Page 32 of Ruthless Guardian

With a grunt, I reach for my phone and force myself to sit up. The crappy mattress squeals its protest, coils digging into my ass. At least, I’ll finally be rid of this nasty motel. If I don’t douse myself in cologne every morning, the scent of dampness and mildew cling to my skin all day.

I slowly scroll through the contacts, my finger finally settling on the least detestable option. With one quick glance at the clock, I confirm the time difference and jab my finger at the call button. The now foreign ringtone buzzes, different from the familiar one in the U.S. Every second feels like an eternity, and I’m an instant away from hanging up when a deep voice echoes across the line.

“Pronto?”

“Ciao, Giuseppe, it’s me.”

A string of curses vibrates across the line, and I can practically see my older brother’s face as he spits them out. For a second, it feels like only mere inches separate us instead of an entire ocean.

“Are you out of your mind calling me? Do you know whatPapàwill say?”

“Yeah, I have a pretty good idea.”

“Then why?”

“I thought you’d want to know that I’ll be back in Rome in a few days.”

“Che cazzo fai, stronzo?”

That’s a good question, but the truth is I have no idea what the hell I’m doing. “It’s a job,” I hiss. “Don’t worry, I’m not coming home.”

“You’ll be in Rome,coglione. That is home.”

“It doesn’t change anything. I’m coming with a client. We’ll be there for a few months, and then I’m out of your life for good.”

“Damn it, Raffa, are you trying to pissPapàoff? Or just trying to get me in trouble?”

“I’m not asking you to get in the middle of this. I simply wanted someone to know in case word gets back to thecapo.”

“You know Antonio is running most of the operation now?—”

“I don’t care, Giuseppe. I’m not interested in any of it.Papàmade his decision long ago. This was my courtesy call and the last you’ll hear from me if all goes well.”

“And if it doesn’t?” A jagged edge laces his tone, raising the hair on the back of my neck.

“Is that a threat,fratello?” I growl.

“No, just a question, Raffa. I hope you know what you’re getting into coming back here.”

“I can handle myself.”

“And your client?”

“Don’t fucking worry about her. She’s my responsibility.”

“Oh, a she?”

“Yes, a she,” I snarl.

“Do you think that’s wise after?—”

“Don’t you dare say her name, Giuseppe, or I swear toDio, I will reach across the phone and rip your spine from your throat.”

“Relax,fratellino. I see you really have that temper under control.”

“Vaffanculo,” I grind out. “Fuck off with that temper bullshit. LikePapàwas the best role model for keeping his cool.”

“Clearly, or we wouldn’t have turned out to be such well-adjusted men.” A rueful chuckle slides out.

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