Page 26 of The Seventh Circle
I nodded, thinking of Antonio waiting at the gate, of the confession I'd made to Father Giuseppe, of the feelings I could barely admit to myself. If Father knew what truly lived in my heart, what would he see? Weakness? Betrayal?
"There's another matter," I said, redirecting my thoughts. "Antonio Romano's family is being watched by Torrino's men. It appears Vito is planning retaliation for our market intervention."
Father's expression sharpened with interest. "The younger Romano. Your new favourite."
I kept my face carefully neutral. "He's proven valuable. His intelligence and restraint set him apart from our usual muscle."
"Paolo thinks you're overly invested in this soldier's welfare."
Of course he did. I maintained my composure despite the spike of panic. "Paolo should focus on his own responsibilities rather than monitoring mine. Romano is an asset worth protecting. Losing him to Torrino's vendetta would be wasteful."
Father considered this, sipping his brandy. "What do you propose?"
"A direct approach. Antonio and I will finish today's collections, then pay Vito and his ilk a visit. A final warning."
"Just the two of you?"
"A show of force would escalate matters unnecessarily. This requires finesse."
"Take Paolo with you," Father said, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "He's been asking for more responsibility. Besides, three Benedetto men send a clearer message than one with his favourite soldier."
I kept my face carefully neutral despite the complication. Paolo would be watching my every move, cataloguing every interaction with Antonio.
"As you wish, Father."
His lips curved in what might have been approval. "And if Vito doesn't respond to finesse?"
I met his gaze evenly. "Then we demonstrate why crossing the Benedettos is unwise."
He nodded slowly. "Very well. Handle it as you see fit." He set his glass down, signaling our conversation was ending. "But Lorenzo—"
"Yes, Father?"
"Don't mistake my permission for leniency. I expect full collections and a permanent resolution to this Torrino situation. Am I understood?"
"Perfectly."
"Good. The Vitelli dinner is next week. Sophia's father is eager to discuss their daughter's future prospects."
The abrupt shift to my father's matchmaking landed like a physical blow. I managed a tight nod. "I'll be prepared."
"See that you are. Our alliance with the Vitellis secures our southern territory. The dinner is an opportunity to strengthen that connection." He levelled his gaze at me. "Sophia is from good stock. Beautiful, well-bred. You could do far worse."
"I understand the importance of the Vitelli relationship," I said carefully.
"Your personal preferences are irrelevant when it comes to family alliances, Lorenzo. Remember that."
I bowed my head slightly—deferential, dutiful. The perfect son. "Family first, Father. Always."
He seemed satisfied with my performance. "Go. Deal with Torrino. Show him what happens when he threatens what belongs to us."
I left without another word, moving through the house with measured steps despite the urge to run. Only when I reached the courtyard did I allow myself a deep breath, filling lungs that felt starved for air.
Antonio stood by the gate, his posture alert but relaxed, a cigarette burning between his fingers. The morning light caught the angles of his face, the strong line of his jaw. Just the sight of him centered something in me—a compass finding north.
"Everything all right?" he asked as I approached, dropping the cigarette and crushing it beneath his boot.
"Yes," I lied, pushing Father's words from my mind. "Weshould get started on collections. The eastern quarter won't wait."
