Page 156 of Vito

Today is the meeting about Gilly's owner-operator.

It's been two days since they rescued me, and Vito and I have been keeping a low profile. Massimo, Ash, and Dom have been meeting with Sile and Bill, the new leaders of the Triads and Fire Clan. The Chamber is now all on board. But we need to face the leaders of the rest of the criminal factions in this city.

Vito reassures me that Massimo has called in favors owed to the Santoro family to ensure this goes our way. But the vote in this case has to be unanimous, not majority.

Ohith isn't a man who leaves things to chance, though, and neither is Vito. I glance between them, knowing they have a backup plan if things don't turn out how we want today.

"How are you, daughter?" Ohith regards me over the rim of his cup.

"Besides the obvious?" Sitting beside him, I huff, blowing a tendril of hair out of my eyes. "I spoke with my parents."

Ohith nods slowly. Somehow, he already knows that. But, like always, he wants me to be the one to talk about it and voice my feelings.

Vito brings me the cup of espresso, kissing the top of my head. Having him beside me helps me face my past demons.

"I told them I didn't hate them quite as much." Hate destroys the one carrying it more than the ones it's aimed at. I haven't completely let go of it, nor do I think I ever could entirely, but it is less. "But I'll never forgive or forget what they did. I also told them they're nothing to me. They're dead to me."

Yeah, the hate is still there. But hey, I'm a work-in-progress.

"And about today?" Ohith presses.

I drink my espresso, wincing at the burn. "Of course, I'm worried. I'd be stupid not to be."

Vito braces his hands on the other side of the island, facing me. "Massimo, Ash, and Dom have all been having one-on-one meetings with as many leaders as they can."

I fidget with my mug, worrying about the unanimous vote.

Ohith pats my hand. "And Gus accepted. He'll be an excellent successor."

Gus should've been Aiken's first choice; his lifeblood is in that place, just as Aiken's had been.

But then he would've been in the crosshairs and likely wouldn't have survived. My knowledge of my brother helped us figure this out.

Longing and regret swell within me. Those emotions will always be a part of me—a tarnish on my soul—when I think of Aiken.

You can look back or forward, Ed, but not both. So, what's it going to be?

Too soon, big brother, but maybe someday.

I blink back tears that want to push forth, and Vito looks at me softly. That kind of look should not be possible from a predator—from a lethal, brutal man like him—yet he's capable of that and so much more.

Ohith squeezes my hand. "If needed, I have someone who will publicly announce that I'm your father and that I will execute my brand of protection if anyone threatens or harms you or Vito."

My heart clenches at how readily Ohith and Axin have welcomed Vito into our family.

"And I'll be in your office, Eden."

My head snaps to Vito. "You can't be at Gilly's."

"I'll be there," he insists. "If things go south, Gus and Massimo know to get you to the office. I'll get us out via the passageway to where Ohith and Axin will be waiting."

"My plane is ready," Ohith says. "New identities and everything you need will be onboard."

Vito and I would run, leaving this world and his family behind. Nothing I say has changed his mind.

Vito comes around the island and turns my body to him. He steps between my legs and cups my face.

"Eden, you're my forbidden fruit. My one-and-forever. My undoing, and my re-making all in one. You're it for me, baby. It will always be you and me."

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