Page 329 of Mafia Kings: Valentino

“And what about therestof us?” Niccolo raged.“Wedidn’t get a pass from the old woman, did we?”

I shifted uncomfortably. “Vicari wouldn’t do that – not after what his grandmother said – ”

“Maybe notdirectly,but that doesn’t mean he can’t help OTHER people kill us, you stupid, self-centered little – ”

“Consigliere,”a voice said darkly.

We both turned to see Dario standing there.

He gestured with his head. “Take a walk.”

Niccolo scowled. “I was only – ”

“Isaid,take a walk.”

Niccolo clenched his jaw…

Glared at me one last time…

And then walked out of the alley.

Dario waited until Nic was gone, then strolled over to me with a half-smile on his face. “You two were really going at it.”

“He was ripping me a new asshole,” I admitted.

“Yes, I heard. And he has a point.”

My stomach dropped.

I knew this moment was coming…

And I had been dreading it.

But now that it was here, I had to face it with courage.

“Don Rosolini,” I said humbly, “I fucked up. I disobeyed your orders, and I beg you to forgive me. All I can say in my defense is I was in love – and I was too stupid to know it when you offered me the chance to marry Caterina. If I had been smart enough then to – ”

“She’s yoursola e unica,”Dario said quietly.

Your one and only.

“Yes. Yes, she is – and I was too dumb to know it until it was too late. I’m begging you, please don’t – ”

He held up one hand.

I immediately shut up.

Then he smiled kindly. “You’ve done a lot of growing up since I saw you last.”

“…I guess I have.”

“I knew you were in love with her when I made you that offer. But I could seeyoudidn’t know it yet.”

I nodded. “You’re right.”

Dario clapped me on the shoulder, then put his hand affectionately on my neck. “It’s your wedding day, Valentino. And my gift to you is this: because you were in love with a woman you were willing to risk your life for, I will forgive your disobedience.”

Relief flooded my body. “Don Rosolini – thank you – ”

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