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“You gave him a choice when your father had none.”
“My father had choices, Lucia. He made the wrong ones, which brought tragedy to the family. Taking your father’s life in exchange wouldn’t bring my mother or my siblings back from the grave. But my promise stands. If you brother hadn’t put a bullet in his brain, I would have had to save you.”
She closed her eyes for a few seconds. “I need to tell my mother.”
“I know. And I need to spend time with Enzo.”
“Don’t kill him. He’s not responsible, at least not entirely for the monster he’s become. Maybe he can be trusted one day. At least allow him the opportunity to find himself.”
I had doubts on whether he could be trusted but at this point, I wasn’t prepared for her to face another death. “I have no intentions of killing him. You have my word.”
“What now?”
“Now, I end the charade with my brother.”
“Who we’ve been was controlled by our families but that doesn’t mean we need to continue that way with our family.”
She was so resilient, so strong and wise. “Our family. I like the sound of that. Go to your mother. You’ll be protected in this house. I will return by morning.”
“I want to go with you.”
“Baby, your mother and sister need you. You know that, don’t you?”
Nodding, she leaned forward, pressing her lips against mine. “Do not die on me, husband. I will haunt you in my way forever.”
At least she could make me laugh. I kissed her forehead and walked away, taking a single look over my shoulder before walking away. My heart remained heavy, my gut telling me the next phase wasn’t going to be easy. As I headed down the corridor, I’d hoped a portion of the weight would be lifted from my chest but that wasn’t the case.
Heavy was the crown worn by a monster.
I returned to the office, glad to see Roberto’s body had already been removed. Enzo stood by the window, his back heaving.
“Any issue?” I asked Raphaelo, nodding toward her brother.
“None, but I don’t trust him. He’s a loose cannon.”
“I’m well aware and neither do I. He will be locked down until this is over. Then I’ll decide how to handle him.”
Raphaelo exhaled. “What about Roberto’s men?”
The question was one I’d been mulling over. “They will either pledge loyalty to the new DeLuca–Lazarro Empire or not.”
“And if they don’t?” Raphaelo tilted his head, studying me carefully.
“Then kill them.”
“Will do, Don DeLuca.”
I headed toward Enzo, waiting until he turned to face me.
“What are your intentions? To kill me?” he asked, half laughing even though there was a hint of fear in his eyes.
“That depends entirely on you.”
“Meaning what?”
“Meaning,” I said as I moved closer, easing my weapon into my hands, “that if you vow to honor the code of the DeLuca family, your life will be spared. You’ll be given a position of power within the organization, one that will allow you the same benefits you’ve been receiving. Or you’ll be allowed to leave Italy, never to return.”
Enzo laughed nervously, glancing at Raphaelo and the other four soldiers remaining in the room before turning his attention toward me. “You’re serious.”
