Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 86325 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86325 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Grateful that I don't have to say it myself, I give him a warm smile. Father and I always had a quiet understanding – one that surpasses the words we say to one another. He can read me like an open book. If only I could say the same for him...
"You think she will end up marrying Adrian?" I ask.
"That's up to your brother." Father offers me a cigar and I accept it. We trim them and light them, enjoying the thick flavor and the luxurious, velvety smoke that fills Father's office. "But I wouldn't be surprised if Adrian picked Marzia instead."
"And you're okay with that?" I inquire with raised eyebrows. I'm surprised Father is being so lenient with Adrian. I wonder whether he'd be the same with me.
"I don't want to ruin his life," Father mutters. "I want all of my sons to be happy. And if it takes breaking up an allegiance for that... I'll accept it. But I won't tell Adrian myself. I want him to confront me."
I nod thoughtfully. It feels as if Father is doing this to teach all of us a lesson, and it sparks an idea in my mind. "So, if I wanted Nicoletta..."
"You must remember, Ryder," Father goes on sternly. "She's a woman engaged at the moment. Until Adrian makes his needs and wants clear, I cannot grant any of your wishes regarding the Carlucci girl."
"I understand." My words come out in a hiss. It's hard not to feel like Father is prioritizing Adrian. I understand why he's doing it and that it has nothing to do with my brother being his favorite. In a way it feels like Father is trying to push us to realize some things about ourselves, softly nudging us in the right direction until we come to a realization that will make us better men. I wonder whether he's just doing it with me and Adrian, or my other three brothers, too.
"There's something else I wanted to speak to you about," Father says.
"What's that?"
He takes a puff of his cigar and gives me a long, inquisitive look. "I can trust you, can't I, Ryder?"
"Of course." I've always been loyal to my family... apart from Livia, for which I still feel guilt eating me up from the inside. "What's on your mind?"
"Nicoletta's father, Gustavo," Father mutters. "There's something about the man I don't trust."
"I know what you mean." I take a small puff of my own cigar. "I have my suspicions about him, too. I can't quite put my finger on it, but something tells me the man isn't trustworthy."
"Exactly," Father says. "I've had the same feelings about Carlucci. We'll have to get to the bottom of this before the wedding. Can I trust you to find out the truth, Ryder?"
"I'll do everything in my power," I nod gravely. It isn't just because of loyalty to my family, it's because of Nicoletta, too. I can tell Gustavo has a negative impact on the woman I desire. It's painfully obvious his ulterior motives are playing a bigger role in his actions than his love for his daughter. "If you come across any information about him, I'll be grateful if you let me know."
"Problem is, nobody knows the bastardo," Father mutters. "Nicoletta and Gustavo lived by themselves on the mainland. As far as I know, their lives were incredibly sheltered when the girl was younger. Her papa has always been overprotective, trying to shelter her from the rest of the world. Now that she's old enough though, he seems more than eager to marry her off."
I nod again. "There's something fishy about the whole thing. It stinks of lies and deceit."
"No father would treat his daughter like Gustavo does Nicoletta."
"You noticed too?" My brows shoot up. "He's not a very loving father, is he?"
"I think he sees her as a means to an end," Father shrugs. "But plenty of mafia fathers are like that, Ryder."
I find myself grateful for having Father. He's always had our best interests at heart, the famiglia be damned. "What else do you know about Gustavo?"
"He's rich as sin," Father goes on. "He has more money than a dozen people could spend in a lifetime, Ryder. But that kind of money... It corrupts people. It makes them do terrible, evil things."
"We have money," I remind him.
"We do," he nods. "But I worked hard to ensure my children would not have their heads filled with gold. You've not disappointed me. All of my sons value our famiglia above money."
"You raised us right," I grin. The moment of closeness between Father and I is surprising, but I'm grateful for it, nonetheless. Our family business means there is no room for gentleness or kindness, even amongst family members, so I'm thankful for the opportunity when Father opens up to me like he is now. "Anyway, thank you for sharing all this with me. I'll be on the lookout for anything suspicious with Nicoletta, as well as her papa."