Page 130 of Ruthless Redemption

“My hands are sweating,” Layla whispers.

“There’s nothing to be nervous about. It’s only a conversation.”

“One that could cause major problems.” She starts toward the house, following Aldo up the three steps leading to the front doors. “What if your brothers don’t appreciate your plan?” she whispers. “Or Lorenzo shoots us down in flames? What then?”

I glide my hand under the hem of her top, brushing my thumb against warm, soft skin. “After living through Emmanuel’s reign, my brothers should be used to doing what they’re told, and Lorenzo needs a successor. I don’t expect any of them to be enthusiastic, but they’ll know it’s a strategic way forward.”

“I understand that part… I just…” She huffs a pained breath. “Something doesn’t feel right.”

I feel it, too. “It’s because Bishop isn’t here.” I kiss her temple. “Once you get used to his bullshit, it becomes a crutch.”

She huffs a chuckle. “Maybe that’s it.”

We reach the front doors, one side of the thick, glass-paneled wood opening with Lorenzo’s housekeeper filling the open space.

“Matthew.” The older woman opens her arms wide as she marches forward, descending the steps to clasp my cheeks, planting air kisses on both sides of my face. “It’s been too long.”

“Forgive me, Maria. I’ve been busy convincing the most beautiful woman in the world to be mine.” I indicate Layla with a wave of my hand. “I’d like you to meet Layla Hart.”

“Oh,mio dio.” The housekeeper places a hand to her heart. “You have outdone yourself.”

Layla blushes. “It’s lovely to meet you.”

The women exchange a casual hug where Maria murmurs something I can’t hear. Whatever it is makes Layla laugh.

“He’s a perfect gentleman.” She shoots me a grin. “Mostof the time.”

“Only most?” Maria clucks her tongue, backtracking toward the house. “Come, come.” She directs us inside the lavish entry and waits at the door for my brothers to follow. “I hope you’re hungry. I’ve made enough food to feed a small village.”

“I could always eat.” Remy cranes his neck up at the glistening chandelier beneath the overhead skylight.

The five of us walk down the long hall, passing the study, then the library, to the open entertaining area. Sunlight streams in from the wall of windows overlooking the backyard, the lawn perfectly cut, the pool pristine blue.

“Help yourself to a drink from the fridge.” Maria continues across the room. “It’s so nice to have you all here. The house hasn’t seen this many guests in a long time.”

“This many?” I meet her gaze. “Lorenzo used to have more than the four of us over all the time.”

“Oh, no. Everyone else is on the pool house deck.” She stops at the door leading to the yard and pulls it open. “Isn’t that why you’re here?”

I pause, tightening my hold around Layla’s waist. I don’t want her exposed to any of my uncle’s acquaintances. Remy and Salvo follow my lead, stopping a few feet behind.

“I didn’t realize Lorenzo had visitors.” I inch forward, exposing my gaze to more of the yard, narrowing my attention on the people under the cover of the deck on the far side of the pool.

Layla snaps taut. A gasp escapes her lips.

A mass of volcanic emotions erupt in my chest as I take in what’s scared her.

Lorenzo sits across the outdoor setting from Emmanuel and Adena. Two guards from each party stand a few feet behind them, positioned like corners on a protective square.

My mentor and my nemesis are face to face for the first time in more than a decade, with Emmanuel in a wheelchair, an oxygen mask over his mouth, his posture still holding the fortitude of an ox.

The call to violence suffuses me. Every thought. Every heartbeat.

Rage becomes a mindless demon inside my chest, the demand to take action roaring inside my skull.

The world will burn for this.

My brothers will die.

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