“And you didn’t tell me?”
There was nothing I didn’t tell my brothers. They were everything to me. It hurt like hell to think Rafe had kept something this big from me.
“I just found out. Father was waiting for her to come of age first to make the engagement official, but now Caterina’s kidnapping has accelerated matters.
With a disgusted snort, I asked, “Just how young is she?”
While mafia girls used to be married off as early as eighteen, modern times had stretched the coming of age to twenty-one. Closeted pedos in our world might’ve liked the idea of a child bride, but I sure as hell didn’t and neither did Rafe.
“She’s about to turn twenty.”
I whistled. “That’s quite an age gap.”
Rafe rolled his eyes. “It’s only eight years.
“She’s a teenager right now.”
“Whatever. You’re acting like I’m some lecher.”
“Just calling it as I see it.”
“Ass.”
“Hey now, don’t leave me in suspense. Who is the lucky female who will become the future Mrs. Neretti?”
“Andrea Caruso, or Drea as they call her.”
Although I didn’t know Drea, I instantly recognized her last name. The Carusos were a strong Italian family with roots in Philadelphia. We’d done business with them over the years. It was a wise choice to align ourselves with them. It would unite two of the largest Sicilian/Italian families on the Eastern seaboard.
As Rafe poured himself a Disaronno, I mused, “Father is such astronzoto send us as glorified errand boys for this alliance.”
“Until we know who has taken Caterina, we’ll be kissing a lot of ass,” Rafe replied resignedly.
“What do you know about your future wife?”
“Does it really matter?” he grumbled.
I snorted. “I would say yes considering you’re going to have to fuck her for heirs.”
Rolling his eyes, Rafe argued, “There’s more important things at stake than my future wife’s appearance.”
His words sobered me immediately. “Right. I’ll go downstairs and pack.”
Nodding, Rafe replied, “The Caruso’s jet is coming for us at nine.”
“I’ll be ready.”
As I started defeatedly to the elevator, Rafe grabbed my arm. “Wewillget her back.”
Although he sounded confident, his expression betrayed him. I felt sorry for him. As the future capo, he had to show leadership. He had to believe in our father’s and family’s ability to find Caterina.
Cocking my brows at him, I countered, “Cut the bullshit. This is me you’re talking to.”
A welcomed laugh burst from Rafe’s lips. “You know me too well.”
“I sure as hell do.” I clapped my hand on his back. “You don’t have to be strong for me. We’ll get through thistogether.”
“Don’t go soft on me now,” he replied with a grin.
