Page 41 of Heartless Mafia Prince

Guys like Drew and Elon were bad guys. Technically, I was, too. Feeding girls' lies wasn’t my thing. I was honest about what I wanted. Everything I told Luciano was the truth. Felt like I was the only person in this situation who knew my feelings were true.

“Dad, I understand.”

“Good. Are you preparing for the job?”

“Yes. I’ll case the road again Wednesday. And Saturday I’ll get it done.”

He stood. “That’s what I like to hear. Show up to dinner on time.”

“Got it.”

***P***

The sun peeked through the clouds, playing on my emotions. Another chilly day in Philly. The edgy cold penetrated my jeans and struck my bones. The basketball game I was slated to attend would end soon. Every other Sunday I got together with guys I grew up with, and played basketball games at the local rec center. Sitting on the hood of the car, I tugged at the edges of my worn Eagles cap. I glanced at my loyal friend sitting on the ground at my feet. Turmoil whimpered. I reached into my jacket pocket and retrieved his favorite treat.

He tilted his head back, and I dropped the milk bone into his chops. Gripping his leash in one hand, I patted his shiny dark gray coat. Turmoil was my cousin Scarlet’s blue nose pit bull. He was a well-behaved dog. Until he wasn’t.

“Rocco, what the fuck?” He threw his arms up as he approached.

“Why did you bring her?” He pointed at the dog.

Turmoil leapt, baring his teeth.

I tugged his leash. “Turmoil stay.”

He obeyed. His eyes locked on his target.

“Bosco, you know I like to take him out from time to time.”

His duffel bag hung from his shoulder, and his eyes darted between me and Turmoil.

“You missed the party Friday night. Did you hear about my announcement?”

Bosco laughed. “Happy I missed it. I had plans with two chicks.”

Bosco De Bello was a year older than me. He was next in line to run his family’s empire.

He ran a hand over his short black hair. “But I see you came to flaunt that shit in my face.”

“Better fucking believe I did. I needed to look you in the eye and tell you she’s mine now. Technically, she’s always been mine, but I’ve made it official.”

He tilted his head, pointing two fingers at me. “Ryah agreed to be your woman?”

“Not at first. You know how she can be. Stubborn.”

My smile vanished. “Stop pining away for Ryah. I will never give her up. She’ll become Mrs. Rocco Andrisani.”

His green eyes darkened. “Get the fuck off my car.” Bosco stepped closer.

Turmoil lunged again, barking ferociously.

“My men have the parking lot surrounded. They will put that bitch down,” he snarled.

I stood, tugging the leash. “So are mine. No one will hurt Turmoil.”

I raised a finger. “Unless you want Scarlet to slit your throat in the middle of the night.”

“Rocco, you made your point. Ryah’s your girl, but it doesn’t change the way I feel about her.”

---