Page 56 of The Don

“If you don’t tell us what the fuck is going on right now, I promise you’ll regret it for the rest of your life,” Zahra says.

“If not longer.” Alfonso tenses at Zoe’s addition.

“I—”

“Giulio! Alfonso! Benvenuti!”

We all turn to see Tommaso walking toward us with a wide smile and his arms thrown open. He’s making a scene on purpose. I wish I could tell him that he doesn’t have to bother; we’ve taken care of that already. I also want to know whose attention he’s trying to attract.

I need to know what’s going on now.

Tommaso chatters incoherently as he makes his way to us. He hustles Alfonso into a hug, but when he reaches for me, I glare at him, and he stops.

“Come on, Giulio,” he says, “put on a show.” Normally I would say no, but I notice that his eyes and his smile seem strained.

I let him pull me into what I hope will be a quick hug, but Tommaso holds on tight.

“He told us not to answer your calls.”

“Why the fuck would he do that?”

“Just in case someone was listening in. But he knew you would come after a while.”

I curse Salvo in a way I never would to his face. If he hears about this and punishes me, at least he will be alive. “Where is he, Tommaso?”

“With The Board,” he whispers.

I try to pull away, but he has a sure grip on me.

“Just come with me, and I’ll tell you everything, but not here.”

I nod, and he finally lets me go. Every tendon in my body is pulled taut, and it’s taking me much more effort than it should to remain in control.

Tommaso holds my face with both hands. “Smile, Giulio. Everything will be fine as long as we follow the plan.”

“What. Fucking. Plan?” Zahra and Zoe grind those three words out as if all the tendons in their bodies are pulled taut as well.

Tommaso turns around and smiles. “Salve signore,” he says, throwing his arms wide. “Beauti—”

“Not interested, string bean,” Zoe says dismissively.

“Get out of the way. We’re busy threatening them. The fuck?” Zahra adds.

Tommaso deflates between us and looks over his shoulder at Alfonso. “Are they…with you?”

“Very,” Alfonso replies. “And I would do what they say.”

“I—”

“You heard him,” Zahra says in a threatening tone.

“Amore, please,” I say, stepping around Tommaso.

“Please, my ass,” she hisses.

Alfonso snickers. “Grow up,” Zoe says, even though she’s laughing as well.

“Tell me,” Zahra says, backing away from me.

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