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I check my texts next.
Bria: I need all the details from last night.
I ignore hers and move on to the next.
Isabella: How many times did you do the dirty? Bria and I made a bet. Tell me now, and I’ll split half my winnings with you.
I roll my eyes and open my mother’s.
Mom: Good morning, my beautiful newlywed daughter! Please call me when you get a moment. Your father and I love you.
And lastly, I hit my brother’s name.
Tommaso: Your maniac husband barged into my house this morning and went nuts. Reel him in!
I glare at Benny. “Did you go to my brother’s this morning?”
“Yes.”
I glance at his knuckles. “Did you hurt him?”
“Yes.” He holds up a finger to prevent me from speaking and to allow him to explain himself. “He deserved it, and he’s lucky I didn’t do more than punch him a few times.”
“Youpunchedhim?” I can only imagine how Tommaso reacted to that.
Benny works his jaw. “Did you know your brother owes Sammie Karpenko over a million dollars?”
I drop my phone onto my lap. “What?”
“I take it that’s a no.”
“Why … why would he go to Sammie for money?”
Sammie and his crew are dangerous. My father once said anyone who makes a deal with Karpenko is an idiot with a death wish. He charges astronomical interest and isn’t understanding about late payments.
“Your brother has a gambling addiction … among other vices.”
I cringe. Any appetite I had is gone. Tommaso has always indulged in the perks of this world—the good and the bad. I once overheard my mother promising my father he’d grow out of it, but he hasn’t. I’m scared he never will.
No wonder Tommaso was adamant I marry Benny when we were in my father’s office. He no doubt sees Benny as an opportunity to escape his mess. The Marchettis are the most feared in this city … and extremely wealthy.
I pretend to pick at my French manicure. “Do you think Sammie sent his men to our wedding for Tommaso’s debt?”
“It wasn’t someone in a rival family, so they’re my best guess.”
“What’s your plan to stop them?”
“Tommaso will pay them back. It’s that simple.”
“My brother doesn’t have money like that.”
“He’d better find it. Ask your father. Sell something. I don’t care how he does it, so long as he does.”
“What if he doesn’t?” My throat turns sore.
“I’ll make it clear to Sammie he doesn’t touch you.”
“And Tommaso?”
