Page 131 of Unlock My Heart

“Sure you will, kiddo.” I ruffle Al’s newly dyed blonde hair as she squeals.

“You’re still grounded,” Angelo reminds our sister as he and I squeeze through the doorway and take off for the basement stairs. I shove my way past Angelo, but the fucker kicks the back of my calf, causing my leg to buckle.

Angelo surges past me.

Oh, hell no.

My heel connects with his calf, and I shove my way past him.

My brother tackles me, the two of us tussling at the foot of the steps.

Someone clears their throat, a reminder that the family is here watching this childish display.

“Enough.” Angelo whisper-hisses at me, and we rise from the floor, both of us straightening our suits.

“Gentlemen, welcome,” both Angelo and I say in unison. Angelo eyeballs me; he’s technically still the boss, and so I shut my mouth.

“In case any of you haven’t heard the news, I’ve been named mayor of New Orleans,” Angelo continues.

“That’s great, boss.” A capo pipes up.

My brother nods. “With my mayoral duties, I will be unable to lead this family. I’ve decided to step down permanently and name Fabien Calvani as boss.”

You could hear a pin drop.

“Gentlemen, we are here to swear in the new boss of this family.” Angelo hands me the knife, and I’m reminded of what Nic told me, and how easy it would be to do the same to my brother now.

But just like my girl, I’ve never been one to take the easy route.

Holding the blade with a broken finger is tricky, but I manage to prick my palm. Making a fist, red droplets plop onto the family Bible.

“Congratulations, boss.” Angelo shakes hands with me, and my men cheer. “I’ll leave you to it.”

“Hold up. You’re not leaving without a parting gift.” I snap my fingers, and two soldiers enter the basement carrying a medical chair.

“We swore a blood truce,” Angelo whispers furiously to me.

“Don’t get your panties in a twist,” I whisper back at him. “We’re getting you properly inked.” His parting gift, and my olive branch.

The artist sketches out the words on my brother’s right bicep, the family tattoo.

La famiglia prima di tutto

And then my brother shocks the shit out of me by having inked a butterfly tattoo for his girl. I frown, not knowing this man at all.

Boom.

The foundation of the house rattles violently, and my brother and I sprint up the stairs, flinging the door open.

All that’s left of my brother’s vehicle is a burning shell, with Maks futilely attempting to put out the blaze with a fire extinguisher.

“Molotov cocktail,” he shouts. “Stay inside.”

“I thought you handled the Kirksey problem!” Angelo sprints through the house in search of Al, with me hot on his heels.

“I’m working on it!”

Al appears in the hallway, and we skitter to a stop. “Was that a bomb? I can’t believe I missed it!”