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Michael ignores him. "I’ll also set up a meeting with the leaders of the Bratva and the Kane Company and let them know that you will be the spokesman for the Cosa Nostra."
Seb looks like he is about to protest further, then firms his lips.
"Are you sure about this? Massimo asks slowly.
"I have my reasons," Michael murmurs.
"Fuck that," Luca snaps. "This asshole flounces in, and after trying to kill Christian, he not only gets a seat at the table with the families, but also a cut in the most lucrative venture we have ever set up?"
"It’s what Xander would have wanted." Michael shoots him a sideways glance. "Feel free to leave if you’re not on board."
"You know what? I think I will." Luca pivots on his heel and takes a few steps forward, then pauses. "There’s something I need to do first."
He careens around and slaps his palms into my chest. Pain ricochets up my neck.
"Fuck me," I stagger back. Why the hell am I still so weak? This fucking gunshot wound. I fucking hate being this defenseless. I straighten as Luca raises his fist. I throw up my arm and manage to block his blow. Luca raises his other fist when Theresa jumps up.
"Stop it," she cries out.
Massimo wraps his arm around Luca’s chest and hauls him back, "The fuck you doing,stronzo?"
"Teaching thispezzo di merdathat he doesn’t fool me. He may have pulled the wool over all your eyes, but mark my words, thistesta di cazzois going to turn on us. And I, for one, am not going to stand by and watch him take a piece of our hard-earned future when he has sacrificed nothing for it," Luca glowers at me.
"He is our brother," Michael says in a hard voice. "He is entitled to his part of our legacy, no matter that he's as much of a fucktard as you."
"Have you forgotten that he almost killed Christian and blackmailed Aurora?" Luca tries to shake off Massimo’s hold, but he doesn’t let go. "Fuck," Luca growls, "release me,stronzo."
"Only when you get your temper in hand," Massimo retorts.
"I can’t believe you’re siding with this motherfucker," Luca spits out. "Thought you, at least, would see through thisfetente."
Massimo hesitates and loosens his grip.
"You know I am right." Luca makes eye contact with every brother, "He’s taking us all on a ride, and Michael is not able to see it. But surely, you do, Massimo, don’t you? You can see why it’s wrong to let him in on our family business. And in such a short period of time, too."
Massimo scowls. He glances at Michael, then at me. "No, I don’t think it’s wrong."
"Me neither," Seb says slowly.
"Same here," Adrian adds.
Luca stiffens, "You are going to regret this, all of you." He scans the faces of his brothers again. "He is going to turn on all of you, and when he does, don’t say I didn’t warn you."
If they only knew how right he is.
Michael blows out a breath, "I know you’ve always wanted to be Don. And I know it was a disappointment to you when I made Seb the Capo, but this is precisely why I haven’t given you more responsibility. You are too hot-headed, Luca. You say what’s on your mind without thinking it through."
"Being passionate is the only thing that differentiates us from common criminals. We are the Cosa Nostra. We have a reputation of being the most cut-throat, the most dedicated to our cause."
"And it’s precisely that which has stopped us from becoming more powerful," Michael murmurs.
"Thinking with your gut is a strength—"
"If you are able to match it with cold logic, something which you have been unable to master."
"And you have?" Luca shoots back.
Michael tilts his head, "Not yet. But I know when I need to give something up to achieve a higher goal."
