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Giovanni
PLAYLIST: ? LOYALTY - KENDRICK LAMAR FEATURING RIHANNA ?
The fuckingbitch tried to knock me out! The cold metal of my Glock collides with my cheekbone in a crushing blow. It takes a second for my nerve endings to catch up, but when they do, searing pain erupts across the side of my face. I howl like a monster defied and leap to my feet.
She’s already off. Her petite form scurries across the bedroom in those impossibly high heels. I’ll give it to her, she maneuvers in them well. Most would break their necks.
But I’m not sure where the fuck she thinks she’s going half-naked with no money, a gun in hand, and my men standing guard outside the room. Her escape attempt is futile. She has nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.
The disrespect is too blatant. My temper roars to life. I dart after her, using my size and power to my advantage. I blow past her with little to no effort. As she grapples for the doorknob, I slam my hand against the door, keeping it shut despite her desperate attempts to pull it open. She gives up with a strangled cry and beats her fist against my chest.
I can tell she’s really trying to hurt me, but unfortunately for her, she’s weak and I’m built like steel.
Not once in my life have I ever hit a woman. In that moment, I have never wanted to more as I grab a hold of her, wrenching the Glock from her. My fingers dig into the flesh of her upper arms. It’s almost an involuntary reaction to raise a hand and strike, but as soon as our eyes meet, the terror is clear in hers. She’s afraid of me.
Disgust coils inside me, a sour taste in my mouth. I throw her onto the sofa and walk away. I need a moment to cool off.
My cheek is bleeding. I wipe the blood off on my sleeve and pour myself a glass of cognac. Something to cool my nerves. In the next room, she breaks into anguished sobs. So she thought she could seduce me, distract me, then run off.
I should’ve known the change in demeanor from earlier today was a red flag. Someone as fiery and stubborn as Falynn doesn’t go from resentful and resistant to willing in a few hours. She’s the type to formulate a plan—albeit, a poor one.
Still, this more than anything raises the point I’ve been avoiding for almost twenty-four hours. I cannot let her go. But I cannot kill her. Even bring harm to her. For as cold-blooded, methodical and emotionless of a man I am, I’m drawn to her for a reason I cannot explain. She’s hit me in the face with my own weapon, and still I want her.
I pinch the bridge of my nose and close my eyes. This is a fucking disaster.
My iPhone vibrates and the wordPapapops up on my screen. I cuss under my breath and answer on the third ring.
“Giovanni, my boy,” Papa wheezes. Fatigue and illness soften his normally raspy baritone. “How’s the City of Sin been treating you?”
“Good, Pa. How’re you feeling?”
“The treatments have me feeling better. I’ll be back to my old self in no time.”
It’s delusions of former glory. The doctors have already made it clear it’s not a matter of if but when. I don’t say this to him. No use bringing down his spirits. Nothing to be gained from dashing his hopes.
It’s more important to focus on who takes over his empire once he passes. Both Giancarlo and I believe it’s our birthright.
“That’s great, Pa. Continue following doctor’s orders.”
He makes an impatient sound then changes the topic. “Robby has briefed me regarding Jerry at the Dollhouse.”
“Oh, that. It’s been handled.”
Though the statement is vague, Papa understands what it means. Jerry’s body has already been cut up into dozens of pieces and then turned into mush. The remains have been disposed of in various locations to ensure no part of him is ever to be found.
“And management of the club?”
“No need to worry. Hiring someone else will be simple.”
“Always a step ahead. It’s what makes you so skilled. You’re fit for my throne.”
“Thank you, Papa.”
“If you succeed with Vittoria.”
“I will.”
“And if you carry on the bloodline,” Papa continues in another wheeze. “The Sorrentino name can’t end with you and your brother.”
