Page 11 of Fix You

After checking his watch, Father said, “I have to go. Pack your bags for at least a week-long stay.”

My brows shot up in alarm. “A week?”

“I don’t know what Edoardo will expect of you. They might insist on a party.” He narrowed his eyes. “Whatever is asked of you, do it. That includes romancing your future bride. Keeping her happy makes the alliance prosperous.”

With a shake of my head, I countered, “Bullshit.”

“Excuse me?”

“Edoardo doesn’t give a fuck about Drea’s happiness just like you didn’t give a fuck about Caterina’s. You knew what would happen to her if she married Carmine, but all you cared about was a fucking alliance. She was nothing more than a chess piece to move around in your game.” Standing toe to toe with him, I added, “It’s because of you and your damn choices that she’s been kidnapped.”

Father’s jaw clenched. “Do your duty, Raphael, or there will be repercussions.”

He then turned on his heels and stalked over to the elevator. After jabbing the button, the doors opened to reveal a bleary-eyed, slightly rumpled Leandro. He glanced between Father and me. “What the fuck is going on?”

“Raphael will fill you in,” Father replied before bypassing Leo into the elevator.

Yawning, Leandro dragged a hand through his jet-black hair as he joined me in the foyer. When the doors closed on Father, Leo rolled his eyes. “Don’t hold me in suspense. What was so important that it had Guilio dragging my ass out of bed?”

Like Milos, Giulio was Leo’s bodyguard. “He didn’t say anything?”

Leo shook his head. “Just told me Father had requested I come up here.”

Considering he only lived a floor below me, it wasn’t a hardship. Jerking my chin at the liquor cart, I said, “You’re going to need a drink for this one.”

Leo’s tanned face paled. “Gianni or Caterina?” he demanded in a hoarse whisper.

“Caterina.”

His eyes widened in horror while he swayed on his feet. “Not Kitty Cat,” he murmured.

My chest clenched at the mention of the nickname we’d given Caterina as children. To her chagrin, we still called her that. We’d even called her that earlier today.

After filling him in on what had happened, I took my own advice and made my way over to the liquor cart. I poured myself a Disaronno.

“Father is such astronzoto send us as glorified errand boys for this alliance,” Leo growled.

“Until we know who has taken Caterina, we’ll be kissing a lot of ass.”

“What do you know about your future wife?”

“Does it really matter?” I grumbled.

Leo snorted. “I would say yes considering you’re going to have to fuck her for heirs.”

Rolling my eyes, I argued, “There’s more important things at stake than my future wife’s appearance.”

My words sobered Leo immediately. “I’ll go downstairs and pack.”

“Be ready in half an hour?”

“Works for me.”

As Leo started defeatedly to the elevator, I grabbed his arm. “Wewillget her back.” Although I sounded confident, I sure as hell didn’t feel it. But as the future capo, I had to show leadership. I had to believe in my father’s and family’s ability to find Caterina.

Cocking his brows at me, Leo countered, “Cut the bullshit. This is me you’re talking to.”

A welcomed laugh burst from my lips. “You know me too well.”

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