I finally turned around, putting my hands in my pantsuit pockets. “There seems to be a misunderstanding between the ranks. People seem to think you’re the capo.”
Benny’s nostrils flared. “I am.”
“You’re theactingcapo. One word difference true…but awholedifferent meaning.”
“Savio said you have a girl now.” He cocked his head to the side. “I'm happy for you. I thought those scars would prevent it.”
I nodded. “She doesn’t seem to mind them.” And with the way she was always kissing them, I dared to think she loved them as much as she loved me.
“Every woman would mind, Gianluca; if she says she doesn’t, she’s lying.”
“But we all lie, don’t we, Uncle Benny?”
He put his hand on his desk and tapped his fingers in quick succession. “What is it? Are you taking back your seat? Is it what she wants you to do?” He shook his head. “You didn’t want that spot anymore; don’t settle back in a lifestyle of hate for a woman.”
“I’m not doing it for a woman.”
“But you are doing it? What about your promise?”
I pointed at my chest. “What aboutmypromise? What about yours? The one you made to uphold our values and do what’s the best for the family.”
He slammed his fist on the desk. “I’ve always done what’s best for the family! I’m doing things your father was too scared of doing.”
“Too scared or too sane?”
Benny shook his head. “Is that it? Now that the man is dead you’ll defend his actions. I’ve not forgotten how much you two were fighting, about everything.”
I sighed. This man was way too far up his own ass to see the truth about his actions.
“I have followers, you know. Things won’t be as easy as you think.”
I was taken aback by his boldness; my uncle was usually all bark, no bite—sending bigger dogs to fight his battles like a scared little girl.
“Are youthreateningme?”
“No, Luca,” he muttered.
Ah, backtracking. That was more like Benny.
“You gave me your spot; I deserve it. This is mine,” he continued, almost whining.
I looked down at my watch. “I came as a courtesy, family reunion, and all that shit.” I sighed. “I’ll see you later.”
“Luca!” he called after me as I opened the door. “What are you going to do?” he shouted as I kept on walking out of his miserable club.
I’d let him keep it in the end, let him be the king of his seedy kingdom as long as he stayed out of my way and didn’t approach my woman.
My phone beeped as I reached the alley outside the club. I took a deep breath. Who would have thought I’d enjoy the smell of a city’s alley? To be fair, everything was better than the pungent smell of this club.
I sighed, looking down at the photos on my screen, and frowned. Fuck, my day of confrontation was far from over, and I was positive I’d enjoy this one a lot less.
When I walked back into my room, a little of my dark mood faded when I saw Cassie standing there, a big smile on her face, visibly so happy to see me.
And despite my annoyance I couldn’t help but smile back; this woman owned me.
“I found a dress for tonight. It’s so pretty.” She reached for my hand and stood on her tiptoes to give me a chaste kiss.
“Nope, this won’t do,” I replied, pulling her closer to me and deepening the kiss, leaving us both wanting and panting. I wanted to make love to her right now, but I had a score to settle and it couldn’t wait.