Page 60 of A Mafia's Treasure

“He’s still alive?” He looks confused.

“Fratello”—I lean forward and kiss his forehead—“O’Connor is yours to do with as you please. Leave the fucker in there to rot for all I care.” I huff out a laugh. “I always said that when I found the people responsible, I would paint this city red, but finding you alive changed that, this is your call, brother.”

“He will pay, but not yet. I need time to think,” he answers quickly, looking over to the door as his breathing picks up. “Rosie … she doesn’t know anything about who I am.”

“And who are you?” I ask.

“What the fuck’s that supposed to mean?” He raises his voice.

“What I said, brother.” I’m curious if he’s pieced it together who he is now and what responsibilities he has.

“I’m part of the Romano Mafia,” he says.

“You’re theunderboss, brother,” I tell him and place my hand on his shoulder.

“What, why didn’t you use Tommy?” he asks.

“Because that place is yours, nobody else’s.” Closing my eyes I inhale and step back when I hear the door open.

“Sorry, it took me a while to find the kitchen.” Her voice is soft as she places the glass gently on the side.

“It’s okay,” he tells her as he reaches out his hand to hold hers.

“Let me know when you’re ready and we can go through all the details, but for now, you both just need time to rest,” I tell him and leave them both, looking over my shoulder at my brother who is watching me leave.

His eyes are glassy, and he smiles at me. I can’t believe he thought I’d give up on him like that, give his job to someone else … not a fucking chance.

Closing the door quietly, I text Marco.

Me: How’s the club?

Marco: All good.

Me: The rest of the businesses?

Marco: All under control. NIC is being taken care of by her, and I’ve spoken to one of the guys at the gym, he’s gonna run that for a bit until Tony gets on his feet. I’m based between the club and NIC for now.

I chuckle at the mention of his PA. I may have to do something about that … the poor woman can’t seem to catch a break, and that’s coming from me.

I type out a quick response.

Me: Perfect.

Then I message Tommy.

Me: How’s the yard?

Tommy: Nothing to report, all good.

Me: Perfect

Seems like everything is under control. I pocket my mobile and head upstairs to the master bedroom. I lick my lips as I put the key in the lock. I think about what I’m going to be faced with when I open this door.

Turning the key, I press the handle down and push forward. Hearing nothing, I move further into the room, pushing the door shut behind me, and look around the room. That’s when I see her, sitting in the corner of the room with her knees pulled to her chest, arms wrapped around her legs.

“Come here,il mio tesoro, it’s time,” I tell her as she looks up at me, her bright blue eyes looking at me like they’re seeing through my soul.

I hold out my hand, and she places her soft hand in mine. I pull her up, and we walk hand in hand over to the bed.