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“It doesn’t work that way. You want me to let him live after what he did to us?”
“I’m asking you to look at the bigger picture. This isn’t just about you anymore. You have a woman and the child she’s carrying to think about. They’re still alive, that’s more important. And from what you’ve told me, Sophia makes you happy. I want to believe you can choose your own happiness over pointless revenge.”
I stare at her uncomprehending. My sister reaches up to pat my arm.
“Just think about it, okay?” she asks.
“Yeah, sure I will.”
She leaves me and I spend the rest of the day pondering what she said. The meetings tomorrow morning and although I’m still not sure I have a plan, I do know that I need to talk to her. She’s texted me a few times but I turned off my phone which I admit was an asshole move. Especially after what she told me.
I’m sure she’s pissed. But we can figure this out. We have to.
* * *
I imaginethis is how a meeting of board of directors in a company would go. Two rivals on opposite sides. Unlike the last time our families met, everyone’s seated today. Immediate family members. This is more than a gang fight. Elena’s seated at my side, Maria beside her. Roman’s at my side too. Enzo, Rosa, they’re all here.
And so is Sophia’s family. All the air was knocked out of my lungs when she walked into the room. I wanted nothing more than to walk up to her and hold her to me but I desisted. She wouldn’t meet my eyes though and that more than anything worries me.
Even now as she’s seated between her father and her sister, she still won’t look at me. I clench my fists before turning back into what’s been said.
“We meet again,” Eduardo says.
This time my fists clench for another reason entirely. I really hate his fucking face. I’m suddenly glad Sophia looks nothing like him.
“Unfortunately,” Roman replies. “If I’m being honest, I’m not sure how to navigate this.”
Eduardo rolls his eyes. “Your second in command, took advantage of my daughter and impregnated her.”
Before Roman can open his mouth to speak, Katerina does.
“Wrong choice of words, Papa. Sophia wasn’t taken advantage of in anyway. They’re both adults who were in a consenting sexual relationship.”
I stare at her for a second. I’ve never really paid attention to Sophia’s elder sister. I remember she’s a lawyer which makes sense. Roman nods in agreement at her words.
I’m still trying to get Sophia to look at me. After a look from his daughter, Eduardo Mincetti lets out a soft sigh.
“We’re here to ask for a truce. In light of recent developments, it wouldn’t be ideal for our families to continue this fight. But first I’d like to hear what he has to say for himself.”
I realize I’m being addressed when the room quiets and I look up at Eduardo. I can’t help a slight scoff.
“I have absolutely nothing to say to you.”
His eyes narrow. “For someone who should have a bullet in his skull by now, you’re being far too calm.”
“I could say the same,” I drawl. “And fuck your truce by the way. There is no truce. You’re meant to be here to beg for forgiveness.”
He arches an eyebrow, his expression unimpressed. I can tell he’s trying so hard to keep his emotions under control.
“You want me to beg?” he asks his lips curling distastefully. “And what do you plan to do for your actions?”
“Like Katerina said, we’re both consenting adults who were in a relationship. This is between Sophia and I. Frankly I’m not sure why we called for this meeting.”
Elena places a hand on my arm. Roman lets out a sigh beside me before pinching the bridge of his nose.
“Because you can’t kill your baby’s grandfather,” he snaps, turning to face me. “So shut up while I talk to them.”
I roll my eyes before crossing my arms over my chest. “Fine. Let’s hear it.”
