Page 74 of Inherting the Mafia

Wonder why I wasn't included in that rescue?

Was I not supposed to make it out of here alive?

"That decision was made without me. It was also made on faulty information. I'm about to sign a peace agreement with the Borelli and Sabatino families, not eliminate them. As of this moment, you will consider every member of the Borelli and Sabatino families to be our friends and allies."

"Every member?"

I don't know who asked that question, but I had a pretty good idea of who they were referring to.

"Nico Sabatino and Nicky Borelli are personal friends of mine. They also fall under the family veil. If anyone harms them, insults them, or makes them feel uncomfortable in any way, not only will I go after the offender, but I will go after their family, their friends, and even their dog. Is that clear enough for you?"

"Yes, Boss!" they all shouted at once.

"Over the last few days, I've heard a lot about what is allowed in the mafia and what is not. News flash. I don't care. Prejudice against gay people will not be allowed in my organization. If you don't like it, get the hell out."

Surprisingly, no one walked away.

I walked through the crowd of guards to where Vito was standing, sending him a wink before turning to face the guards once again.

"For those of you that feel uncomfortable with this, I'll give you one last chance to leave with no recriminations and half a month's severance pay in your pocket. But there is one more thing you need to know before you make your decision. I'm gay, and no, I am not interested in any of you. I have a partner."

I wasn't going to out Vito, although I suspect people would eventually figure it out. It wasn't like I could keep my hands off the man.

"I don't plan to throw any wild orgies or whatever perverted thoughts might be going through your mind right now. I am totally loyal to my partner as he is to me."

I was thrilled right down to my toes when Vito wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me flush up against his body.

"I am loyal to you."

I shot him a quick smile. "I know."

"Boss, you're Mr. D'Angelo's—"

"Yes, I'm Tony's partner."

I frowned when I heard a soft grunt from the other side of Vito. I leaned forward to look and then snorted when I saw the pained looked on Carmine's face. "Deal with it or get out."

Carmine's shoulders slumped.

"You're gay?" someone asked from the crowd.

"I've been gay all my life. I just had no reason to share that with anyone else until Tony came into my life. Now, I do."

And here we had talked so much about not making some big announcement. That wasn't working out so well for us, but maybe this was better.

"So, here's the bottom line," I started. "I'm gay. Vito is gay. We're friends and allies with the gay leaders of other mafia families both here and in New York City. If you don't like it"—I waved my hand toward the road—"there's the door."

This time, a couple of people walked away. I was actually surprised more didn't. If we only lost a couple here and there,it was no big loss. If we lost all of our people, we might be in trouble.

When my nerves started to vibrate and my stomach knotted, I knew losing some of our people might not be our biggest problem.

"Vito, we've got trouble coming."

I just didn't know where it was coming from.

Chapter Twenty

~ Vittorio ~

---