Page 127 of Deception

And hellbent on revenge.

We take the secret entrance into the underground garage, activating the security and turning the power back on to the building. I haven’t been out here in several months, but it’s undisturbed, just how Tomas and I left it.

Carrying Isa inside—despite her protests that she can walk—I take her straight to the bathroom. I need a shower myself, a change of clothes.

It will have to wait.

Ciro, Adri, and Ero all head straight into their rooms, digging out spare clothes and cleaning up.

“Just shout if you need anything,” I pat the fresh towels on the counter, pulling the door behind me.

“Aless—”

“I turn back.

She swallows hard, clutching her hands to her chest. “Leave it open. Please.”

I plant a kiss on her matted hair before leaving.

Slumping down on the bench at the foot of the bed, I massage my sore muscles, kicking off my shoes. Everything stinks like smoke and sweat. Blood clotting on my right arm.

Need to clean that gunshot graze.

Need to eat.

Need to fucking find Domenico Vipera and tear him limb from limb.

But first, we pull ourselves together. Get presentable.

Showing authority to the elders and the family will help calm them down.

Several phone calls and a shower later, I’m leaning on the kitchen counter, waiting to hear back from my scouts. They’re tracking the missing family members.

“Adriano, call in all of our favors. Make sure we get them back. Tonight.”

“Already on it.” He’s been on the phone since we got back as well. Sometimes it feels more like we’re running a company than a family crime syndicate. Conference calls, video meetings. I suppose they’re one and the same, in some ways.

Makes me wonder what Uncle Giancarlo would think of the “new school” of gangsters.

Heading into my room, I find Isa wrapped in a fuzzy robe, sitting on the edge of the bed, brushing her hair.

She’s glowing, vibrant, even with the bags under eyes.

“Are you hungry? Thirsty?”

“I drank some water. I could eat. Not feeling…great,” she mutters, looking down. One hand rests on her belly.

“So…it’s true?” I can’t help asking as I approaching the bed.

A little smile pulls at her lips. “Yes.”

“How long have you known?” I lower myself to the edge of the bed, giving her space.

“I took a test at the lodge, before we left. Before Adriano…”

“Found you out?”

“That’s one way to put it. Yeah.” Shadows flicker across her visage.

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