Page 45 of Worship
Dom looks at me, and we exchange a silent understanding.
She’s becoming a real problem, not just something I’m acting out against.
Antonio folds his hand of cards.
“She’s not a problem yet, but it’s heading that way, and Luca, whoever she’s with has a ‘no touch’ order out.”
My jaw tenses because I know exactly what that means. She’s being protected. If I were to try and get rid of Shelby, permanently, that would be the same as declaring all-out war with the Chicago mob. And the brothers who sit at this table would have to choose.
I look around the table at their faces, thinking of what could happen. Antonio, Nico, Vincenzo, Matteo, even Dante would all be forced into an impossible situation. Would they all choose my side? Have I earned their loyalty? More importantly, are they afraid of me…just enough?
I rub my jaw and put my palms on the table, stretching my arms straight, and look up at the ceiling.
“So, Shelby is making a play for someone she thinks is more powerful, but the question is…why? Why would she need to? To intimidate me into letting her go, or is she after more?” I ask to no one in particular.
“Ella?” Vin throws out, grabbing two cards he’s exchanged.
“No, she might try and use Ella as leverage, but she doesn’t want her,” I answer, still contemplating her move. I can’t help but feel like I’m missing something.
Nico waves off, raising his bet. “But if it comes to that, you’ll have hard decisions to make, Luca.”
I set my cards down and look at their faces, my gaze landing on each man.
“I’m not in the business of taking lives, fellas. Just keep your ears open and let me know what you hear. Thank you for always having my back. You know I’ve always returned the favor, and that doesn’t stop now. We’re family.” I mean it.
These men are like brothers to me, and I won’t see them caught up in whatever my beloved wifey has planned for me. Looks like it’s time to tighten her noose.
“I can speak for everyone here,” Vincenzo says, “that no matter what happens, this is our family, not the one our fathers have created. You will always have my loyalty, Luca. My choice, all our choices, were made for us as kids. They demanded our sacrifices, but now that I’m a man, I choose who I sit with. Questa è la nostra unica vera famiglia.”This is our only true family.
The others nod their approval, and Dom leans back in his chair, giving me a nod.
“The only way I plan to fuck you over, brother, is to take your money.”
He flips his cards to reveal four aces, and the entire table begins to swear and toss their cards down as I smile.
The fellas stayed too long, like they always do, but it was a good night. I made out with two grand more of Antonio’s money and even managed to have a good time despite the bullshit that clutters my thoughts.
I check on Ella and then head to my room down the hall. I’m worn-out, and all night I’ve been thinking about every angle, every move I can make to simplify the problem with Shelby. I need to find out what she wants because it’s hard to believe it’s just her freedom. And if that’s what she’s looking for, she’s in for a rude awakening, I hate her for what she’s done to me, but that’s not the only driving influence for Shelby’s suffering. No. It’s what she’s giving Ella.
Ella will carry the burden of growing up knowing she was unwanted by her mother. And when my daughter wants to know what I did for her, how I tried to reason with her mother, stop Shelby from doing this to her, I’ll be able to tell Ella that I couldn’t stop Shelby but that I did punish her.
Tuesday
IT’S ONLYTUESDAY, BUTI need it to be Friday. This day will be the one that does me in. The only highlight is my text from Luca. He didn’t call me last night like he said he would, but I was pretty happy about that. I could use some time to sit in my thoughts without him clouding my judgment.
Luca: Sorry I missed our call last night. I got hung up until late.
Me: It’s not a big deal. I wasn’t waiting by the phone.
Luca: Ouch.
Me: Lol.
Luca: I thought about some things. I sent you something. Trust me, you’ll need it. I just think enough’s enough. Get to work.
I sit and reread it. What the hell does this mean?
Me: What? If that’s supposed to make any sense, it doesn’t.
