“That woman has killed for me, lied for me, protected me. I would go to the ends of the earth for her and her children.
“I… I can’t give Elijah children. I think in some way this was my way of trying to make up for that. He loves you girls and although he’s making a sacrifice when it comes to me, I think he understands why I must.”
With tears in my eyes, I reach across the counter and cover her hand. “I’m so sorry. For what it’s worth, you’ve been a great mom to me. I know it’s not the same, but I’m glad Mom had you as a friend to watch over me.”
“You don’t know what that means to me,” she sobs. “I had Carleen, she was like a daughter to me. I miss her so much, but I try to give you girls all the love I would give her if I could be in her life.”
“I hate Riccardo Esposito. He’s taken so much from so many people I love. When I get to end his life, I’m sending his ass on an express train to hell.”
“He deserves it, but forget that. It’s still your birthday. Let’s do something fun.”
“Okay.”
CHAPTER 13
His Plan
Gio
Nine months later…
I sit slumped in my chair at the breakfast table, stewing. Something has changed, someone has moved on the board. I haven’t found out who or what, but I know it has.
I’ve had this feeling since a few months back when I decided Jace shouldn’t go back to the States. He was pissed, but I always follow my gut. I’m so close to having Ny back in my life, I don’t want to chance anything.
“Dante, your brother will be arriving today.”
Dante has been here for a while. The acting out has gotten worse when he’s back home. Nonno thought it best to allow him to spend some time here with me.
“Are we still spending the summer in Naples?” My little brother asks excitedly.
“Yes, you boys will head over in the morning. I’ll be there in a few weeks. It will be good for you boys, time to bond as brothers.”
“Yes,” Dante says with a grin and blush, his voice cracking.
My little brothers are growing up fast. They’ll be taller than me at this rate. Dante is only fourteen and he’s starting to grow whiskers.
I frown as I think of the fact that my brothers know none of the truth, and here I am, almost six years later, no closer to being able to give it to them. The thought tastes bitter in my mouth as I think of missing Nyla’s birthday two years in a row. That’s not happening again.
She didn’t even call to thank us for her gifts this year. Jace hasn’t heard from her in months. I’m ready to kill everyone and go home.
“Gio, what’s this face?” Nonno says after taking a sip of coffee.
I sit up and snap, releasing all the things that have been building up. “It’s been almost six years. Six. That fat fuck Don Barbieri eats enough steak to keel over while plowing that young bride of his, yet the bastard doesn’t look any closer to meeting his maker anytime soon.
“I’m tired of waiting. All I have learned about is the business. Why do I need to learn about the restaurant business?”
Nonno slams his hand down on the table. “Because it is the business we are in. You can’t learn this thing of ours without it.”
I frown. “What do I need to do to get the books open?”
“Michelangelo,” he snarls. “I understand your anger and impatience but remember yourself.”
I huff and fall back in my seat. Dante looks between me and my grandfather in confusion. I pull a hand down my face.
“Dante, go walk Ralphie.”
“Okay, Nonno.”
My grandfather watches as Dante leaves the room, then he turns his sharp gaze on me. He lifts a hand to signal for his men to leave the room. I know I just fucked up.
“Never speak so freely about Giovanni in our home or anywhere else like that ever again. If you do, you won’t live to see the books open. You think we can trust everyone around us?
“You can’t. Just as I have ears everywhere, so do our enemies. I’ve waited longer than you for this. I have more to be angry about.
“You want to receive your promotion. Do what Riccardo has done to prevent us from taking his life. You give favors in high places and become indispensable.”
He taps the side of his head with two fingers. “Use your head. What value do you have? The most valuable man in a room is the man who has figured out what every other man in the room needs.
“Know a man’s weakness, what he needs, what he fears to lose most. Then find out how to control it. Be the man everyone needs Gio, not the man who whines about not getting his way.”