Page 65 of Fortress of the King

The one thing you can’t fuck with is women and children. I tolerate almost everything except that.

Sometimes I think a twisted part of my soul makes up for the things I let slide, like when I find men who work for the likes of Mendes and Rombaldi. The truth is, I enjoy making them suffer. They don’t deserve to live.

“I’ll always do what’s best for the family, first,” I say after Mario’s done coughing again. “You not only taught me how to be a brute but also how to get people to respect me for it, crave it even. Nobody fears a man more than one who has the control of the city in his palm.”

He smiles, looking up at me with pride. “You’re a man of honor, Angelo.” He pats my hand as he holds onto it. “I’ll be gone soon, and when I am, remember this one thing: a man can only be measured not by the bodies he counted or the souls he took but by the people around him who stood by his side when the waters were rough. You’ll have many more enemies, Angelo. You’ll have to have your wits about you and be one step ahead of everyone else, that’s why you’re the king now. And long may you reign.”

I wish it didn’t have to be this way.

Mario is the one confident I have, aside from my brothers, who I trust implicitly. He’s always direct, even when I don’t want to hear it. Losing him will be hell on earth.

He’s the only father I’ve known for so long. I’d give my life for his if I could.

He closes his eyes to rest as I get lost in my thoughts.

No good can come from remembering the past. I, of all people, know that only too well.

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