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Emilio is silent, and I’m not sure he’s put the puzzle pieces together yet. But they’ll fall into place soon enough.
“It was a perfect match,” Brielle whispers. “I was sad that someone had to die for me to get better, but my father said it’s how life works.”
“She was your age?” Emilio’s voice takes on a tone that hints at his new-found knowledge. “You mean…”
“Yes.” Brielle nods slowly, taking in the man who she knows is going to lose his shit in a moment.
The chair Emilio is sitting on is pushed back, the legs scraping across the hardwood floor. His hands fist on the desk as he pins her with a glare.
“My sister died,” he hisses with venom lacing his tone. “I was told she was in an accident. I didn’t know that she was a donor. Even when I was old enough, nobody told me the truth. What happened the night of the accident?”
One died. One lived.
Emilio’s sister died, but she wasn’t Saviatti’s daughter. Emilio’s mother had the baby with another man. And even though Emilio knew his sister had died, he didn’t understand the intricacies of the families. He didn’t know about the mafia at that stage. When a Boss needed something, they wielded their power to get what they wanted with a click of their fingers. And it seems, that’s what Brielle’s father did.
“I don’t know what happened that night. I was just told that a heart had been found, and I was taken into surgery.”
Brielle’s eyes plead with her brother for understanding as she pushes to her feet and places a hand on his. It’s the most I’ve seen them interact since they met. He doesn’t pull away, but he glares at her.
“There are so many things our father has kept from us. But none of it’s my fault,” she says as she looks at Emilio.
I’m pretty sure it’s the first time they’ve spoken more than a few words to each other. Since Brielle arrived, they’ve been civil to each other, but the connection just hasn’t been there.
I get it.
But it can’t go on like it is, because there won’t be much future for us in this house if she can’t accept him, and he her. Within these walls, our family is tight-knit, and I don’t want anyone feeling as if they don’t fit in.
In a house of misfits, we’re a solid family unit, loyal and accepting. Unless someone pushes us beyond our limit, of course. Like Marco.
“It’s not your fault,” Emilio says, his eyes flicking to each of us at the table before landing back on Brielle. “I’m leaving tomorrow for the mainland. I’ll go to our father, and he’ll have to face me. I want answers, and I won’t leave without them.”
“You realise what you may have to do?” I ask, ignoring Brielle’s scrutiny.
I can feel her gaze boring into me like a fucking drill, but I don’t want her to see what’s going through my mind. And I have a feeling she’ll read me if I look directly at her.
“I do.” Emilio nods and waits for my response.
I prefer it when the Princes are on the grounds of the mansion. But I know Emilio needs to see his father. He needs answers, and I’m not about to deny him those. It’s the only way to get closure.
“I agree,” I finally say, and I see his shoulders sag in relief.
“I’ll let you know how things go,” Emilio responds.
“Don’t hurt him,” Brielle whispers, looking at her brother.
I can’t imagine what it’s like, knowing your father is a lying bastard. But then again, he saved her life.
“He made sure that part of my sister will live on in you,” Emilio says as he stares at Brielle. “He didn’t tell me, but neither did my mother, so I’m not only blaming him.”
“No one will get hurt, Brielle, unless our hands are forced and a difficult decision has to be made, but if it does come to the worst, you’ll be able to say your goodbyes.” I keep my tone calm as I speak.
“Why do you persist in being such a cold-hearted bastard?” she asks.
I almost laugh out loud at her question. She’ll soon learn who I truly am. And it will be eye-opening.
The office door flies open and one of the up-and-coming Capos for the Brindisi clan rushes in with two of my guards behind him. He’s just taken on the role from his predecessor who was tortured and killed in the middle of town.
This may be an island with a university, students, and teachers, but it’s also a place the Bosses can come to finish their dirty work without needing to pay off the police.
