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“Get up,” Angelone commanded, glaring down at Vinny.
He snapped to his feet and bolted for the door. I caught him by the arm before he made it past me.
“This is done. You threatened my family. Violated the most sacred of pacts. I can’t let that stand.”
“You left her. She isn’t protected.” Vinny smirked as if he’d won before he narrowed his eyes at me. “You think you can get rid of me? Get me out of the way? You’ll never be head of this family.”
“Neither will you.”
“Let’s go.” Donato grabbed his other arm and snapped his fingers.
Three men in suits appeared from nowhere and surrounded us. Donato passed Vinny over to them, and they dragged him out of the room.
“I can’t let him get away with what he did to them,” I said, low enough so that only Donato could hear.
“You will have your retribution. For now, stay with your family.” He looked past me to Angelone. “Wait for me in the hall.”
Angelone bristled at the command, but followed it nonetheless. Without the scum in my house, I could breathe a little easier.
Vivian threw her arms around Donato, catching him off guard, though only for a moment. He embraced her, closing his eyes. I heard her whisper, “Thank you,” but I couldn’t begin to guess what for.
“This has been a long time coming.” Donato’s eyes were misty as he released Vivian, holding her at arm’s length. She stepped back next to Muriella.
Words that were long overdue came out of my mouth. “Vivian, Muriella, Stone, I’d like you to meet Donato Salvatore.”
Muriella eyed Donato suspiciously. “You’re a friend of Daniel’s?” She only knew of him by name. I’d kept her more in the dark than Vivian because I’d thought it was the right thing to do. But she probably could have used a father too.
“Yes. It’s an honor to meet you, Muriella.”
She extended her hand to him, and I inhaled sharply. Muriella avoided touching men with the exception of me and Stone. To see her taking the initiative was a proud moment. She was making progress. When Donato lifted her hand and kissed the back of it, Muriella didn’t flinch, graciously accepting the greeting.
“I trust you’re all right.” He made a quick assessment for any damage that might have been done.
She nodded. “I’m fine.”
“It’s been an eventful night,” he said after shaking Stone’s hand. “But I do hope we can meet again soon.” Donato turned to me, and I nodded. “A word, if I may?”
I ushered him to the foyer.
“Donato, they were working together behind our backs. I don’t know if they were when Angelone first approached me, but—”
“I promised I wouldn’t let anything happen to them. I’ve failed you.”
My jaw tightened. “If anyone is responsible, it’s me.”
He wanted to disagree, it was in his eyes, but when he opened his mouth no argument came. “It’s done. Forget about this. Be with your family.”
“If you don’t find that diamond, I’m a dead man walking.”
He placed a hand on my shoulder. “I’ll get it back.” With two succinct slaps to my back, he disappeared out the front door.
As it clicked closed, the gravity of the situation crashed down on me. Muriella could have been killed. Vivian…Stone…I shook my head to clear the dark thoughts. Because as much as I craved control, I didn’t have it. Never had.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Vivian
Present
