Page 121 of The Deal

“Fine.”

With that, she ends the call.

Bitch.

“Here you go,” I say to Dante, dumping a black suitcase on his bed.

“What’s that?”

“Two million dollars. It was in Dad’s safe.”

“The fuck?”

“I know.”

“Shouldn’t you be taking half?”

“I don’t need it. I’m sure you’re not struggling, but over the years, I’ve built up a nice little portfolio for myself. You’ve always lived your life on the edge … like you were here for a good time rather than a long one, so I’m gathering I’ve got more than you.”

“Okay, wow. Thanks.”

“Can I suggest you invest it or buy some real estate or something?”

“What do you think the house in Griffith is worth? Maybe I can use it to buy you out of your half.”

I swallow thickly. As expected, he had no idea Dad had left everything to me. He’d be gutted if he knew the truth.

“I wanted to talk to you about that. I was hoping you’d agree to sell it. Given everything that happened there …” I let the words hang in the air. He knows exactly where I’m heading with this.

“Fuck that. I want to keep it.”

“Why?”

“It’s the only home I’ve ever known … it’s where all my memories are. Of Mum … us.” He bows his head, then adds softly, “Papa.”

“Those memories will always be here,” I say, my fist tightening into a ball as I tap my chest. “The house is just bricks and mortar.”

“I’m not selling it. I don’t care what you say.”

I tilt my head back, staring up at the ceiling. It’s not about the money. If he wants the house, he can have it. It’s what that place represents that gets under my skin. The last thing I want is for him to return to that life. He’s lucky to be alive; he might not be next time.

“I was hoping you’d stick around here and help me run the other businesses.”

“I’m not cut out for that shit,” he grumbles. “I miss myold life. I’d go out of my mind if I had to sit behind a desk all day like you do.”

“I do more than sit behind a desk.”

“You know what I mean. I want that fast-paced lifestyle,the thrill… like the one I used to have.”

“And look where that life got you.”

“It will take more than a couple of bullets to keep me down.”

I throw my hands up in frustration and spin on my heel, storming out of the room.

I can’t just stand by and watch him destroy himself. I have to find a way to stop him from slipping back into that life. He’s the only blood relative I have left.

It’s some ungodly hour when my father’s jet finally touches down on the private runway at Vincenzo Bellini Catania Airport in Sicily. It’s been years since I’ve been back here, but something about this place still feels like home—a sense of familiarity that never quite fades.

---