Page 65 of Mafia Kings: Valentino

Niccolo sighed resentfully. “Alright… you can take alittlebit longer than half an hour.”

Dario nodded, then left the room.

“And what’s this‘we’reflying out’ part?” I asked in alarm.

“You and I are going to Sicily,” Niccolo said.

GREAT.

“I thought we couldn’t fly anywhere,” I said, trying to weasel my way out of it.

“Roberto and I flew to Hong Kong.”

“Yeah, and Lars said you were taking an insane risk!”

“Don Vicari sent his own plane.”

“It’s alreadyhere?!”I asked in astonishment.

“Yes. And he has personally guaranteed our safety.”

“And youbelievehim?!”

Niccolo smirked. “Here’s the first lesson for your new life: when a Sicilian swears to you on his mother’s life, do not question his integrity. It willnotgo well for you.”

The idea of going to live in Sicily –

Of getting married to some girl I’d never seen before –

Of leaving Caterina –

It made me physically sick.

“Go say your goodbyes,” Niccolo ordered.

“What the fuck am I supposed to tell her?” I asked, panicked.

“I don’t know – tell her it was fun. Tell her it’s not your fault. Tell her you have to fulfill your duty to your family. I don’t carewhatyou tell her – just GO!” he snapped as he pushed me roughly towards the door. “And make it fast!”

I shuffled out of the room like a zombie.

It was like my feet were encased in lead…

And my heart felt even heavier.

It only got worse from there.

24

Caterina

Iwas working in the kitchen when Valentino walked in.

I saw his body out of the corner of my eye – I could identify him from his broad shoulders and muscular arms a hundred feet away – and I smiled automatically as I looked over at him.

My smile died when I saw his expression.

He looked like death warmed over.

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