just a quick fuck outside the funeral home. There wasn’t anything to it.”
He arches a brow. “Are you saying you had a quickie before Syrus’s funeral?”
“Not everyone grieves the same way as you.”
He nods slowly, but he’s still letting the judgement he feels show.
“I guess you wouldn’t know that, though,” I scoff, “considering you aren’t exactly grieving, are you?”
Lorenzo shrugs. “He was sick, Settimo. It was only a matter of time.”
“In any case, you’re not exactly in a position to judge. What didyoudo before the funeral? Taste wedding cakes?”
Lorenzo’s eyes narrow, and he takes an annoying amount of time to respond. “Does it bother you?”
“Does what bother me?”
“Me getting married. Does it bother you?”
I laugh, but it dies in my throat. I try to relax in my chair and prop my leg on my knee. “Why would that bother me?”
“I don’t know. Why would it?”
“It doesn’t.”
“It does.”