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We disengaged, disappointment flashing over Achille’s face. He recovered as he faced his brother. “Taking a breather from Ma, more like.”
“Congratulations, bro.”
“Thanks.”
They hugged. Santino whispered something in Achille’s ear, and he smiled. Santino pounded his back.
“Ma will be a nightmare. Now she’s on my ass about marriage. Your little brother has a fiancée and a baby,” he said in a high pitch. “You don’t even have a girlfriend.”
Achille shrugged.
Santino’s smile softened. “I’m happy for you, Kill.”
“Salute.”
They bumped glasses and drank. I refilled the champagne glass with the bottle I’d snuck outside. I drained it, wavering on my feet. I didn’t plan on getting drunk, but with everything going on, how could I not?
Achille plucked the glass out of my grip. “Take it easy.”
“Ah, come on, Kill. Let the girl celebrate. It’s not every day you’re hitched to a Costa.”
I pushed the dizziness aside. “It’s overwhelming.”
Santino sipped his drink, his eyes diving into mine. “This family has that effect on outsiders.”
Achille’s hand tightened around me. “Violet’s stronger than she looks. She can handle it.”
Can I? I had doubts.
Santino slapped his forehead. “Fuck, I forgot. Romeo wanted a word about something. Says it’s urgent.”
“What’s it about?” Achille asked.
“Don’t know.”
Achille turned toward me. “I’ll be right back.”
“Take your time,” Santino called after him. “I’ll keep your bride-to-be company.”
No. Don’t leave me.
Achille’s fingers pinched my cheek, and then he headed inside, leaving me with an even darker presence.
THIRTY-TWO
ACHILLE
I was different.
Since the day the old boss, Nico, pointed at a man tied to a chair and handed me a pair of pliers, I’d known that. I remembered feeling nervous, a bit sick, but it went away quickly. Now? I connected to the people I slaughtered like I did to a Burger King whopper.
Was I always like this? Born this way? Did Mom drop me on my head as a baby? No idea. My brain didn’t work right, and my worst fear was passing that on to my son.
Jack ran circles around the table, laughing like a maniac. I caught him and hoisted him on my hip. His face burned bright red, a warning sign.
“Look at you, dressed like a little boss,” I teased, smoothing down his collar.
“Like you, Daddy?”
