Page 74 of Devotion

“He sounds like a legend in your mind,” Van sniffs.

“He was! We lost Mom and Dad when I was six. Aless was the only parent I really remember.”

“A shame. Matvey and I did not lose our parents until later. Many happy memories with them.”

“I have a few. Christmas at the brownstone. Chasing Ero through Central Park, Mom screaming at us to stop. A few more that might just be implanted from seeing photos and hearing the stories. But you know how it is growing up in a big mob family. There are stories and then there are tales. The ones I heard the most were of Alessandro on his way up with Dom. I wanted to be like him so bad.”

“So what happened?” She side-eyes me.

“You’re very rude. I think I became like the version of him Iheardabout growing up.” I smile, shaking my head. I’ve never told anyone this stuff before. Never really analyzed it.

“Larger than life, no?”

“Exactly. And truth be told, he was. Guy was one hell of a leader. Never really wanted the job, though.”

“You are more like him than you think, then.”

“I can’t tell if that’s a good thing.”

“I am still deciding.”

“And I’m still trying to screw it up.”

“Take the old road up ahead on the right. It skirts the village,” she sidebars, stretching in her seat and yawning. “Who is next? Adriano?”

“Ah yes. Adri was the miracle baby. They lost a few between. The guy is a genius. And boring as fuuuuck. Organized, responsible. Wet. Rag. Which seems counterintuitive.”

“He kept the entire operation running, didn’t he?”

“Absolutely.”

“I think I can relate to this brother.”

“That makes him sound cool. Adri isnotcool.”

“Paperwork is never cool. It is necessary.”

“Yeah, yeah. Logistics, supplies. No wonder he was always so damn serious and quiet. Less dour than Aless for sure.”

“Firstborn, awkward middle child. What does that make you and Fiero?”

“Accidents?”

“Not true.”

“Aw thanks…”

“Only one of you can be accident. Other one is like bonus. Like collateral damage?”

“I’m about to collateral damage this car off this bridge.”

“Don’t be crybaby. I did not say which one you are. You have not told me about Fiero.”

“We called him Ero.”

“Error?”

“Ha. Why have I never thought of that?”

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