Page 27 of Betraying the Mafia Boss

As we reach my doorstep, Vincent turns to me with a soft smile. “I hope tonight was everything you wished for."

“It exceeded every expectation,” I admit, a genuine smile playing on my lips, despite the churning of my stomach. “Thank you, Vincent. I mean it.”

He walks me to the door, the light casting a warm glow around us. Vincent brushes a strand of hair from my face, his touch sending shivers down my spine. “Just for the record, I’ll always be here if you need anything.”

My resolve melts away and for a stupid second, I consider telling him about Elio and my Nana. “You’ve done enough, Vincent. I’m certain I won’t be needing your help.”

He smiles. “Just in case.”

Our eyes meet, the air charged with anticipation. Vincent leans in, and our lips meet in a gentle, lingering kiss. Time stands still as he holds me close.

I’m frozen in the moment, kissing him back for the last time.

Chapter Nine

Vincent

I roll over, stirring awake and glancing at the clock on my nightstand. It’s six in the morning and there’s only one person beside my brothers, who has the nerve to pound on my door so early in the morning.

Sitting up, I slide my hand under my pillow and pull out my gun. I may not be part of the mafia—yet—but I grew up in it and I know how dangerous it can get for me, considering my brother is the Capo.

We have enemies everywhere, traitors waiting to bring us down. No one cares if I’m a part of that dark world or not, my last name is enough to earn me enemies on its own.

The pounding on the door grows even louder. My phone’s screen lights up and I see Luca’s name flash on it.

I’m definitely going to blow his head off.

Trudging to the door and holding my gun firm, I pull the door open. “You have just one minute to tell me why you were knocking so hard.”

He glances at the gun in my hand, then he sighs and pushes past me as he enters, leaving the door open. I swear he does that shit to piss me off.

I close the door, marching after him. “What the hell do you want?”

“Your brother asked to have dinner with you. One of the warehouses was attacked and we lost ten men,” he says with anger, his eyes growing red with bloodthirst. “Elio Valentes is on the lose again.”

Shifting my weight, I plant a hand on my hip. “When did you start briefing me on mafia business?”

“Since I went from being a mafia hitman to being your little bodyguard.” He glares at me like he’d sprint in my direction, take the gun I’m holding and smack my head with it. “Any more stupid questions?”

“You might want to watch your words, Luca. You’re my friend, but that doesn’t mean I won’t put a bullet through your skull.” I walk to the minbar in a corner of my living room, grabbing a bottle of scotch and two shot glasses. “Want a drink?”

“As if I’d ever turn down good whiskey.” He collapses on one of my cream, leather couches with a thud and I sit across from him, setting the bottle of whiskey and the glasses on the coffee table.

“Why does my brother want to see me?” I ask, pouring our drinks.

“I’m sure it’s about your initiation. He thinks it’s time you become part of the famiglia.” Luca runs a hand over his beard. “With Elio lurking and waiting for the right time to attack, I think it’ll make more sense if you get initiated as soon as possible.”

I take a sip of my scotch and scrunch my face when the harsh flavors pass down my throat. “What good will that do?”

“It’s cold and looming, but it’s still a war, Vincent.” He pauses, most likely contemplating his next words. “If anything happens to the Capo or Marcus, you’ll have to run the famiglia.”

I smirk. “Dominic has an heir.”

“An heir who is nine years old.” Luca shifts in his seat, straightening his back. “This is not a joke, Vincent. You have to toss your kind heart in a corner and take this seriously. Your family needs you.”

“What my family needs is my problem, not yours.” I down the rest of my drink in one go. “Did you find out what retirement home Isabella’s Nana is?”

“I did, but I didn’t find her.”

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