Page 77 of His Bride

“I’m surprised you didn’t barge in there.”

I scoff. “Restraint seems to be my new fashion statement. It suits me well, don’t you think?”

He just stares at me, not buying the bullshit.

“I can’t risk doing anything that puts herorher brother in danger.” I pull a palm down my face. “God knows, my impulsive behavior has dug this hole deep enough as it is.” I pull out my cigarettes and light up.

“She still wants the divorce?”

I exhale smoke. “Yeah. And I have no more cards to play. If I make a move, Aurelio will kill baby Belucci, and Giana will never forgive me.”

Isaia leans forward. “You know if Alexius gives the order, we won’t have a choice but to make a move.”

“I’m well aware, little brother.” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “It’s like I’m getting fucked by the goddamn Kraken, motherfucking tentacles all over and up my ass. Jesus.”

I pour myself a drink, slamming it all back to take the edge off. If we kill Aurelio, we run the risk of his capos and soldiers retaliating, and odds are Giana and baby Belucci will get caught in the crossfire. Sit and do nothing, and I lose my wife to that goddamn psychopath.

I sigh. “What kind of father just sits by and lets his daughter marry some evil fucker after he called in a favor to help us stop it from happening in the first place?”

“I know you hate him, but?—”

“Loathe him. Despise him. Wish I could disembowel him.”

“He was our father’s best friend.”

“Their friendship died when our father did.”

“He’s not betraying us.”

“Isn’t he? That slime’s the kind to use whatever he can to get a good deal. And he doesn’t care about her.”

“Back to your Giana.” He gives me a pointed look. “The girl you don’t give a fuck about?”

“Yes.”

“That you’ve washed your hands of?”

I pull out another cigarette, just to play with it, and nod. “Absolutely.”

“And you won’t care if I take her for a ride.” He sips his drink, a smug expression on his face. “Right?”

“Do that, and your entrails will not only be outside your body but used to hang you with.”

He points at me. “Maybe you should go into murder as a side business. You and Davian will have so much fun together.”

“Only if it’s to do with Aurelio.”

Isaia grins then looks down. “Leandra called. Alexius is awake.”

My heart lurches. “Is he…?”

“Yeah. He’s okay.”

“Thank God,” I breathe. “Some good news for a change.”

“Doctors call it a remarkable recovery. And speaking of, where’s Alexius two-point-O?”

Nicoli saunters in. “The bigger and better version.”

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