Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 123153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 616(@200wpm)___ 493(@250wpm)___ 411(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 123153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 616(@200wpm)___ 493(@250wpm)___ 411(@300wpm)
“What’s a finook?” I ask.
“Never mind, kid. Keep up.”
I walk faster to follow him into the mall. Then we stop and wait. I’m getting nervous. I close my eyes and think of Daddy’s words. I’m coming for you, sweetheart. Be brave for Daddy.
I’m brave. I think of Secret Nonna’s words. Always remember who you are in your heart. No matter what, you’re a Di Lorenzo. I hold back my giggle. She said a bad word when she said it. Now the words fill my heart and I puff out my chest.
That’s when I look up. The bad man doesn’t see them, but my family is here. My mommy came for me. I bite the inside of my cheek to not make a sound.
I did it, Uncle G, Daddy and Uncle Dario will be safe now. Our family is safe.
Gio
“Can you walk me through this one more time?” Talon Thompson says.
“Dante got the call from the kidnapper. He was instructed not to contact the authorities. I called Denise Presley as I’ve used her security firm several times in the past and Elizabeth Manning, my brother’s fiancée and soon to be Bella’s stepmother happens to be one of her partners and part-time employees. I thought their team would be our best chance.
“We came to pay the ransom and when we arrived, Peter Hall had my niece at gunpoint. I still don’t know where the flash mob came from. They provided the opportunity for Elizabeth to get to our precious Bella and get her to safety.
“Peter took off after her and that’s when he tried to run her down with his car. Elizabeth is highly skilled. She had no choice. She took the shot to save her and Bella’s life.
“Mr. Di Lorenzo, about the flash mob. We believe Mr. Hall set that up as a diversion for his getaway, but it backfired,” Agent Brody, the one working with Talon, says.
“I’m so grateful. Ms. Presley and her team were amazing in adapting to the situation. Thank God our Bella is safe.” I make the sign of the cross and kiss my fingertips.
“And this Peter Hall worked for you up until yesterday. Is that right?”
“Yes, he’s been an intern with us for a few years. He just applied for a promotion a few months back, but I went in another direction. Oh my God, I hired Elizabeth’s sister over him. This just keeps piling up,” I groan.
Talon places a hand on my shoulder and gives it a squeeze. “I think we have enough for now. Thank you. We’ll be in touch if we have any further questions.”
“Thank you.”
Chapter 64
Time for Truth
Gio
I turn from watching my brother climb back on the elevator and head to my bedroom. Ny is sitting on Jace’s face with her head thrown back. I lean against the doorjamb and smile.
“What happened to celebrating as a family?”
Ny lowers her head, opens her eyes, and looks at me. She beckons me to her with her finger as she continues to rock her hips on his face.
“You were saying something about me sucking your—” Her words are cut off as she falls forward, shaking.
I chuckle and get ready to remove my pants, but my phone rings. I growl and take it out. Seeing it’s Lucas, I curse and go to pick up.
“Babe, no,” Ny whimpers.
I hold my hand up and put the phone to my ear. She has no idea. I’m not ending this night without fucking her into a deep sleep.
“What can I do for you?”
“Riccardo made a run for it,” Dad says into the phone.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” I bellow.
“No. He hopped on a plane heading for Ireland.”
“He’s going to my enemies for help. He’s playing his final hand,” I seethe.
“Seems like it. I talked to Don Marcello and Don Giuseppe, they’re advising you take the promotion now. Make your final move. The fallout from the indictments won’t settle for a while. Until then, everyone will move with you.
“Dario and Giuseppe set things up well. You have a ton of support. Once we start to reveal who you are, this will be like taking candy from a baby.”
“Or I’ll have a target on my back.”
“They wouldn’t dare,” he snarls. “Just say the word. Are you ready?”
“I was born ready.”
“I’ll make the calls.”
“Dad?”
He pauses for a moment. I’ve never called him this out loud. I curse as it hits me how easily the word came out.
“Yes, son.”
“Before I take the promotion. My brothers need to know who we are, who you are.”
“I would love nothing more. We’ll set things up and then make a plan. You have a good night, Gio. I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
“I love you, son.”
“Yeah.” I nod as if he can see me. “I love you too.”
Chapter 65
Blood Family
Gio
Five months later…
Dario, Lucas, and I sit at a table in the center of Anima Mias. Dario closed the place down for this meeting. I wish my mind were here. Instead, it’s with Ny. This is it, she’s ovulating and multiple eggs have dropped.