Page 137 of Empire of Temptation

“I’m not sure if he’s refusing or if the officers won’t allow it.”

“But that’s not fair. Aren’t there rules against that?”

“In Italia? Yes, but it’s not like here. The process could take months, years. They haven’t even brought him before a judge yet to formally press charges.”

This couldn’t be happening. I thought prison was a bad thing, a place all mobsters wished to avoid. “Does this make any sense to you?”

Gabi raised his head and his eyes were flat. “Not at all. Val?—”

He bit off what he was about to say. “What?”

“I need to go back. I have to be there for him, for Leo. For my uncles. I . . . ” He swallowed. “And I think you should come with me.”

I licked my dry lips, my head still spinning with all I’d just learned. “Why would I go with you?”

“First, because I promised to look after you. I can’t go back if you’re here. And second, maybe you can talk some sense into him. Convince him to see the lawyer. He will listen to you.”

“You don’t know that. He’s incredibly stubborn.”

“I think you have the best chance of any of us. Leo brought it up, and I agree.”

“Leo thinks you should bring me to Italy?”

He nodded. “Obviously, I won’t force you. But I’m begging you tocome talk to him.” He put his palms together and shook his hands at me. “Per favore, bella. Help my family. Help my father see reason.”

Roberto joined us at the bar and I filled him in on what was happening with Luca. “I can’t believe this,” he said.

“Me neither.” Glancing down, I checked my phone. But there were no texts, no calls. If Luca had access to any form of communication, he hadn’t wasted it on me. “Luca’s family wants me to go and talk to him.”

“You should,” Roberto said instantly. “Italian jail, it is a dangerous place for a man like Luca. The longer he stays in there, the harder it will be to get out.”

“What about the restaurant? I can’t leave. You’re injured and we’ve just reopened.”

“Signorina, this is why you hired us. We will be fine.”

My throat hurt from the giant ball of emotion lodged there. While I was still angry at Luca, I didn’t want to see him suffer, rotting away in some dirty prison with men who would hurt him. Could I help? I wasn’t sure. But I couldn't stay here and do nothing. I needed to see him, make sure he was okay.

I met Gabi’s worried gaze. “I guess we’re going to Italy.”

Chapter Thirty-Three

Luca

L’Aquila, Italy

Supercarcere Le Costarelle

The guard knocked on the open door to my cell. “Don Benetti, your dinner.”

I set my glass of wine on the end table and paused the jazz music playing on my tablet. Tonight’s meal was fish delivered hot from a local restaurant. “Va bene. Bring it in.”

The guard carried in a paper sack and began unpacking my meal on the dining table. Standing, I slipped my feet into my shoes and carried my wine over to the chair. I lowered myself down and placed a cloth napkin in my lap. After the guard unpacked everything, I asked, “Did you get something for yourself?”

“Yes, Don Benetti. Thank you for your generosity.”

I nodded, acknowledging, and began eating. My money and reputation meant prison was more like an extended stay at a hotel. The guards were well compensated to look after my needs and Iwanted for almost nothing. Food, wine, internet, books, and my large bed was outfitted with soft sheets and a plush mattress. A good number of my men were imprisoned here, so I was surrounded by family and friends. We played cards, ate together, and worked out together. It wasn’t pleasant . . . but it wasn’t awful.

Sergio visited daily and we discussed business, and my arrangement with the guards meant we weren’t overheard. Word had traveled about my arrest. Our enemies would close in soon so I needed my brothers to be ready. If I wasn’t released in the next few weeks, we could expect to face many bloody battles. My absence would be viewed as a weakness, and our world viewed weaknesses as opportunities.

---