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“I’m saying no,” I declare. “No to the alliance. We will not work with those people.” My tone is harsh, harsher because of Ava.
He doesn’t know that part, but he doesn’t have to.
All my life, I’ve shown him respect and done what I’m told. I shouldn’t have had to go to Claudius in the first place.
“No, we won’t.” He sighs.
“Pa, I get what you were trying to do. I see it. Sure, it would have been an opportunity if it worked out, but if you want me to be boss of this family, let me handle the job I’ve been trained to do. The jobyoutrained me to do. You were right. I’m not some fucker who doesn’t know his shit. I do.”
“And I should have trusted you when you said something looked off.” Thank fuck he’s in agreement with me. I was gearing up to give him a mouthful.
“Yes, you should have.”
“I’m sorry, boy. I guess I was trying to leave my legacy by setting up something big.”
“You already have.” My shoulders loosen, but only slightly. Now on to the next part of the problem because it looks like we’re not done with these guys yet. “Pa. There’s more to these guys. Something I have to look into. I need to do it.”
“What is it?”
“I’m not sure yet. I’ll let you know.”
He gives me a nod. “Okay. Vincent… be careful. This is the Bratva we’re dealing with. Be careful.”
“I plan to.”
I leave. As I do, that feeling comes back to me when I remember Ava’s reaction. It’s dark and ominous. Evil.
It’s the same vibe I’ve been getting this whole time.
What is it?
How many times have I wondered what Ava’s story was?
How many times have I looked at her and seen pain?
Something happened to her. Something really bad.
I need to get to her.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Ava
Darkness and shadows fill the area.
It’s different today.
It feels more like I’m watching the scene play out, not like usual. Normally, I’m a part of the shadows.
It’s gray, then I feel the hard ground and the room comes into view before me.
It’s a memory.
There’s Papa sitting at the table with the phone in his hands and Ma bringing the food to him.
I try to rush up to him to warn him. He shouldn’t have taken that call.
Uncle Ilya is the man who killed those men. It’s him, and he’s on his way here now. He’ll be here any minute.
