Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
I went to the office downstairs, frowning when I heard voices inside. I found Aldo and Luca there, steaming cups of coffee in their hands.
“Brother,” I greeted Luca. “I wasn’t expecting you.” I glanced at my watch. “Especially this early.”
He looked serious. “I didn’t expect to hear that my brother now had a fiancée from another associate. It was an unexpected shock.”
Aldo stood and left the room. The coward.
I sat down, pouring a cup of coffee. “I apologize. I didn’t expect the news to travel so quickly.”
“Nonna told me she gave you her ring. She obviously saw something.”
My patience wasn’t the best this morning. “Since the lady herself hasn’t been told of the change in our status, I suppose I didn’t think to inform you first.”
An eyebrow shot up. “The lady hadn’t been told? You mean asked.”
I stood and paced. “You know about Effie. The Santinis connected us. They were watching her shop and saw me there and put two and two together. They demanded retribution. I knew no matter what happened, no matter what I gave them, as soon as I set her free, she was dead. They would snatch her and subject her to atrocities I don’t even want to think of. Keeping her is the only option. I am going to marry her and give her the safety of my name. She will live at the estate with Nonna.”
He stared, the anger draining from his expression. “Roman. What are you doing?”
“Paying my debt.”
“What about a real marriage? What happens when you fall in love?”
I scoffed. “I’m not like you, Luca. I don’t believe in romantic love.” I held up my hand, stopping him from talking. “I care for Effie. I think we can be content. We are compatible in many ways. Nonna liked her. Vi adores her.”
“And you ‘care,’” he said, his tone filled with disbelief.
“Yes.”
“What about children?”
I shrugged. “If Effie wants them, I am fine with the idea.”
He shook his head. “You are unbelievable.”
“She is in this situation because of me. I have no choice because I cannot allow them to touch her. I will marry her.”
Luca sat down, looking sorrowful. I waved my hand. “Stop. Effie is lovely. You will meet her and like her. I think Justine will as well.”
“I want to meet her. Welcome her to the family.”
“Fine. I need to speak to her today. Let her know what is happening.”
“What if she refuses?”
I blinked. “I beg your pardon?”
“What if she says no? You can’t force her, Roman.”
“I won’t have to force her. She will agree.”
“When will you tell Nonna? News will travel, and although Nonna is out of this life, she might hear it, regardless.”
“This afternoon, on our way to have dinner with you. Once the ring is on Effie’s finger.”
He shook his head, saying nothing for a moment.
“So you came all this way to confirm I’m getting married?” I asked suspiciously.
He stood and went to the window, looking down at the gaming floor. Even at this early hour, people were at machines, spending money.
He spun on his heel. “Justine is pregnant.”
A real smile broke out on my face. “Congratulations, brother. Nonna will be so pleased. As am I.”
He nodded, rubbing his lip. “Justine wants to move closer to her family in Ottawa. She misses her mother especially. And her cousins and friends.”
“Understandable. But that would be a lot of traveling for you.”
He stood straighter. “I was thinking I could run your casino there. Oversee the final plans, take some things off your plate.”
I blinked. “And your place in the organization?” I asked, dreading the answer. I didn’t want to step up. I didn’t want to take a more active role.
“I would leave it.”
“What?” I choked out.
“Neither of us wants it, Roman. You have made millions with your legitimate dealings. Together, we can make millions more. Leave the other behind.”
For a minute, I was silent. “Is that done, Luca?”
He laughed. “Things have changed, Roman. We’re free to walk away. We make the rules now. The Irish want our piece badly. I’m inclined to let them have it.”
“The Irish?” I repeated.
“Our great-grandmother was Irish. Nonna and Mom carry that blood. So do we. You, especially. We have never had trouble with them. They would step in and run it well, I think.”
“And you’d just walk away?”
“Well, there would be terms.” He studied me. “You could too, Roman. We could both leave this life we never wanted but live because it was forced on us. You’d still be powerful in this territory. You could work with the Irish and maintain your stronghold.” He paused. “A fake figurehead.”
My mind reeled. I shook my head. “Luca, this would take incredibly thorough, lengthy planning. Agreements. So much change.”
“Change is good.” He gripped the back of his chair. “I want a different life, Roman. I want to know my kids. Love them. I do not want them to have this legacy. I don’t want to be a part of it anymore. If you don’t support me in this, then you can have it all.”