Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 95431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“Trovati is an old friend. I have kept his secrets. He will keep mine. Besides, he’s a friend you should have in case anything were ever to happen to me.”
“This is business?”
“It is. I believe he has a request. I will hear him out.”
My chest fills with pride. He’s taking me with him. I nod and turn to head to shower and dress.
Uri
I grin as I watch my brother walk away. Michael reminds me of myself when I was his age. He’s smart and ambitious.
Sometimes I wonder if I should be doing this, making him so much like me. Although I know he can never be fully like me—not that that’s something I want. I wouldn’t wish my childhood or the monster I’ve become on anyone.
I’ve been training Michael to be a gentler version of myself. I haven’t taken him on the jobs where I know beforehand I’m going with the intent to slaughter. I’m not asked to go there often, but at times, a clear message needs to be sent.
It is those jobs that have earned me the name Hush. The times when I released the savage I became when my grandfather tried to break me. I will not break Michael to force him to become that.
However, unlike Nico, Michael has that look in his eyes. I would rather guide him than allow his demons to surface without him knowing what to do. I have been there and wish that on no one.
My phone rings, pulling me from my thoughts. I move to the table I placed it on and grab it. I roll my eyes as I see it’s my uncle Nicholas.
At twenty-four, I’m growing increasingly tired of these calls. He wanted me here in London, why not leave me to my own life? He treats me like a lion he wishes to tame.
“Hello, Uncle,” I say into the phone.
“Uri, it’s good to hear your voice. I have Luca here. He asked me to give you a call for him.”
I give a genuine smile. “What can I do for the little brat?”
“His birthday is coming and when I asked him what he wanted, he told me he wants a visit from you or tickets to come join you for a few weeks. I thought I would let you decide which you would prefer.”
I chuckle into the phone. “He could get into a lot of trouble here with me. I’m sure that’s not what you want.”
“I trust you, Uri. You are a busy man. I don’t want to burden you with your little cousin if you have work to do.”
I note the questions in his tone. I haven’t been hitting for the family. I turned down the last two requests, much to his annoyance. I didn’t find either situation worthy of my time.
Not liking that he’s questioning me, I frown before I answer. Two can play this game. It will take a lot for my uncle to rein me in. I don’t believe he’s ready for that.
“I will think about it. Tell Luca I will call him soon with my decision. I have to go,” I say and end the call before he can say anything further.
My mind turns to Don Alessio Trovati. He took me under his wing when I first arrived here. I had been running with a London street gang when we crossed paths.
He picked me out of the crowd and told me I was a leader, not a follower. It was time I let those losers go. He offered me a place and a job. I also gained my first glimpse into the Mafia world outside of my family through him.
I owe him a lot and I don’t say that about many. The connections I’ve made through him have been invaluable. When he asks to have dinner with me, out of respect, I show up.
I get the sneaking suspicion that is the true reason for my uncle’s call, not Luca. I grin and shake my head. Nicholas Donati wouldn’t be Nicholas Donati if he didn’t know my every move.
“Well, let him watch,” I snort and shake my head as I go to shower and dress for my meeting.
CHAPTER 3
Friend’s Request
Uri
I hadn’t expected Don Trovati to have guests when I arrived. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have brought Michael along with me. However, as we enter the restaurant this meeting is to be held in—after hours—I note the men who I know don’t belong to Trovati.
They are Italian, but I’ve never seen them around Trovati’s crew before. I think quickly, I can’t compromise Michael’s safety. Turning, I place a hand on my brother’s shoulder and halt him before we get to the meeting room.
I lean into his ear so he’s the only one to hear my words. “I don’t know all of these men. I have no idea who Trovati has here with him.