Dad flashes a cocky grin. “Even though your brother’s the boss, I still have power.”
I nod. “So you’re watching your youngest son. Are you watching Natalia and Nick too?”
He arches a brow. “Asking a question without verbally asking, what do you think?”
“In four years, you’ll sit on the throne with your brother. You have to start making wise moves now, so you’ll be a strong boss when you step into power. Your brother’s performing well as the boss.”
I smirk. “I’d like to prove to you I’ll be ready to become the boss. I have an important situation I need to handle now.”
“I’m listening.”
Dad looks thinner than he did the last time I saw him. On the inside, I’m trying to hold it together. Be positive and strong for my father and mother. Sitting here talking to him like I don’t know he’s dying is difficult to do.
“Before I go digging on my own, I’m coming to you first. Why did the Cichellos move to New Jersey? I wondered back then. I knew Mr. Cichello had territories in Delaware, but none in Jersey.”
Dad runs a hand over his curly brown hair. “I thought you’d ask much sooner, but I’m happy you waited to ask. I wouldn’t have told you anything at that time. I’m still limited on what I can tell you, Nico, because you aren’t a made man.”
Anger courses through my body. I want to say more. But I know I can’t. He’s right. There’s an order to what I can know at this stage. I listen instead of flying off the deep end.
“Tizáno was in a very delicate situation when he spoke to Sergio.”
I try keeping the surprised look off my face as I listen to my father.
“Tizáno told Sergio what was going on in Delaware. Sergio put him and his family under the protection of the five families.”
“So he and his family were in danger?” I push.
“I’m saying things happened in his territory that caused him to bring his family to New Jersey.”
My father was telling me to read between the lines.
“Dad, something’s wrong with Serenity.”
“You two aren’t a couple. Why does it matter to you?” he asks.
“She has to be punished for what she’s done. Breaking my arm and protecting that piece of shit, Rod.”
Dad chuckles. “You’ve moved past her bodyguard breaking your arm. You want to punish her for protecting Rod.”
“He wanted Serenity. I intervened so he couldn’t have what was mine. Then he opened his fucking mouth,” I roar.
“You fucked up, Nico. And lost her.”
A devious chuckle rattles in my chest. “Yeah, well, now she’s my prisoner.”
“Nico, questo è abbastanza. That’s enough,” Mom bites out.
I cut my eyes to her. “Mama, please don’t.”
My gaze falls back on Dad. “What else can you tell me about the Cichellos?”
“All you need to know is that they’re protected.”
Mom places the plate of rigatoni in front of me. I’ve lost my appetite.
“I have my own men. It sounds like I’ll have to go at this alone.”
“Son, I’m telling you to drop this.”
