CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

ROCCO

RYAH RESTED HER HEADon my shoulder as the plane soared into the sky.

Ercole appeared in the seat in front of us, hovering.

“You two ok back here?”

I narrowed my eyes. “Yes, we’re fine, Ercole.”

“Ercole is serious about his job. I understand you were my mother’s bodyguard for a long time.”

He grinned, poking his chest out. “Yes, I was. And to think I thought you’d be any easier to protect. You’re more like your mother than you know. She doesn’t take anyone’s shit. Not even Luciano’s.”

Ryah sat up straight, eyes wide. “Tell me more.”

“What?” I glared at her.

“No, this is his way of invading our private time.”

Ryah laughed. “Fine. Ercole, I want to hear all the dirty details after we land.”

“Deal.” He smiled.

She jumped up and threw her arms around his neck. “I’m happy you’re here,” Ryah sighed.

His eyes closed as he embraced her. “Me, too.”

Now it made sense. He was Ryah’s original protector before she came into this world. Dad said Agatino was against Melanie’s pregnancy. He never went into detail, but Dad said he despised Agatino. Shit, I was interested in hearing the story too. Later though. No one would cut into my personal time with Ryah.

Ercole disappeared toward the front of the plane.

Agosto might’ve been sleeping by now. He was up late patrolling the motel.

I wondered if Genn was asleep. He deserved to get some shuteye. He worked the hardest on this trip. Genn took a photo of the sketch Vern drew of the enforcer. We’d talk to my dad later. See if he recognized the guy.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Andrisani.”

I glanced to the left, meeting Jennie’s smiling face.

“Hello, Jennie.”

“Can I get either of you anything?” Jennie was my family’s private flight attendant. We used her for spur of the moment flights. She was always ready to make good money for quick flights. Her brown hair swept over her shoulders. Her gray eyes didn’t light up like they had the last couple of times I’d flown with her.

“A bottle of water,” Ryah stated.

“Jennie, we’ll take two bottles of water to go. We’re retiring in the suite.”

“Right away.”

She darted back to the galley kitchen.

“Come on, Ryah.” I grabbed her hand, pulling her to her feet.

I halted at the last row. I found Genn.

His arms crossed his burly body. Light snoring escaped him. Looked like he was sleeping peacefully.