“I read it, Cara. I read all of it. I get it. You feel I’m missing something. I’m not enough. I’m never enough,” I seethe, knowing she and Jace understand my words.
Tears start to spill from her eyes as she shakes her head. “That’s not what I’m saying at all. It’s not about you, Gio. Don’t make me the bad guy. I’ve never said you weren’t enough. You know what? Maybe we’re not mature enough for this. Just forget it.”
“Where are you going?” I shout as she pushes out of the booth and starts to leave.
“I’m going home. My baby sister is smarter than my present company. I’ll spend time with her.”
I work my jaw as I watch her and Jace walk out. I’m not worried, I have the keys to the car. They can’t leave without me.
She’s right though, we’re too young for this shit. In my heart I know Nyla will forever be mine. I’ve been plotting for years on how to make her mine for life and then take over for my mom as Don of the family. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. Did I see Jace in all of that? Yes, but as my consigliere. Nothing more.
Now…I don’t know. Fuck me.
Ava
I sit behind the desk in my study, trying my best to hold on to my temper when all I want to do is fly across this desk and strangle this man. Riccardo keeps trying me because he discounts me as a woman. I’ve run this family just fine.
If I ever prove he was behind Emil’s murder, I’m going to remove every tooth in his lying, trifling, scheming mouth and then I’m going to filet him. I don’t care who he has protecting him.
He’s forcing my hand. I’m not ready to deal with him. I’ve been biding my time.
“I told you this would happen,” Riccardo hisses low as he sits across from my desk.
He has no idea the only reason he’s still breathing is because my father and godfather wish it. He’s crossed too many lines as it is. However, I’ll allow him to keep thinking I’m weak.
“Why do you hate my son so much? Why can’t you leave him alone?”
“I’ve warned you repeatedly about the friends he keeps. If this gets back home, you’re going to ruin your family’s name.”
“You speak of things you know nothing about,” I seethe.
All he saw was Gio’s hold on Jace’s head, nothing more, he said it himself. Now he’s making assumptions. Funny, I believe his prejudice also discounts Nyla, as if she wasn’t there between the boys.
His hate didn’t allow him to see that. I’m not so sure that’s a bad thing as I think about it. What Riccardo doesn’t know is that I’m aware that he’s been seeking permission to overthrow me.
His first mistake. He doesn’t know all the players on the board. I do.
“This isn’t what we agreed to. My son was meant to be head of the family. You’ve given more respect to those mulignons in New York. You won’t even take his name and now this. The insult.”
My head is ready to explode. Frances was never built to be the Don of my family. My father named me as his successor and that’s the way it will stay until I hand the family to Gio.
“Is that your real problem? I won’t bow to your son, and he will never have the title of head of my family.”
“Ava, please,” Frances says.
See, he’s no Don. If not for him, I wouldn’t have to deal with this man. I should have killed Frances myself for the disrespect he’s brought to my family. As if I was some stupid girl he could play with. If not for my own plans, I would have left him to the fire he started and the wrath of my father.
“You shut the fuck up. You…you’re the reason things are the way they are. You’re a pussy and she treats you like one.”
I snort. He tells no lies there. However, I’ve had enough of this in my home.
“I think it’s time for you to leave,” I snap, not hiding my ire.
“No problem but know that I won’t stand for this. This isn’t over.”
I stand from my seat behind my desk and clear my throat. “You should respect who I am and what my papa has decided. If I have to make myself clear, I’ll erase your entire bloodline. I’m a Di Lorenzo by blood, don’t make me prove it.”
“You’re a whore, your son is a finook, and that other little one is a psychopath waiting to happen.”
“Enough,” Lucas growls.
“You,” Riccardo roars then scoffs. “You’re lucky to be who you are.”
“And you will be wise to remember who I am. We’re not too far from the other side for your actions to have repercussions. Now leave as Ava asked you to.”