Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 82121 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82121 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
This way, Molly’s cousin is still breathing, and my family’s a step closer to winning the war. If I have to bend reality a little bit to make that all happen then I’ll do it.
Before Molly though, I never would’ve considered being anything but completely honest and truthful with my brothers. That’s how the Famiglia works: utter and complete trust and loyalty. If I ever caught them lying to me, there’d be hell to pay, and I expect the same from them. Which is why this whole situation is so damn fucked. It goes against my entire world view and alters the way I think about myself.
I’d do anything for her. I always thought there were lines I wouldn’t cross, but Molly altered everything. I’d go anywhere, fight anyone, murder whoever needs murdering, all for her. I still love my family, and I’m still loyal to my brothers, but now there’s another axis to my life, pulling me in another direction. I can mislead them, fudge the truth, if it means protecting people important to my wife.
I know what my brothers used to say about me. I was the hero, the brother who always tried too damn hard, that took everything so seriously, that struggled and fought to be on top even though no matter how many hits I took or how many games I won, it never mattered. I was always going to be second to Renzo. But I tried anyway because that’s how I defined myself. Loyal to the Famiglia. Putting the needs of the Rossi family over my own.
Until Molly changed all that.
I’m a different man with her in my life, and I’m still getting to know what I’m capable of.
Carlo’s waiting for me out front when I get to the house. He’s in a good mood and gives me a massive bro hug, slapping my back.
“I can’t wait to catch Finnian with his dick in his girl’s ass,” he says, his arm slung over my shoulder. “Can you imagine it? That Irish prick’s pumping himself into his girl over and over, thinking he’s having the time of his life, then bam. We end him and fucking ruin them. God, I want to be there.”
“You’re a sick bastard, you know that?”
“Hey, they fucking shot me, remember? I have good reasons to be violent.”
“It’s the joy you’re getting that makes me very uncomfortable. And the weird sex stuff.”
He elbows my ribs and laughs, and I’m about to follow him into my office when I spot Renzo down the hall.
My brother’s looking grim. My guts clench instantly—what does he know? Did they catch Barry? Did that stupid shithead talk? Or did Dante tell him about Molly?
“Saul, we have to talk.” Renzo nods for me to follow him.
Carlo whistles. “You’re in trouble with the big man. Should I come for moral support?”
“Nah. You go into the bathroom and think about killing Finn while he’s balls deep in his girl. Rub one out and clear your fucking head.”
“Now who’s the sicko? But that’s a good idea. Serious spank bank material.”
I follow after Renzo, an ugly, cold grimness in my stomach. He sits behind his desk and I close the door, hesitating before taking a seat in one of the guest chairs.
“Carlo told me about last night.” His head tilts as he studies me. “Sounds like you did good work.”
“Got lucky.”
“I don’t love that you spared one though.”
“We made a deal. I don’t go back on my deals.”
He grunts in reply. “How’d the kid even know where Finn’s going to be?”
“He delivers drugs. I guess Finn likes to party.”
“Even better. He’ll be horny and high when we hit him.” Renzo seems pleased about that. What’s with my brothers and wanting to kill a man while he’s having sex? I don’t want to investigate that too closely.
“Carlo and I are going to discuss how we can leverage this situation. I’ve got some ideas—”
He waves a hand, cutting me off. “I trust you to handle it. I actually want to talk about something else.”
I lean back in the chair and cross my arms. “Alright. What’s up?”
“It’s a little… uncomfortable.” Renzo clears his throat and fidgets with a pen, spinning it around his knuckle. “Your relationship with Allegra Rinaldo fell through.”
My eyebrows raise. “Yes, I remember when Gian married her right out from under me.” It wasn’t great, but at least I got the Vegas gambling business in compensation. And it wasn’t like I particularly wanted to marry Allegra.
“You’re single, and you occupy a powerful position in our family. That’s an asset.”
I go very still. My heart starts beating fast. I remember this conversation—I had it once before. Renzo’s looking at me seriously, his jaw tight, because he knows how fucked this is.
“Just say it.” The words come out steady, even though my hands are shaking.