Total pages in book: 161
Estimated words: 151410 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 757(@200wpm)___ 606(@250wpm)___ 505(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 151410 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 757(@200wpm)___ 606(@250wpm)___ 505(@300wpm)
One of the two patted me down for guns while the other pointed the barrel of his machine gun at my head. “All clear.” The two men grabbed me by the arms and legs, then carried me inside. I relaxed in their hold.
Alvize stood on the last step of the stone staircase leading up to the wood double doors of his villa. He was a fat man, though I doubted anyone dared to describe him as such. They probably called him sturdy or imposing. And what the hell was up with his hair? He had hardly any left except for something that resembled a tonsure. He wore a suit, sunglasses, a hat and wingtip shoes. I had trouble stopping a sarcastic comment. He was like a caricature of a mobster. But this was his kingdom, and even if he was a miserable king, I had to show him respect if I wanted to play here.
His men dropped me off at the base of the stairs. I sent them a hard smile.
“Nevio Falcone?” he asked doubtfully.
I straightened. “The one and only. I thought my welcome here would be warmer.”
He stepped down the last step. “True. My men can be somewhat overcautious. These are dangerous times.”
“Indeed,” I said. The two baboons stayed close as if they thought I’d come here to off my great-uncle. Did they think I wanted his place? I could become Capo of a functioning empire, I didn’t need one that was in shambles.”
“Did your father send you? Are you here to help? I thought he’d send a few more soldiers, not just one.”
“Trust me, I’m worth more than just one man.” I ignored his question about my dad. For one, it would have made Dad look weak if I’d gone without his permission, and it might have led to him sending me back.
“I’ve heard the stories.” He motioned at the door. “Why don’t you come in for a drink and I’ll give your father a call to thank him.”
I nodded, not batting an eye. Dad wouldn’t admit that I’d gone without asking him. The two guards followed us inside. I cocked an eyebrow at them. Alvize was obviously scared of being alone with me. That wasn’t a good thing for a Capo. Dad was capable of defending himself as any Capo should.
“We’re family,” I said.
Alvize cackled. “That doesn’t mean much, does it?”
“For my family, it does.”
“Then why are you here? Shouldn’t you help your family in Vegas?”
My chest tightened with an unfamiliar feeling. “They don’t need help.”
Yet I knew right at that moment that I’d do anything to return to them as quickly as possible, especially to Aurora and Battista, even if both probably didn’t even want me to.
Alvize asked me to stay at his villa for a couple of days before I was supposed to leave for Naples to get in the thick of things.
I’d known Dad would be majorly pissed when he found out, but I hadn’t expected him to cross half the globe. When Alvize told me my father was on his way to the villa from the airport, I had trouble hiding my surprise.
Dad rarely bothered hiding his emotions, especially his rage. Sometimes he toned it down for Mom’s benefit, but when he stepped into the living room of the villa with Alvize by his side, only his eyes revealed his fury. His face was a mask of control while Alvize droned on and on about the current state of the Camorra in Campania.
Dad didn’t like the guy, so I knew it cost him extra effort to restrain himself.
“I need to talk to my son alone for a bit,” Dad said.
Alvize nodded. “You can stay here, and I’ll give you some privacy.”
“We’ll head into the gardens for some fresh air,” Dad said, motioning me to lead him outside. I wouldn’t have stayed inside these walls for a private conversation either. I bet Alvize had eyes and ears everywhere.
The moment Dad and I were outside, hidden between the massive olive trees, his controlled mask slipped away. “I don’t even know what to say to you.”
That was a first. “I told you I’d leave when I felt like I was losing control. Going here and helping the Camorra somewhere else seemed like a wise choice. I didn’t ask you for permission because it wouldn’t have changed anything.”
“This isn’t even why I want to slam you against this fucking tree,” Dad growled.
I nodded. “Ah. Is this about Aurora?”
Dad got in my face. “It’s about the fucking son you didn’t bother telling me about!”
I wasn’t mad at Aurora for telling my family. I’d failed her and Battista. She had no reason to take care of him for me anymore. She wanted her freedom and her life back.
“I’ve known about him for only two months.”
“Then you should have told me two months ago! Instead, I find out you made Aurora take care of your son while lying to all of us. Fabiano is pissed, and that’s an understatement. I wouldn’t turn my back on him if I were you.”