Her belly is as big as a beach ball.
Her belly.
My vision goes black at the edges. My cock doesn’t twitch. My blood boils hot enough to burn through bone.
“She stole my fucking baby,” I roar.
My jaw cracks as I grit my teeth. “It’s war, Serenity.”
My eyes, that so many women beg to stare into every night, lack brightness. They’re dull. I hadn’t looked like myself since before Serenity left. To carry out my misery every day, I only wear black, navy, brown, and green suits. All dark. There won’t be any need for bright suits this hot ass summer.
That’s because nothing matters anymore.
Love is for pussies.
Women are only good for giving head and sex.
I’ll never fall in love again.
Gripping my ankle that rests on my knee, I sit in one of the two plush leather chairs at my brother’s desk. He glares at me from his huge leather office chair.
“You’re pricklier than usual,” Nick says.
I don’t bother telling him about the pictures and Serenity’s pregnant belly.
“Let’s get the meeting underway, big brother.”
“Have you gone to Florence to see her?” Concern laces his words.
“No, Nick,” I bite out.
“It’s been six months, Nico.”
I arch a brow as I pull a cigar from my inner black suit jacket pocket. “How long has it been for you, Nick? You know, since you had to walk away from Kinsley?”
He points a finger in my direction, nostrils flaring. “Don’t fucking do that.”
“Do what? Be miserable like you?” I take the cutter and clip the top of the cigar.
He leans back in his seat. “Yeah. This is a fucked up place to be.”
At least she’s not pregnant with your child.
I don’t say those words aloud. I light the cigar, then blow out a cloud of smoke.
My child’s existence is to remain a secret for now.
Nick drawls on about territory problems, watching for my reaction.
I’m into some heavy shit. I may have started wars between Washington D.C., Baltimore, Maryland, and Newark, Delaware. My brother doesn’t know the wars are my doing because the name whispered in the streets is our grandfather’s last name, Marino. If someone figures out, I’m involved, my brother and sister are strong enough to take the blowback.
My brother and I run our family’s empire. So sitting in these weekly meetings is an honor. When my world imploded, the meetings no longer brought joy. However, it’s best I always show up so Nick doesn’t catch wind of my extracurricular activities.
This war could take years to end. War is a great distraction. What else do I have to do other than be a cruel, ruthless mafia boss?
“Nick, I’ll get right on it,” I tell him.
He grins. “I know you will, little brother.”
