Page 124 of Massimo

"You fucking asshole." He snarls and slams into Massimo, punching him in the jaw. Massimo's head snaps back, but he takes the hit without retaliating.

When he pulls back to punch Massimo again, Vito, rushes in and catches his fist. "Let's talk, baby brother."

I realize the slightly smaller man is Creed, the third Santoro brother.

"Fuck you, Vito," Creed snarls. "Did you know, too?"

Massimo scowls. "Vincenzo told you everything."

Creed fists his hands. "And why the fuck did I have to learn about it fromVincenzo Pisani?"

I go still at that name. I've heard it before, but where?

"Why did I get the confirmation from Vincenzo that the fucking heinous son of a bitch Mancini is, in fact, responsible and involved in everything that happened tomywife?" Creed seethes.

"For this exact reason."

I wince at Massimo's cold tone and his stoic expression.

"Fuck's sakes, Mass." Vito grabs Creed again to stop him from attacking Massimo. "Your grumpy motherfucker persona isn't exactly helping right now."

The tension in Massimo's broad shoulders eases, and he rubs his jaw. "Good to see you're not going soft, baby brother."

Creed's light blue eyes blaze with anger, but he half-snarls, half-laughs while shaking his head. "Explain yourself, Massimo."

"I didn't want to cause Sophie extra stress during her pregnancy, Creed. And as much as I wanted to pull you in on everything we've learned, you're not exactly level-headed when it comes to her—she would've known something was up." Massimo steps close and wraps his hand around his brother's nape.

The Santoro Brothers' love and loyalty to each other is well known in our world. If you fuck with one, you get them all. I watch the three brothers in fascination.

They're the polar opposites of my brothers. If this was Paulo and Emilio, they'd be going for the jugular. Paulo, my eldest brother, has said more than once that family is just as likely to slide a knife into your back as an enemy. I've always suspected he sleeps with a knife and a gun under his pillow because Emilio hates him and has never hid his resentment that he was second born—thespareheir, as my father liked to remind him.

"Vito and Raf have made sure that Sophie is protected, over and above the protection you already have in place, Creed. And Mancini has never made a move against Sophie since we recovered her from being delivered to that death ring."

I close my eyes as bile pushes into my throat. Massimo's family will never forgive what the Mancinis have done to them.

"Vincenzo was certain you have that fucking bastard's daughter." Malice laces Creed's tone, which cements my belief about Massimo's family. "Well, where is the little b—"

"Watch yourfuckingmouth," Massimo growls as he steps toward Creed, fisting his big hands.

Creed's eyes widen, and Vito steps in.

"Mass is the Don, Creed. And Vincenzo here has put everyone on edge."

Creed looks between his brothers, his brow furrowed. Vito loops his arm around his shoulder. "You keep your feet on the right side of the line and go to Triple S; she's going to be wondering what's going on. Gem can only accompany her for so long."

Creed turns to Massimo. "Brother—"

"I have it handled, Creed."

"Do you?" He studies Massimo. "Because if I'm reading this right, I see the threat to our family is actually escalated."

"I have it handled, Creed," Massimo asserts again. "Trust me, baby brother."

His jaw shifts as he regards Massimo and then Vito. "I do trust you…both of you. You know I'll always have your backs. And I know you're a strategic and intelligent leader, Massimo."

A look I can't decipher passes between the three brothers, and then Creed walks out the office door.

I'm left feeling bewildered, clearly missing whatever unspoken exchange just passed between them.

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