Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 136915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 456(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 136915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 456(@300wpm)
“Maximus knows better than to use the dogs for torture. They’ve tasted enough blood in their lives.” Cara, Growl’s wife, stepped out onto the porch, wrapped in a wool blanket. Her gaze sought the distance as if she was trying to see what was happening.
Growl pushed to his feet and walked over to her. He touched her shoulder. “You should go back in. You shouldn’t hear this.”
“I hear it inside too.”
“But inside you won’t see Maximus once he’s done. I don’t think you want to see him like that,” Growl said.
“Ryan, I don’t care if he’s covered in blood. I’ll be there for my son when he needs me.”
Growl gave a nod and led Cara over to one of the cozy rattan chairs.
Maximus didn’t return until the early morning hours. I patted his shoulder as he stalked into the house to go to bed. Romero was close behind him. Neither was in the mood to talk, no surprise there. Growl, Primo and I went to the kennel and cleaned up the mess that was left.
After a late breakfast, Maximus and I headed to the Famiglia gym to let off some steam. Maximus didn’t want to talk about last night’s events so I didn’t push him. After a heated training session, we went into the changing rooms, but I could tell something was bothering Maximus.
He sank down on the bench across from mine. For a while he watched me removing the tapes from my wrists before he leaned forward, arms on his thighs. “What the fuck is going on?”
I motioned at the two men who were hurriedly getting dressed. They grabbed their stuff with a nod and gave us privacy. When the door fell shut, silence settled around me and Maximus. I wasn’t sure how to say what I’d decided. It was absolute madness. I trusted Maximus with my life, and through his marriage with Sara we were practically family. “I know you’ve been taking days off for months now. I didn’t ask questions but I can’t help but wonder where the fuck you’re going. It took you hours to get to Newark yesterday. You weren’t around the corner.”
I stared down at my boxing shoes. “I came back as fast as I could.”
“I know, and I’m not here to play the guilt card. You have a fucking life. That’s okay. I just want you to know that you can trust me. You helped me after the shitshow with Sara. Fuck, you’re still there whenever I need you, so why the fuck are you keeping a secret from me?”
I smiled bitterly. “Because I’m betraying the Famiglia.”
Maximus leaned back slowly, his nostrils flaring, eyes full of disbelief. “Never. You’d die—” He searched my eyes. I wasn’t sure what he was trying to see. Then he shook his head and let out a laugh. “I hope I’m wrong with this, so please tell me you’re not seeing Greta Falcone behind everyone’s back.”
His voice had been so quiet if I hadn’t known what he’d say I wouldn’t have heard him. I looked at him, tired of lying to him.
“Amo.” Maximus shoved to his feet, running a hand over his head. He stared at me, then shook his head again. “What the fuck is wrong with you? We’re at war and you go fucking the enemy’s daughter.” He tilted his head and a hopeful smile pulled at his lips. “Or is this a devious plan to break the Camorra?”
I really wish that were the case. “No devious plan. And I’m not fucking Greta and I won’t until she’s officially mine. I won’t dishonor her.”
Maximus plopped down on the bench, utter shock on his face. “I hope this is a joke.”
I only stared at him. I knew how ludicrous it sounded.
“Have you decided if you’re going to tell my father about my betrayal? You’re his Enforcer.”
Maximus jumped to his feet and shoved my shoulders hard, catching me completely off guard. The bench tipped backwards because of my weight and I landed on my back with a groan. I didn’t bother getting up, only smiled wryly at my best friend. “I suppose that’s a yes?”
“Fuck you, you moron,” Maximus growled. “I’m going to be your Enforcer longer than I’ll be your father’s Enforcer. I won’t ever reveal your secrets, no matter how fucked up they are. I’ll follow you as my future Capo, but where the hell will you lead me and the Famiglia?”
“To peace with the Camorra.”
“No way. Not after the shitshow at your wedding. Matteo won’t agree after what happened to Isabella and Gianna. Not to mention that the Falcones are definitely holding a major grudge for how we tricked them. Peace has never been farther away.”
“I’m going to divorce Cressida and ask for Greta’s hand. I can’t keep living like this. I want Greta by my side. I’ll stop at nothing, absolutely nothing to make her mine this time.”