Page 25 of Marcello DeLuca

Instead of holding her in my arms, I spent the night scouring the internet, reading everything I could about her family’s demise. The tragedy of three people being killed in a car bombing, leaving one surviving family member had been national news.

As I sat across from my father the next morning at the breakfast table, I understood clearly what power move I had to make. It was as if the universe had aligned itself with my needs and provided the answers before I knew I needed them.

“So, about Nonno's proposition,” I began cautiously, stirring my coffee absentmindedly. “He wants me to prepare to step into Vito's role as the capo.”

My father nodded thoughtfully, his gaze steady as he processed my words. “I had a feeling you would want to talk about that this morning,” he replied evenly, setting down his mug with a thoughtful expression.

“I'm ready,” I admitted, my voice resolute. “Vito was barely older than I am when he took over, and he has proved to be a capable capo. I will do the same.”

My father leaned back in his chair, studying me with a sense of pride. “It's a big responsibility, Marcello,” he acknowledged quietly. “But you have the strength and intelligence to handle it.”

I swirled the coffee in my cup. “What about Safia?” I asked, my voice portraying the worry that had kept me awake the night before.

“Who is Safia?”

“Turns out, that’s Lanay’s real name.”

My father raised an eyebrow. “Well, it’s a beautiful name. And I think it fits her better than Lanay.”

“It does. I like Safia,” I agreed, the name rolling off my tongue with a sense of rightness.

“And I’m assuming,” he continued, his eyes twinkling with a knowing glint, “that based on the smile on your face, last night was a night of firsts for you two.”

“Dad…”

“Remember, Marcello,” he said, his tone both serious and teasing, “I don’t ask questions I don’t already know the answer to. What you shared last night is still written all over your face.”

I sighed, unable to keep the grin from spreading across my face. “She’s incredible. And very important to me. And if I take on this role, maybe I can protect her better. Maybe I can have more power to keep her safe from whoever is after her.”

“There is someone after her?” my father questioned with a quirked brow.

I hesitated, the image of Safia's face flashing through my mind. Her safety, her well-being, overshadowed every other concern. “I'm not sure anyone is after her,” I admitted, swirling my coffee. “But there's something else I need to tell you.”

He leaned forward, his interest piqued. “What is it?”

“Safia,” I said quietly. “She’s been through so much. More than anyone knows. And if taking on this role means I can protect her better, maybe it’s worth it.”

My father was the most powerful influence in my life. If anyone would help me keep the girl that I loved safe, it would be him. So, with full confidence that I could trust my father with Safia’s secret, I explained to him the true reason we were just learning her name. I told him all the horrors she had experienced. I explained about the witness protection program and how her uncle had entered the program with her.

“Then, you know what you have to do,” my father said resolutely. “Every good man will protect what belongs to him, and I assume after last night, you are claiming her as yours.”

“I have claimed her as mine since the day I first laid eyes on her. She is mine.”

“Then, son, she’s yours to protect.”

“She is,” I confirmed.

“Well, then she is mine to protect as well. I will consider her as I would a daughter. We will use the full power of my security and any other resources I have to protect her,” my father said, excusing himself to his study.

When I left the kitchen, I had a new sense of purpose.

***

I met up with Romeo an old warehouse on the outskirts of town. The warehouse had seen better days, but it was the location I intended to start my new luxury car dealership.

Romeo was already there waiting when I arrived. He leaned against his sleek black Mercedes, the epitome of effortless cool. He had hustled a lot of drugs just to get that car, and he was proud of it.

He looked up as I approached, his face breaking into a grin.

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