Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 55792 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55792 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
“You know the man would do anything for you. It’s even in his last will and testament that you’re taking over the organization.”
Sighing, I nod, knowing that he’s right. I shouldn’t feel like I do, but I think it’s because I was the adopted son, not the blood relation. It makes things a little more difficult.
“I’ve spent my life fighting this war inside me. I didn’t want to think the way I do, but being adopted changes your outlook.”
The thing about it is, Mario and his parents, our parents, never once made me feel as if I wasn’t part of the family. It’s my own issues I need to deal with. And I have to do it soon because in a few weeks, I’m going to have to take the vows.
“You know you’re being an asshole,” Mario throws out. “And don’t you dare think I’m insulting you. Brothers are meant to spar with each other.”
This makes me chuckle. “Oh, yeah, don’t I know it. There was never a dull moment in the house growing up.” It’s a reminder that all my doubts are nothing more than my mind playing tricks on me. I should know this by now. I’m old enough to realise it, but there are times I question everything.
“Is your girl getting everything she needs?” Mario questions. Brielle believes it’s a genuine test, where Mario is in on it. I asked him to ensure the folders were ready for her the moment I knew he was hosting the party. It made things a lot easier for us to have her come here and snoop around the mansion.
“Yeah, thanks for doing this,” I tell him. “With Saviatti trying to take us out, we want to make sure he knows he can’t fuck with us.”
“What is the plan once you find him?” Mario questions as he watches me with intrigue. I have a feeling my brother is going to offer his help.
“I’m not sure. Judah wants him dead, but Brielle has questions. She needs answers, along with her half-brother, Emilio.”
Mario’s brows lift in surprise. “Her half-brother?”
I nod. “We didn’t realise until Judah met with Brielle’s dad, and he confessed to being Emilio’s biological father. It’s a fucking shit show at the moment with the crossing of bloodlines that’s been going on. There are also questions about the fact that Emilio’s younger sister was killed.”
“Are you telling me that Saviatti had her killed?” Mario leans forward now, showing more interest than he was earlier when I was being a worrisome arsehole.
“Well, Brielle had surgery when she was younger, it seems as if the donor came out of nowhere, as if by magic.” I recall the admission she told us when we found her medical records. It certainly was a shock to all of us. I didn’t expect it. Even when I was training her, she’s strong, fast, and her endurance is brilliant for someone who had her surgery.
“Fuck.” Mario’s response mimics ours when we found out. There is still so much to unpack. There are still secrets hidden under layers of fear. Mainly from Emilio Saviatti, Senior.
“It’s been an eye-opening few months, I’ll tell you that.”
“Are you still…?” Mario looks at me, the curiosity is clear in his eyes. He’s the only one outside of the three who knows about my inclinations. And I was honest with him about my love for Valen and Jude. I didn’t hide it from him, and then he told me of his own bisexual nature. It was astounding to me because he never ever hinted it. But then again, neither did I when we were growing up. It’s only when I got older, I knew Mario had seen me with a boy from school. Nothing happened, but there was a quick slip of the wrist.
It was before Jude or Valen became the only men I will have sex with.
“We have come to an agreement, of sorts,” I tack on. “It’s the three of us, and Brielle. She knows. There was no way we couldn’t tell her, so now that she’s been accepted into the family, we’re going to try to live our lives free from the judgement of others, but we will have to keep a lot under wraps.”
Mario nods then because he knows how these things can blow up. It’s difficult when you’re in a heterosexual relationship, but add in another person, and there’s drama that follows with every step of the way.
“I promise you, Kai, your secret is safe with me. It always will be and it always has been. I can’t imagine putting you in any danger, or having a threat on your life because of who you love.”
I know he’s not lying. We were trained so well to watch for tells. Mario has known my secret, and he’s kept it safe all these years. I’m lucky enough to have the support from someone who I’ve looked up to. When I was younger, I wondered what life would be like if I were to ever have fended for myself. If the Erranis didn’t adopt me. I know I wouldn’t still be here. Not with the road I was on.