Page 83 of Twisted Knight

The silent majordomo opened the door and led us silently down the house.

The silence and dark, old furniture gave this house an ominous look that was oppressive. It really felt like the walls were full of secrets.

“D-D-Dom, I-India, h-how are y-you d-d-doing?”

I smiled at the tall, lanky young man behind the desk. I remember him taking Jude to the chess tournament and I liked him from the start. He was such a broken, soft boy and part of me was eager to help him, and I hoped that he would one day trust me enough to talk to me.

I smiled at him. “Enzo, I'm so pleased to see you again. I’m doing very well. How are you?”

He nodded with a smile. “I’m o-okay. Ma-Mateo said you’re j-j-joining the f-f-famiglia. I’m h-happy.”

Dom wrapped his arm around my waist. “Don’t try to steal my woman, Enzo. I’ll keep my eyes on you.”

Enzo's smile ticked and he froze just a little, not enough for Dom to notice but enough for me.

He turned his eyes toward me, and his demeanor changed immediately as if he knew I knew.

“M-Matteo is waiting f-for you,” he said, pointing to the door.

I shook my head, concentrating on the matter ahead. I would discuss Enzo with Dom later.

We entered an office that was a true representation of his owner, all black and glass… cold, calculated. It was Matteo Genovese.

“You didn’t change your mind,” he enunciated mockingly as soon as we walked in. “I’m not sure if it makes you brave or foolish.”

“It makes me ‘in love.’”

“Ah.” He nodded, taking a drag of his big cigar. “Foolish then, good to know.”

Dom rolled his eyes. “You know why we’re here. Could we just move along?”

“Of course,brother.” Matteo smirked as Dom’s nostrils flared in frustration. That man was the king of shit stirrers.

Matteo turned toward me. “You’ve decided to join the famiglia?”

“Yes.”

He took a drag of his cigar. “Did Domenico explain to you what it means? Once you swear your loyalty, you’re in… only your death will free you.”

“I’m aware.”

He put his cigar down in his ashtray and jerked his head toward me.

I cleared my throat. “Giuro fedeltà alla famiglia. Giuro di rispettare le regole e proteggere i segreti del nostro sangue. io sono la famiglia.”I swear loyalty to the family. I swear to respect the rules and protect the secrets of our blood. I am the family.

I quickly glanced at Dom who winked at me. I aced it.

Matteo looked at Dom for a few seconds, his face thoughtful. He could make it harder for me if he wanted to. Luca had told me that he could ask for a proof of my loyalty which may include murder if he so desired. But Matteo simply sighed before standing up and walking up to me.

He rested his hands on my shoulders. “Benvenuta nella famiglia,” he said before kissing both of my cheeks, then turning to Dom and kissing him too.

When Dom came toward me and grabbed my hand, I turned toward him. “Lo giuro su Dio e sulla famiglia. Il mio cuore, il mio amore e la mia lealtà sono tuoi. Ora e per sempre. Faccio questo giuramento col sangue, nel silenzio della notte, e sotto la luce delle stelle e lo splendore della luna. Tutti i tuoi segreti saranno miei, tutti i tuoi peccati saranno miei, tutto il tuo dolore sarà mio. Sono tuo completamente.”

This was the vows that Cassie had given at her wedding to Luca. It was the strongest promise you could ever make in the famiglia. It was my promise to give myself completely to him.

Dom looked away, blinking rapidly, fighting back tears at my oath.

Matteo rolled his eyes, pointing his forefinger from Dom to me. “Sposala.”

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