Page 89 of Twisted Knight

“I made a commitment.” Or at least I was about to, and India was really looking forward to this trip.

Matteo snorted. “Che e solo un modo stravagante per dire che sei uno zerbino del cazzo.”

“Yes, I'm pussy-whipped and so what?” I challenged him.

Matteo sighed. “Fine, Gianluca. We’re leaving at ten.”

Luca nodded, taking a sip of the drink in his hand.

I raised my hand. “Wait a minute. What does that mean? Can’t we just take a break? We’ve already ruled out four names on the list, Matteo. I—”

“And I told you before, we need to keep the momentum going. Once he knows we’re getting closer, he’ll be ready.” He started to twist his signet ring around his finger. “And who told you you could question my orders? I killed men for much less.”

It was my turn to smirk at him. “But you wouldn’t kill yourbrother, would you?”

“Don’t overestimate the loyalty I have to my blood.”

If I were honest, I didn’t even think he had any type of loyalty other than for the rules. “I would never.”

He stood up. “Luca, tomorrow, ten at the airfield,” he commanded.

Fuck me sideways! I couldn't let Luca leave for the weekend! The twins needed their dad, and I knew how anxious it was making him to leave them behind.

“Fuck it,” I grumbled. “I’ll do it, but I'm taking India, and please don’t act like a psycho when she’s around, okay?”

“I’ll try my best,” he replied dryly before looking down at Marco in my arms. “And stop messing up the future capo. See you tomorrow.” He exited the room.

I removed the wig from Marco’s head and sat on the chair Matteo had just vacated.

“I’m not messing him up.”

Luca took his seat across the desk. “I’m not sure, man… Just be grateful Matteo was not here when you dressed upmysonas Carmen Miranda last week.”

I shrugged, looking at the dozing little boy on my chest. “I wanted to give him options.”

Luca shook his head. “You’re lucky it made my wife laugh to tears or I swear I would have shot you in the kneecaps.”

“Yeah,” I leaned back on the seat with a weary sigh.

“You wanted to ask her to marry you this weekend, didn’t you?”

Was I really that transparent? I nodded “And you know the cabin was the perfect location. If she said no, I could have just thrown myself from the nearby cliff.”

“You’re so dramatic. And let me tell you with how she is looking at you? How I caught her and my wife giggling?” He smiled. “There’s no way she’d say no to you.”

My heart sped up with elation at the thought. “I hope you’re right.”

“I know I am and Matteo’s right.” He pointed at his son asleep in his baby carrier. “Make your own and mess that one up. This one is mine to traumatize.”

I laughed. “Duly noted. I’ll be working on that soon.”

Luca took a sip, his face returning to his serious business demeanor. “Thank you for doing it. I appreciate it.”

“I don’t mind doing it for you, Luca; you know that. It’s just that Matteo is too pushy… even hasty, and I just think he could slow down a bit.”

Luca looked away, chewing on his bottom lip. “I don’t think he can though. He’s not saying it but there are a few rumors running rampant within the ranks. The traitor nickname ‘Mano Vendicativa’ is being whispered and Matteo fears once his authority is questioned, he will be replaced.”

I grimaced at that. It was true; being questioned was never great. Take away the fear and what does he have left?

---