Page 18 of The Devil's Demise

“What?” She gapes at both of us, her mouth parted.

“It’s true.” I nod. “There was something about him. Never liked that idiot.”

“Why didn’t you two say something?”

“Because you seemed happy, and we didn’t exactly have a reason for our mistrust of him,” Chiara says. “We were hoping that if we were right, he’d eventually show his true colors.”

“Well, he definitely did when I caught him sleeping with my so-called best friend.”

“I can kill him,” I whisper. “The offer still stands.”

And she has no idea how serious I actually am.

“Tempting. But I’ll pass.” She huffs. “He’s not worth it. None of them are.”

I fucking swear I want to find that boy and rip his goddamn throat out for hurting my baby.

When I found out what he did, when Athena was sobbing in her mother’s arms, it took all three of my brothers to stop me from getting into my car and driving to that bastard’s apartment. I would’ve ended him.

Our kids don’t know anything about our past. My brothers and I have done a great job of keeping it secret, and we intend to keep it that way.

It’s been three months since Athena’s relationship with the asshole ended, and I know she’s still hurting, no matter how strong she pretends to be. She loved him, and he broke her trust.

A loud knock prompts us all to turn toward the adjoining door with the groomsmen on the other side of it. When the door opens, Dante is there, a glass of whiskey in his hand.

“It’s time, brother.” He grins at me. “A final toast with the boys before we watch your boy get married?”

I grab my wife’s hand, pulling it up to my mouth and leaving a kiss on the top of it. “Let’s go.”

She nods, the corner of her mouth curling up, and we all follow my brother out.

Chiara walks up to Frankie, clasping his face in her hands as she stares up at him. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Thanks, Ma.” He circles his arms around her and hugs her tight.

Dante clasps me on the back. “I can’t believe he’s getting married.” He sighs deeply. “How the hell did we get old?”

“I don’t even know.”

“At least we’re young enough to still get boners,” Enzo adds, appearing beside Dante.

“Thank fuck for that.” Dante chuckles.

“What are we thankful for?” Matteo walks up to us, a beer in his hand, his past no longer etched on his features like it once was.

“That we can still get hard for our wives.”

His laugh is hearty as he shakes his head. “I’m just grateful I no longer have to take any of that advice from Enzo.”

Enzo snickers playfully. “I taught you everything you know.”

Frankie marches to us, playing with the cuffs of his suit jacket.

“Nervous, son?” I ask. “Because you don’t have to be. Not when she’s the right woman, and she is.”

“Thanks, Dad.” He inhales a quick breath. “I know she is.”

His smile is wide and true as he says that.

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