Page 13 of Reign of Commotion

“That doesn’t bring back a father, husband, or son,” Alessio growls.“What if it were your son?”Alessio doesn’t wait for a response, but turns to Niccolo.“I want more men in the area, and we need more ears on the streets.Someone is targeting us, and I want to know who.This stops now!”

I wait for the meeting to end before I approach Alessio privately.“I’ll be on duty tomorrow to look after your family,” I tell him.If he’s doing the rounds and giving his respects to the families of our lost soldiers, then he’ll need me.I’ll defer my plans.

“You need to be fighting fit.I’ll take no risks with Josephine and Nico.”

“I’m ready.”

“Your father tells me you’re house hunting tomorrow.Niccolo will accompany me, then.Davide will look after my family.You come the day after.And you’ll need to find a man to watch Milana.I suggest you speak to your father and find someone appropriate,” Alessio says.

I look at him with confusion.My mother has always been watched, and it stands to reason that Milana will need a bodyguard as well, but why is there a rush?“There’s something you’re not saying.”

“When the time is right, you’ll begin training as a proper underboss.Your time will be limited, and that will leave Milana alone for long periods.She’s already a target if they find out she handed us the location of Boris and his men.The Bratva will want to retaliate, and she’ll be the prime target.”Alessio shrugs.“It could be nothing, but after the last few hits, I refuse to leave things to chance.”

I can feel my muscles tense.“Right.I’ll take care of it.”

“Good.Now go home.Tomorrow is another day,” he replies.

* * *

Ididn’t sleep well that night and sent word to Luciano to see if he could check in on Barry.If the Bratva was on to Milana, they’d go to her apartment first.He said he’d get back to me.I omitted that we believe danger is on the horizon.That’s for Alessio to divulge when he’s ready to share with the rest of the capos.

The kitchen smells heavenly, the air filled with the aroma of cinnamon pancakes.I watch from the door as Milana takes painstaking care to flip the pancakes, keeping them perfectly round.The tip of her tongue sticks out the side of her mouth, then she sighs a breath of relief when she gets it just right.It’s damn cute.

I don’t usually go for cute.Cute is innocent, and I’ve never had time for that.I discovered girls early and never had a hard time attracting them.I know I’m better than average looking, although I don’t think that’s what does it.It’s the allure of being around a dangerous man.It’s no secret that I belong to my Mafia family.All the men inIl Destinowear our insignia proudly on our shoulders.We also own more than half the city and therefore are very visible in the community.We’re feared by most, and others simply don’t engage, so they’re a nonissue.

The women I’ve been with want a fling.Fast, hot sex.It’ll last a day, a week, at most, maybe two, but then we’re done.I liked it that way.No muss, no fuss.Yet, I reflect on the innocent kiss I had yesterday with Milana, and it’s by far made me feel more than I ever have.I want more, and I’ll have more.In two short weeks, she’ll be my wife.

Milana turns and sees me standing there.“You’re here!”she exclaims with excitement.“I can’t wait for you to tell me what you think.”She claps her hands happily, then arranges several of the pancakes onto the plate and practically drags me over to the kitchen table.She slathers the stack with syrup.“Your mom says you like lots of syrup.I cut up strawberries if you like.”

I cut into the pancake and fork up a bite.

“Good morning, miele mia,” I tease, delaying the tasting.“Where’s my good-morning kiss?”

“You’re kidding, right?”Her eyes grow wide.

“A good meal starts with a happy good morning,” I continue.

She leans over and kisses me on the cheek.“Morning!”She beams a bright smile at me.I clasp my hand on the back of her head and pull her close, then let my lips explore hers.Slow, teasingly, and languorously delicious.She tastes like sweet candy.When I finally let her go, she clutches my arm.When she sees that she’s still holding on, she releases me immediately, her fingers covering her swollen lips.

I take my first forkful and moan.“These are fantastic.”

She grins.“Really?”

“Don’t tell my mother, but these are as good as hers,” I whisper.She giggles, and it’s the most amazing sound.“Where’s yours?”

“I was waiting for you.”

“Get yourself some.We have a busy day ahead.We have a lot to get done.Tomorrow, I’m back to work.That means all the wedding stuff is up to you and Mom.We’re checking out some houses in the area and I’m going to be introducing you to your bodyguard.”

“Bodyguard?”

“You need one.Mom has one, and he can’t continue to look out for the both of you,” I say.I don’t want to alarm her if there isn’t a reason to.I’d rather get news from Luciano and speak to Alessio before jumping the gun.

“Okay,” she acquiesces.

“Eat up, baby,” I command.

Milana insists on cleaning the kitchen, stating that she doesn’t want my mother to come down and have to deal with her mess.I give her that.It’s good that she wants to make a good impression on my parents.I think having my parents’ influence in her life will also give her the support she needs while finding her place in the family.

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