AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"My last run-in with them, before tonight, was three weeks ago," I correct. "Not that it's your business, but the Gattos have never left my family alone. Not since Ang—"
I cut off. I don't want to bring up her or her involvement. I'm done blaming my sister, and I see now how easy it is to sink into this world, so it's not like I'm any better.
Nico raises his brows. "Not since what?"
"Not for a long time. They just keep us under their thumbs. I'm the one who deals with them the most." I look away, pretending to pick lint off my jeans.
Nico inhales slowly and then nods once, quickly, as if coming to a decision. "Your family needs protection."
"No shit. That's why I want to go back."
"You're not protecting anyone."
I burn him with a look. At least, I try to. He doesn't seem to care that I'm offended. "I'm doing everything I can."
"You're going to get yourself killed. I can't have that because you owe me."
My mouth drops open at that. "Excuseme? I owe you nothing."
Nico's face darkens, and he stands to round the table. I stand too. Let the battle begin. He can try intimidating me with his height and fury all he wants. It won't work…mostly.
"Four years ago, you stole from me. More than anyone ever has."
"Bullshit. I was just trying to—"
"You helped them take my brother from me, Sybil." His voice is low. Dangerous. Raw and fierce. "I let you go. Didn't I?"
"I…yes, but—"
"No. You took and now you owe me."
I take a deep breath, even though I'm dying to claw his face off. What an egomaniac. "There's nothing you could even want from me, anyway, so it's a moot point."
"Actually, there is."
He finally straightens, and I see it on his face. He's satisfied that I backed down that little bit. It makes me want to lash out and throw myself at him. I could try attacking.
Or I could just rip his suit off.
For the last time, Sybil, focus. That is not happening.
Nico's tone is matter-of-fact, but his eyes are burning turquoise. "I need an heir."
I stare at him for a long second, not understanding. Then I think I understand, but I'm absolutely certain I must be wrong.
His calm stare tells me I'm absolutely right.
"Oh. My God, you can't be serious." I guffaw and fold my arms. "What is this, the Dark Ages? Tell me the mafia doesn't actually work like this."
"How the Attolini family works isn't your business."
"It is when you throw stuff like that at me. Your sense of humor hasn't improved over the last few years, either. It's all gone downhill for you," I inform him.
Nico nods his chin at the couch. "Sit. We'll discuss the details."
No. He can't be serious.
…Can he?
