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He glances back at me. “You think very little of me, don’t you?”
“You just blew up a house full of people. You’ve got a reputation for death. Did you kill him?”
“He’s alive. Michael’s watching him until I let him know you’re safe.”
“Then what happens?”
“I let him go and agree to write off his debt as long as he leaves us alone to live our lives together.”
“Seriously?”
“And he confesses the truth about the crash to the authorities. Takes his punishment like a man.”
“You think he’ll do that after all these years?”
“It’s that or he gets whacked. I’m certain he’ll do it. Now let me concentrate. We’re almost there.”
He brings the boat in to the shore. A man is leaning on a car, watching as we climb onto dry land.
“You look like shit,” the man says to Leo. “Thought I told you to come back in one piece.”
“Fuck you, Monty.”
“And where’s the Maiale?”
“Other side of the lake.”
“I guess I’m collecting that then, am I?”
“Do me a favor, Monty.”
“What?”
“Drive us home first and keep your mouth shut while you do it.”
Monty nods, opening the back door of the car. We climb in. Fleur first, then me, then Leo.
As we drive away from the lakeside, Leo’s hand slips into mine. I think about shoving it away but I don’t. I squeeze his fingers lightly, closing my eyes, leaning on his shoulder, the adrenaline slowly leaving my body, making me feel exhausted to my very bones.
His presence is comforting, more than I thought possible before today.
Before I know what’s happening, I’m fast asleep.
22
Leonardo
One week later…
We’re on the porch, looking out at the croquet lawn. The place is packed with people, all of them drinking.
“Do all these people work for you?” she asks.
“This is a fraction of them. I’ve got a lot of businesses on the go. Lost count since taking hold of Amato’s assets. Michael is still trying to add it all up. You did good.”
Her smile is all the reward I need. “Really? I thought you were still pissed at me.”
“I’m not pissed, Anna. I’m impressed. You put yourself out there for your friend. You saved my life not once but twice. Learn to take a compliment. You did good.”
