Page 12 of Owned By The Bratva King

I glare at him. “I’d better head on down and see her, hadn’t I?”

It’s been a while since I’ve had to look into the very face of consequence.

Jonny’s wife—no, widow—now represents the hefty price this life demands. After what happened to my little sister, I’ve always kept the innocent collateral damage at arm’s length, but what can I do? Ignore a young woman whose husband died from a bullet meant for me?

The elevator doors open, and Nora stands in the lobby like a frozen monolith of pain. Her shoulders are hunched, and her delicate features are ashen.

I forgot she was pregnant. The swell of her belly catches me totally off guard, catapulting me into the past.

My sister Bianca got married a year before it all went to hell. My brother-in-law Antonio was a merchant, a good importer, and had a respectable set-up. Still, he was a fool for my little sister and keen to get involved in the disputes that dogged the less legitimate side of my business along the East Coast. I refused to let him play bratva, and it became a bone of contention between us, so we got together to discuss it.

I’m still not sure what happened that night, but by the time it was over, Antonio was dead. I went to his home to speak to my sister immediately. She was five months pregnant and in no condition to get the news from anyone but me.

I was way too late.

An explosion of pain jolts me back to the moment, and I realize it’s Nora slapping my cheek. She raises her hand and hits me again, her agony searing my face like scalding water.

“Asshole!” She sobs, her voice breaking. “My husband was killed because of you and your whole rotten set-up. Before he met you, he had a respectable job, but because he wanted to make more and provide for us, he agreed to join your nest of vipers.”

She cradles her stomach. “Well, I hope you’re happy. You, who loves nothing and no one, are alive. Jonny loved me and our baby, and he’s dead!”

The fight has left her, and she looks forlorn and afraid, like a child worn out by a tantrum. Leon opens his mouth to speak, but I cut him off.

“Jonny knew it was a dangerous life,” I say. “He was compensated heavily for the risks he took daily. You know this, Nora.”

She takes a tissue from her pocket and blows her nose. “Some comfort, that is. What do I do now? Answer me that!”

“I’ll make sure you’re alright.” I take her shoulders in my hands. “I’ll wire you five million dollars before the end of the day. No one has any quarrel with you, but tell me, do you like New York City?”

She sniffs. “I hate it.”

I smile. “And are your parents still living in Hoboken?” She nods. “Good. Go home to them with my blessing, and know that I’m sorry. I didn’t want this for you.”

Nora makes her way out of the revolving door and into the street. Leon watches her go, then turns to me, his face etched with incredulity.

“Five?” He throws his hands in the air. “Five million dollars? What the actual fuck?—”

“Don’t give me that shit,” I say. “She's devastated, and I was the target, not Jonny. I never had a chance to support my sister. You think I'm gonna leave Nora and her child destitute?”

I rub my face with my palm. “I mean, come on, man. All the money in the world couldn’t make up for it. I can’t take her pain away. I know from experience.”

Leon thrusts his hands into his pockets. “Point taken.”

“I’m going to the scene of the shooting to look around,” I say. “Maybe I’ll spot a familiar face lurking down there. It might give us a lead.”

“Bullshit.” He folds his arms. “You’re going to stalk that girl from the bakery.”

I consider denying it, but no. I'm the fucking boss. I can do what I want.

“Got it in one, tovarisch.”

I stride past, and I’m gone. My car is already waiting.

10

Quinn

“I’m sorry, I don’t understand,” I say. “Jeanette owns Sugar Rush. She’s in charge.”

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