Page 105 of Scarred Hearts

“Well, this is just perfect then,” he said with a hint of sarcasm. “You’re directly involved in our generational war.”

“Like my brother-in-law said,” I cut him off abruptly, not wanting to waste any time on pleasantries. “Get to the point.”

He waved his hand lazily. “Anyway, we’re kind of done with it all. We don’t understand the past or care. We just want peace as much as you guys do for all of our children. We all inherited this war, and up until recently, I wasn’t even sure why my family was fighting it. I’ve been living overseas in Japan with my wife and our kids.”

“Are they still over there?” I asked.

He nodded once. “They are, and they plan to come here as soon as we end this feud.”

My eyes flicked to Ian beside me and back to Gino. I could practically feel the anger radiating off Ian in waves. My plan was falling into place even more perfectly than I had anticipated. They were practically handing us the solution without me having to lift a finger.

“If you are indeed the true boss of the family now, it must mean that you’ve married in, and I’m guessing you married Giovanna.”

“Our relationship is no concern of yours,” I replied harshly, “but if you are determined to stop this war, then you’re gonna have to pledge your entire family to me. That means that what I say goes. There’s no longer a leader in the Mussolini family. Your family no longer exists, and I’m your only leader.”

“What’s the catch?” he asked.

“There’s no catch. But understand that if I find any of you slipping or any Mussolini family coming out of the woodwork, getting near either of my families, I’ll personally take out every single one of you including your wife and children. Am I clear?” I’d never harm women and children, but he didn’t need to know that.

Nodding, he swallowed hard. “Whatever it takes to end this.”

I glimpsed Ian, who wasn’t buying any of it. “Excuse us for a minute,” I said, turning to him. “Can I speak to you in private for just a second?”

Without a word, he led us to the back of the bar, taking a right into the men’s bathroom. He backed me against the wall, jabbing a finger into my chest. “What the fuck are you doing out there?”

“I need you to trust me and I don’t need you to ask questions. I promise, I know what I’m doing.”

Gnawing the inside of his cheek, he shook his head with his hands on his hips before bringing his gaze back to mine, wagging a finger at me. “I hope you do know what you’re doing because if you fuck up, you just signed a death wish.”

“I don’t believe for a second these guys want to be on our side,” I admitted, “but I’m going to make sure I can keep an eye on them.”

“Fine,” he replied reluctantly, “but if you think for one second, I’m okay with this?—”

“Bro,” I exhaled, “I’m not okay with it either, but I have a plan.”

With a single nod, he snatched the door open, allowing me out first. Together, we marched back over to the three Mussolini men. I slid my hands into my pockets. “How many guys are left in your family?”

“Twenty-two and the three of us,” Gino replied, “I just welcomed in seven more, but I’ve made it clear, we’re done with you guys and I’m working on a treaty with you. None of these people want to fight you guys anyway. That was all my uncles and cousins.”

“You’re Roman’s brother,” I stated when the relationship finally clicked. I’d been so distracted, I forgot all about Roman until now.

He nodded. “But he and I never got along.”

I clenched my fists and dug my nails into my palms, the memory of Roman’s brutal attack on my sister still fresh in my mind all over again. The raw anger that had consumed me from that day forward bubbled up once again, threatening to break through the surface. But I forced it down, hiding it behind a facade of nonchalance as I withdrew my hands from my pockets.

My jaw tightened as I fought back the urge to lash out, reminding myself that I was only ever trying to protect her when I hurt her badly too. Even though she understood after everything came to light, I still sometimes blamed myself for her pain during that time. With a deep breath, I forced a menacing grin onto my face and extended an open hand toward Gino, hoping he couldn’t see the turmoil raging within me.

With a look of relief, he reached out, shaking my hand. “Whatever you need from us, we got your back.”

“You better,” I muttered. Taking out my phone, I pulled out the calendar. “We have a fight to attend this weekend, and I’d love it if you attend, at my side.” Ian became rigid beside me, but I continued, “The Russians will be there too, and it’s my understanding they framed your family for what happened to my brother-in-law back there?” I lifted my chin at Luca. “Do you have proof?”

“Yeah,” he replied, “can I reach for my phone?”

I dipped my head.

Digging in his pocket, he took it out, scrolled and tapped on it for a minute, then handed it to me. “Feel free to play the videos and scroll through as needed.”

Ian stepped over closely, peering over while I scrolled through countless videos and photos of the Russians in the area around the time of the attack.

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