Page 12 of His to Hold

Fuck! That’s a good question. Needing to take a break from the troubling emotions I feel when I’m close to my wife, I rushed out of the house without considering a destination. Showing uncertainty in front of Enzo isn’t an option. I’ve built my reputation on being a strong and decisive leader. Dithering would not be a good look on me.

“Take me to the gym.”

It’s where Matteo will be at this time of day. My younger brother likes to put our newest recruits through their paces in the ring. He picks out the talented ones and offers them the chance to enter one of the cage fights we host regularly. They can earn decent prize money and women fall over themselves to get close to the winners. Taking the occasional beating is worth it for these young guys.

“Sure, boss.” Enzo taps out a quick message on his cellphone, letting our escort know where we’re going. The chances of us losing them in traffic are slim, but he likes to be sure they’ll know where to find us if it happens.

As we drive toward the huge metal gates that keep unwelcome guests off the property, they’re already opening for us. After the incident with the Gallos, I increased security, ensuring that even with help from an insider, it would be next to impossible for a would-be assassin to get into the house.

I lower my window. Enzo correctly interprets that as a signal for him to stop at the gatehouse. He pulls up at the single level brick building and Sal comes out to speak to me.

“Nobody enters the house while I’m not here and my wife doesn’t leave the property. Got it?”

“Got it.” Sal nods, a strand of gray hair flopping over his forehead.

He’s one of the oldest men in the organization, but is still capable of handling himself in any situation. My father valued him highly and when he offered his loyalty to me, I knew I could put my faith in him. He won’t let anything happen to Isabella.

“And let the guys in Westport know my wife and I are heading up there for a couple of days. Call Janetta too. Tell her to get our room ready and prepare dinner for us. Then she can take the night off.”

Sal nods in acknowledgment of my instructions. Satisfied he’ll do as I asked, I press the button to raise the window. Enzo pulls out onto the street and then makes a left.

“We’re going to Westport?” He sounds concerned and I know it’s because his wife is due to give birth any day now. Since I can’t have him with me when he’s distracted, I shake my head.

“I’ll drive myself. You stay here in case Alicia needs you.”

“Thanks, boss.” Enzo doesn’t show emotion. None of the men do in front of me. But the corner of his mouth tugs upward, letting me know he’s happy.

My father taught me to take care of our men. Small gestures here and there go a long way to ensuring their continued loyalty. Of course, I’d never let anyone take advantage of my generosity. If they did, I’d have to mete out a harsh punishment to prove I can’t be walked over.

The drive to the gym, located in a warehouse at the docks, takes about thirty minutes. I spend the time wisely, emailing instructions to my personal assistant, Jenny. I ask her to clear my diary for the next seven days and to liaise with my brother, Alessandro, on any urgent matters. He’s more than capable of overseeing the legitimate arm of our business for a few days. I message Alessandro to inform him of my decision.

Matteo can take care of the other side of things. Usually, I’d ask Leo, as my second-in-command, to assume control, but he’s got a brand-new wife to keep an eye on. Vinnie is the daughter of Carlo Bianchi, head of a rival family. Although she came to us looking for help to escape an arranged marriage, I don’t trust her. She could be setting us up to get into her father’s good graces. Determining whether she’s up to something is Leo’s problem for now, but if she proves to be a liability, I won’t think twice about stepping in.

When we get to the gym, Enzo parks out front and Rich pulls up behind us. There’s no need for them to come into the building with me since it’s full of our men, but they’ll want to catch up with some of the other guys so I let them tag along.

I spot Matteo over by the training ring at the center of the vast space. Two men I don’t recognize are sparring. The younger of them can’t be much more than eighteen. He’s tall and lean, but he’s putting up a good defense against his opponent, who’s at least twenty pounds heavier than him.

Nodding in response to the greetings I receive from various members of the organization, I make my way over to my brother.

“Didn’t expect to see you here,” he says as I join him.

Since I got shot, I’ve not been down here much. I prefer to work out in my home gym, where there’s nobody around to see the scar when I remove my shirt or ask questions about why my movement’s a little stiff sometimes.

“Yeah, I need a word.”

Matteo turns as if he’s about to head through to one of the private rooms out back, but I’m interested in what’s happening in the ring.

“Who’s the kid?”

“Philip de Soto.”

It’s not a name I recognize. “You thinking of taking him on?” I ask as the kid skillfully dodges a blow and delivers a bone-crunching jab with his left fist.

“He’s got potential.” Matteo’s response is less enthusiastic than I’d expect.

“But?”

“He’s Giulia Costanza’s little brother. Well, her half-brother.”

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