Page 147 of Vito

"Thank you for your assistance here today, Alberto."

"That's what family does, Massimo."

"I'll talk to you when you get back. Safe travels."

He gives me a two-finger salute as he climbs into the van and drives away. I pull out my phone and call my cousin halfway around the world.

"How's my favorite cousin?" Gemma says in greeting.

"Ready for his favorite cousin to implement her part of the plan."

"Oh, goodie," she replies, but doesn't sound overly enthusiastic.

Gemma was all-in at the start of this op, but I've sensed a slight change over the past few days.

I trust Gemma will deliver. She's mafia just like us—ruthless and determined—and values family above all else. But I can tell she's having some reservations.

"Have the princess's travel plans changed in the last twenty-four hours?" A ripple of excitement passes through me at the thought of the perfect little princess at my mercy.

"Nope."

"Good. I need you to grab her and be wheels up in less than an hour."

"Any different instructions from what you gave me previously?"

"Don't let the princess be too comfortable."

"Mass," Gemma huffs. "The flight is over twelve hours from the Lake Como area to San Francisco."

"Christ, I didn't say tie her in her seat the whole time."Or make her fly in a pine box."But this isn't a first-class flight with service, Gemma."

She huffs again. "I know what I'm doing."

Gabe waits for me, staying close at hand like my best friend and head bodyguard always does. I walk toward him and back to the factory. The screams have started.

Thankfully, the area around here is deserted, and we have secured a wide perimeter. Ohith, Axin, and their team have a big job ahead of them regarding clean-up—something they refused our help with.

"Was that a scream?" Gemma asks.

"Your unhinged cousin is hard at work."

I sound like the grumpy motherfucker Vito always pokes and bugs me about being. But in truth, I'm proud of him. He protected our family, as well as the Chamber. Lixin and Amazu's plan would've destroyed the Chamber and the peace that had been cultivated over the years. His suspicions are a huge reason why we could stop it.

Papa, me, and Ash had all been oblivious. Dom was only suspicious because Lixin and Amazu had subtly tried to get him on their side. The Chamber and us leaders owe Vito, even Eden and Aiken, a debt. And I plan to use that to bargain for Vito and Eden's lives.

Theywillget their happily ever after.

Gemma snorts. "Vito is a fiend when he'splayingbut does masterpiece work. He's my favorite cousin in that regard."

"Hey," I warn, and she laughs.

"Later, Cous."

"Safe travels, Gemma."

Gabe hears Gemma's name, and he shifts but remains impassive. He's not fooling me; my friend, who is death-on-two-legs, is a goddamn cinnamon roll when it comes to my fiery cousin.

"Go inside and enjoy the show," I tell him. He cocks his brow at me. "I'll be in shortly."

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