I smiled. “Of course. Our families don’t have a choice. Soon they’ll be one family.”
I had already bought a ring for Greta but had left it in New York. But once I got it back, I’d ask Greta officially for her hand.
For the next ten days, I didn’t leave Greta’s side, but it was time to settle things in the Famiglia. Our soldiers were starting to grow impatient, eager for an explanation for the many arrests. Antonaci and seven of his soldiers were waiting for their punishment in our Famiglia cells. Rumors were making the rounds, especially because of Cressida’s disappearance. The body hadn’t been found. I assumed Nevio had chopped her into tiny pieces.
“Don’t worry about me,” Greta assured me for the hundredth time. At first, I’d refused to leave her in Las Vegas, especially less than a week before Christmas. But my father had insisted I needed to be there during the probably bloodiest meeting in the history of the Famiglia. I knew he was right.
“She’s safe here,” Nino assured me.
“We’ll make sure of it,” Savio said.
Remo had upped the protection surrounding the mansion. I’d slept in the hospital for the last two weeks, only separated from Greta when I went to the toilet or showered. Leaving her now felt wrong.
Adamo touched my shoulder. He’d arrived a few days ago with his wife and son, and he would come to New York with me, Fabiano, Remo and Nevio. The rest would stay in Las Vegas to protect the women and children.
“Go,” Greta whispered. I kissed her gently despite everyone around us. Nevio wasn’t present anyway. He tried to avoid me, which proved difficult. I wasn’t sure how things between him and Greta were at the moment but I had a feeling the tension between them wasn’t helping Greta heal.
“I’ll be back soon.”
I followed Remo, Adamo and Fabiano outside. Nevio was already in the car.
Tumultuous times lay ahead of us. Peace wouldn’t happen easily in the minds of our soldiers. But many would be willing to accept it because it meant more safety for their families and more money in their pockets.
Adamo sat down beside me. “I didn’t think I’d get the chance to return to New York so quickly and I wish it weren’t for such an occasion. I really hope this will lead to peace.”
“There will be peace because Greta and I are going to marry.”
Adamo shook his head with a chuckle. “I can’t believe we might become family. Have you asked Remo yet?”
I glanced at the Falcone Capo. He was looking out of the window but turned to us as if he could feel us talking about him. Our interactions had been civil. We wouldn’t miraculously become family, but we’d manage to get along. “No. I won’t ask for approval. Greta will be my wife.”
“Sure. I get it. I’ve butted heads with Remo in the past. We don’t agree on many things. But Remo will be your father-in-law. Greta loves him, and he loves her. Once the bloody part of this peace deal is over, you’ll have to figure out a way to make peace with him. Asking for her hand might be a start.”
“If he says no and I marry her anyway, that won’t make for a good start, trust me.”
“He won’t say no.”
I gave Adamo a doubtful look. He and I had bonded many years ago during his stay in New York over motocross. He was an avid racer. But once he’d returned to Las Vegas our contact had ceased. He was ten years older so this had been one of the reasons. So far he was the only Falcone man I didn’t mind calling family one day.
“Are we talking about the same man?”
“He won’t say no because Greta made her choice and he won’t risk losing her like Serafina’s parents lost her.”
Maybe Adamo was right. I’d cross that unpleasant bridge later. Now another difficult task lay ahead of me.
Dad waited at the airport for us. The private jet had a separate hangar so bystanders weren’t around, which was a good thing considering Dad had ten soldiers as entourage. That Matteo wasn’t with him wasn’t a good sign. He was still out for blood because of what had happened to Isabella and Gianna.
Remo motioned at the gathered men. “This doesn’t look like the beginning of peace to me.”
“Things are still tense,” I said and with a nod toward Nevio, who had his hand on his gun. “And if you don’t keep yourself in check, they’ll get even tenser.”
I headed for Dad. To my surprise Maximus was there. I gave my friend a brief nod before I stopped in front of Dad. “Why all this?”
“Better safe than sorry. There’s been too much bad blood. I want to talk to Remo before I lower any security measures.”
“Luca,” Adamo said with a tight smile. He extended his hand and Dad took it. After that Fabiano briefly shook hands with him, which surprised me. They’d never been fond of each other. This was a sign. I would thank Fabiano later.
Remo and Nevio didn’t bother with pleasantries, and I hadn’t expected them to.