Page 154 of God Of Vengeance

We walk toward the water’s edge, and I glance at the lake before looking at my wife. “Are you happy?”

She nods as she snuggles into my side. “I love having the whole family here, and Mamma’s having a lovely day.”

I turn to look at my mother, who’s laughing at something Gianna says.

Letting out a content sigh, I search over everyone until I find Carlo where he’s sitting with Emilio and enjoying a beer.

He never married and still follows me like a shadow, but soon Christiano will take over from me, and we’ll both retire.

“What are you thinking about?” Gabriella asks.

“It’s time for Christiano to step up as the next Capo dei Capi.”

“When will you make the announcement?” she asks.

“Now is as good a time as any.” Walking to the middle of the lawn, I call out, “I have something to say.” My eyes find Christiano. “Come here.” Then I look at Enzo. “You too.”

When I nod at Carlo, he sets his beer down, and getting up, he walks toward me.

Once they all join me, I place my hand on Christiano’s shoulder. “You’re twenty-two, and it’s time for you to take over the position as Capo dei Capi.”

My eldest looks exactly like me, and I know he’ll rule the Cosa Nostra with an iron first. The same way I have.

My gaze flicks to Enzo, and I say, “You’ll be your brother’s underboss. You’ll protect him at all costs.”

“Yes, Papa,” Enzo replies as he moves to stand beside Christiano. “You’ll both do whatever is needed to keep the family safe.”

My sons nod, then Carlo pats Enzo on the back. “Finally, I get to sleep in. Good luck, son.”

I scowl at Carlo. “What do you mean you get to sleep in? You’re still going to protect my ass.”

“Can your ass get up at eight instead of the crack of dawn?” he asks.

Shaking my head, I watch as all the men come to shake my sons' hands.

It’s time for the next generation to take over, the moment bittersweet.

Gabriella wraps her arm around my back and presses a kiss to my cheek. “Does this mean we’ll get to travel more?”

“Maybe. I’ll keep an eye on the boys for a year or two. Just to make sure they don’t fuck up.”

She leans her head against my chest. “We raised strong men.”

“We did.” I press a kiss to her hair.

As I look at the family I’ve spent most of my life protecting, I know I’ll never fully step down.

I’ll protect them until I exhale my final breath.

The End.