Page 25 of Consequences
He glares. “Respect is earned.”
I nod slowly. “It is. You both need to respect one another. His position is not just a Boss, but a Master. His Boys are very special and important to him, which is why he keeps them on such short leashes. They're loyal to him, and whether or not you have earned their loyalty as well is irrelevant. You arenothis equal.” I hold a hand up as he tries to protest. “You're not, Roman. Despite what you may think. You want to be respected as a Boss, and as someone worthy of his Boy’s love? Earn. It. You know better. Do not act like I didn't raise you right.”
His green eyes burn a fire I haven't seen since returning. And it makes me smile inwardly. Knowing that, no matter what happened, whatever he was forced to become, my son is still in there.
“What about my respect? The respect of Ignacio?”
“It doesn't work like that in their Family, you know that. You want a chance to stand by Ignacio’s side? Earn it. Apologize to Il Padrone. An actual apology, Roman. And understand he has final say and control over his Boys. I've allowed you to live your life as you see fit, but I do not want to see you destroy it because you forgot your manners.”
He looks so dejected, and my father's heart goes out to him. “I love him,” he says quietly. “I didn't plan it. I accepted when Tennant fell for Benjamin, and then Hollis fell for Lio. They deserve to have someone who is perfect for them, because I know I am not.
“But I didn't expect to find something I never knew I needed from a Martelli. I…I finally understand how Ten and Hollis could fall in love outside of us. What Ignacio gives me…it is something I don't want from anyone else, but with him, Ineedit. He is mine, plain and simple.”
I let his words sink in for a moment before signing, because I don’t dare say the words aloud. “Hollis went and fell in love with a Martelli? WithEmilio Martelli?”
Roman hesitates before nodding slowly.
Fucking hell. My family is trying to kill me.
Roman bites his lip before saying, “I also saw Antonio walking out of Jude's office looking fucked out earlier.”
Pinching the bridge of my nose, I raise a hand. “Stop. I…do not want to know. If I could, I'd kill all of you, becausefucking hell, Roman.”
“I know, but you can't help who you fall in love with.”
Letting out a humorless laugh, I take a few deep breaths and try to get my spinning thoughts under control.
“Right.” Placing my arms on the desk, I lean forward. “Here is what we're going to do. You are going to apologize to Il Padrone, andmeanit. You will accept whatever punishment and decision he makes regarding you and Ignacio. You will not argue. You want to be with his Boy? Prove you deserve it, and you respect his position. You're a good man, a good leader. Show him that. Make him have no choice but to respect who you are, and give him the same courtesy. Understand?”
A look of determination crosses his face, and he gives a short nod. “I won't disappoint you.”
“I know you won't. But do not disappoint yourself, Figlio Mio. Being a Boss means doing hard things, and fighting for whatever you want, but in a smart way. You want this life? You want a lover who belongs to someone else? Then fight for it. Show Il Padrone why you are the one for his precious Chaos.”
Roman smiles, a slightly cocky smirk, but one that gives me hope he'll do the right thing. Roman knows how to play the game. I just hope he remembers that when faced with Il Padrone’s contempt.
Fuck my life. I need a drink, or ten.
“Why isn’t he waking up?” I snap at Sarah as she draws closer. She eyes me warily before letting out a sigh. Refusing to feel guilty, I continue, “He’s opened his eyes several times, but isn’t fully out of this ‘coma’ you have him in.”
I don’t want to admit it, but the idea of a medically-induced coma doesn’t sit well with me. Not with my history. It must show on my face, as her consternation softens slightly. “Padrone, he will wake up when he’s ready. I have already backed off on the medication. All his vitals look good. Doc and I did another repeat test on his head injury and we’re both satisfied there’s no swelling. It takes time.”
At Emilio’s whimper, I shoot to my feet, unable to handle idly sitting next to him when he’s in pain. “There must be something wrong!”
“Keep it down, or I will have you escorted out,” the Amato doc threatens as he comes into view. I glare at him, but there’s nothing that affects him. Even imagining torturing him doesn’t help my frustration. “I will not have you upset other patients with your inability to control your emotions. You’re a Boss. Act like it.”
Sarah makes a choking sound, either from trying to stifle a laugh, or at the sheer audacity of this man trying to tell me what to do. Doc simply cocks one eyebrow, and I ruthlessly push down what I’d really like to say to him. If it weren’t for the deep respect I have for Cristian, I would very much let my opinion be known vocally.
“Padrone, please. We are doing everything we can. Sit down. You still need to recover as well.”
Sarah tugs me back down into the seat, checking over me as I grumble. I resist batting her away, barely, and only because I know she has no problem getting even. That and my Emilio would likely combine forces with her when he wakes up, which would not go in my favor.
“Everything is looking good, but I don’t want you to push it. Doc did a great job on taking care of the amputation site.”
“Of course, I did, Sarah.” Doc rolls his eyes and I grit my teeth, desperately trying to hold onto my temper. Sarah merely gives me a wink, and I relax slightly. It appears she enjoys fucking with him, which is fine, so long as it doesn’t affect the care Emilio is being given.
I tune out Doc and Sarah as they start going over lists and possibilities, even when their “discussion” becomes louder. I’m ready to point out that I was far quieter, when I notice Emilio’s eyes opening again. This time they don’t close immediately, and he takes in his surroundings in confusion until he meets my gaze.
“Daddy?”
