Page 62 of Useless Love

After a pause, she says, “What is it?”

“I heard a rumor circling that Carmine is taking control of your organization?"

There’s another pause, almost as if Carla is gauging how much information she should share. “He said there would be consequences if I told anyone because I’m officially part of ‘business.’”

What? Is he letting Carla know about business? It’s not normal for women to be involved, but there’s no time to ask her about that now.

She continues, “But you are going to be family so…I’ll just say that it’s not a rumor. Things are a bit chaotic."

“Thank you. I won’t tell anyone. I promise.” I disconnect the call.

Then I sit on the bed and sob. It’s all true. Everything Ari said is true. The man I care about has sex with my sister. She may be carrying her baby. I’m going to be forced to wed a man I don’t know and who won’t be the man I truly want. And what’s worse is I still have to pretend to be Ari until the wedding.

I’m loyal to my family and I want peace but why does it have to be this way?

Why, God? Why is this my path? It hurts too much.

CHAPTER 19— LIKE A ROSE

Carmine

Everyone who is important knows I’m now in charge of our organization. I explain the change to Mother and Carla. Carla, for the sake of our Mother, pretends to be hearing about it for the first time.

"If the organization were left in his hands, I'm convinced we would all be dead," I honestly tell them.

Fear flickers in Mother's eyes as she asks, "Are you planning to kill him?”

He’s an asshole that has hurt her in so many ways, but I guess part of her loved him once. I try to ignore the question, "The other organizations have been informed of the changes. The soldiers have fallen in line for months."

Mother's lower lip trembles. "Carmine, I asked you a question."

I sigh, "If you want to hear a lie, go ahead and ask me again. What father are you asking about? I've never seen that man kiss, hug, or even so much as pat one of our heads. Six of your children are dead. Did he hug you once? No. I'm going to do everything needed to make sure we three survive. Everything!"

Silence. With that, our conversation is over. I storm to my office. The doctor friend of mine has already done a proper evaluation on the old man. He is ready to have him committed to an institution and placed into a straight jacket whenever I need it.

Mother and Carla are safe and I no longer have to worry about the old man starting another war. Next on my list, Antonio Bencivenga. I already phoned him to tell him we need to chat, asking if it could be done after his wife’s celebration. With any luck, I’ll also get a chance to see the twins together. Something about them is still bugging me.

Hours later as I head back downstairs to leave, Carla surprises me with a hug. “Promise not to be mad?”

Fuck. I knew I shouldn’t have invited her into a man’s world. I sigh. “What is it?”

“Arianna is already like family, right?”

A few days ago when I didn’t have suspicions, I would’ve said yes instantly. But I pause. Carla gives me a concerned look, so I say, “Yes, she’s family.” I think about when I last saw her, when we were in my SUV, and how frightened she seemed. Maybe if something is going on, she doesn’t know about it. If I find out her old man is threatening or beating her, fuck our peace because I’ll kill him.

“Good,” Carla says, “Because, um, I didn’t say it directly but…She heard rumors that you’re taking control and I didn’t deny them.”

I frown. “I’m not telling you about any more business.”

“But she’s family!”

Now I’m pissed. “Yes, but you agreed not to do or say anything about business without checking with me first!”

She shrinks back. “Sorry. She’s your fiancee, so I thought…”

“I have to go.” I grab my jacket and head out the door. My princess was going to know shortly, so I’m not mad about that. I’m mad that my sister can no longer be trusted with secrets.

I arrived at the high-rise close to nine-thirty after I knew the family had already eaten and exchanged gifts. Antonio and his wife greeted me as the elevator doors opened.

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