Page 16 of Deception

“Oh, gee, thanks because that's what I'm going for. I want to lookrealsmart. Like your smart ass.”

Adriano chuckles, throwing on his jacket and heading for the door. He knows I’ll put up a fight, but ultimately he’ll win this argument. There’s no leaving the lodge unless I’m disguised to his satisfaction.

“Nobody in the village has seen one of our immediate family for twenty fucking years, Adriano.”

“Doesn’t matter. We can’t risk anyone knowing you’re here. It’s the only location no one inside or outside of the family knows about.”

“I’m sure there are hit men waiting right outside as we speak.”

“Throw a tantrum, fight it all you want. If you or I get made we’re fucked. News could get back to Dom or whoever is making a play on our turf and this is all for nothing.”

He’s right, of course.

“Melodramatic prima donna.”

“Unbearable man-child brat.”

“I’m seven years older than you.”

“Then act like it.”

“I’m only wearing this because I’m dying for a drink and bite to eat out somewhere.” Not that we don’t have an amazing cook at the lodge. Carla is incredible.

But I want to getout.

“Nothing fancy,” Adriano asserts as we bump down the mountain road toward the town.

“Hell no. I want some pub food and a beer or six.” My mouth is watering at the prospect of crap food and getting hammered.

“I saw a place like that on our way in.”

“Always lookin’ out. That’s why I keep you around.”

Our conversion drifts to silence as he takes the zigzagging turns that take us down the mountain. It’s a short drive, but treacherous even on a clear day, and today the wind is picking up.

“Looks like snow,” I murmur as we get out of the SUV in front of a quaint, mountain chalet-style pub.

“A little out of season this late. But the forecast says it could turn into a full-blown whiteout.”

“Great. I’ll just hibernate up in my den,” I grumble. The idea of days with nothing but free time feels oddly daunting. Most people would jump at the chance, but I haven’t had a real day off in years.

A few drinks later, I’m far less concerned, leaning back in my chair and laughing. The calzones and a glass of wine were just what I needed to feel warm, relaxed. Not thinking about our situation.

I’m even less worried by my fifth beer.

“Tha’s what I needed,” I declare, slamming my mug down. “Fucking stressful, lately, you know?”

“You don’t say? It’s definitely starting to show…all that gray at your temples.” Adriano runs his hand through his hair, the dark mess not showing a hint of change.

“What gray?! You shut your fucking mouth, little brother.” I point at him, glaring.

“Don’t worry, you only look a few years over forty.”

“I’ll show you forty! I’m thirty-nine, asshole.” I hop up striding toward the pool table. “You sound just like Ciro, always busting my ass, trying to get me riled.”

“Ciro wishes he was as funny as me. And maybe it’s for your own good. You’re too wound up. You barely let loose anymore.”

Like he has room to talk. Adriano is more business-minded than any of us.

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