Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 92873 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 310(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92873 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 310(@300wpm)
Uncle Enzo clears his throat. “Why are we here? It’s early.” He adds in a grumpy tone, “I don’t like to leave the house before I had my second breakfast.”
“Get used to it,” I say, pouring a cup of coffee.
They eye the coffee before scanning my face, no doubt wondering why I don’t invite them to sit or offer them a cup.
My explanation is simple. “Kneel.”
Their mouths drop open. They stand motionless, staring at me.
“You heard me,” I say, giving them my cruel, polished smile as I bring the porcelain cup to my lips. “On your knees.”
“Angelo,” Uncle Nico says, splaying his palms as he takes a step forward. “What has gotten into you? What’s the meaning of this?”
“Swear your alliance to me.” I lean back in my chair. “That’s how it works when it’s done officially, isn’t it?”
The ruddiness the early morning cold left on Uncle Enzo’s cheeks vanishes. They turn paler than the milk on the table. “We’re loyal to you. You know that.”
“Do I?” I sip my coffee. “I got a different impression last night.”
“I can assure you—” Uncle Nico starts.
“Then do so.” I put my cup down in the saucer harder than necessary. “Bow down and prove it.”
They glance at each other.
Uncle Nico takes the lead. He supports his weight with a palm on the edge of the table as he goes onto his knees with a groan.
I hold out my right hand. He takes it between both of his, faltering for a second, but then he presses his lips on my family ring. “I swear my allegiance to you, Angelo Russo.”
It takes him even more effort to straighten.
The expression on Uncle Enzo’s face is crestfallen as his turn follows. Like his brother, he kisses my ring and promises to obey me. I don’t help him to his feet. I let him struggle, let the message sink in. One hand washes the other. As long as they watch out for me, I’ll watch out for them. However, I won’t hesitate to chop off a hand that goes astray.
They stand with their arms folded behind their backs, watching me like reprimanded schoolboys.
“Let’s get one thing straight.” I push to my feet. “No one questions my decisions or motives, least of all when they concern my wife.”
They exchange another look.
“Are we clear?” I ask loud enough to make them jump.
“Yes, Angelo,” Uncle Enzo says, sounding wounded.
Uncle Nico adds his two cents’ worth. “We were just trying to help.”
I get into their faces, making them cower. “From now on, just do as I say.”
Uncle Enzo flinches. “What do you want us to do?”
“Send Toma and Gianni to watch the new house. They’re to stand guard twenty-four-seven. If they can’t be there, I trust you to personally step in.”
It’s a low blow, a dishonorable demotion, but putting them on guard duty is part of the lesson they have to learn.
“Guard the house?” Uncle Nico exclaims. “I thought your mother’s family moved out.”
I clench my jaw both at the reminder of my mother as well as how spectacularly I failed not only her but also her family. My father tried to warn me, but I thought I could civilize them with running water and electricity.
“It’s not for them,” I say. “It’s for Sabella.”
Uncle Nico blinks.
“She’s staying there now?” Uncle Enzo asks.
I turn my back on them, pick up my cup, and carry it to the window, hiding my expression lest they see something in my face they shouldn’t. The smallest sliver of doubt. “Yes.”
Uncle Enzo’s bafflement carries in his voice. “For how long?”
I grind out the word. “Indefinitely.”
Schooling my features, I turn around. “Do you have a problem with that order?”
“No.” Uncle Enzo pinches his eyebrows together. “Of course not.”
Right answer. “Nobody goes near her but me. Nobody lays a finger on her or that man is dead. If anything happens to her, I’ll hold you responsible. I’ll punish you personally. Is there any part of that instruction you don’t understand?”
They shake their heads in unison.
“Good.” I finish my coffee and leave the cup on the table. “Then you can go back to your second breakfasts. I want daily reports.”
They nod their agreement as they backtrack out of the room as fast as they can. Who can blame them? They’ve seen firsthand who I am. Even though I’m family, blood of their blood, they can’t hide the spark of disgust that always lurks too shallowly in their eyes. It’s the same way they used to look at my mother, the same way everyone looks at me. Except for Sabella. There was a time—very, very long ago—when she looked at me differently. But that ship has sailed, and there’s only one course left now. Full sail ahead.
Chapter
Five
Sabella
* * *
I wake up with an itchy scalp. I tell myself it’s because I didn’t wash my hair with shampoo last night, but as the morning wears on, even after I wash my hair properly, the itching gets worse.