Page 6 of The Hitman's Rose

Snitch,I muse.

“The pleasure is mine, Signore Bianchi,” I smile. He laughs and shakes his head.

“Ademaro,” he corrects me. Giovanni chuckles and gestures for us to take our seats.

Ademaro stays standing as I take my seat that Jacobi is holding out. When I am seated, Ademaro takes his seat next to Giovanni then Mikael and Jacobi follow suit.

“Rosaline, I understand that you have a bit of cabin fever.” Giovanni leans back in his seat. I quickly turn a glare to Jacobi then Mikael. Giovanni laughs. “None of that. It’s written all over your face.”

“I’m fine, Signore Tacchelli.” I say sweetly, plastering a smile on my face.

“You’re a horrible liar,” he grins. My smile falls instantly and I sigh. “I know it’s been hard for you, Rosaline. And, I haven’t allowed you to leave because it hasn’t been safe; however, I will allow it now.”

“Really?” I ask a little too excitedly, making the entire room laugh. “Sorry,” I whisper.

My cheeks burn from embarrassment. I couldn’t help the emotion in my voice. I had been caged up for far too long and the thought of freedom made me erupt.

“There is no need to be sorry. You’re just anxious. Anxious because I’ve kept you cooped up for far too long,” Giovanni sighs. “It is my responsibility to keep you safe now that your father is gone, Rosaline.”

There’s sadness in his eyes. A few of the older guys, who knew my father, bow their heads out. No doubt out of respect.

“We will find the guy, Boss. Don’t you worry about that,” Valentino, a caporegime, vows loudly. “He will pay.”

“That he will,” Giovanni says coldly. “Rosaline?”

“Yes, Signore Tacchelli?” I ask softly.

“He will suffer greatly for what he’s put you, your sisters, and your mother through.”

It is the first time Giovanni has spoken about my father’s death. He has given me his condolences but never said a word in front of me about what will happen to the man responsible for pulling the trigger and ending my father’s life.

“Who pulled the trigger?” The question leaves my mouth before I even register that it is a thought. All eyes are on me but slowly Giovanni has the room’s attention. It was a question I meant to ask my sisters, Adrianna and Sofia; however, I could never find the courage to ask. I was too scared to hear the name because then it too would haunt my dreams.

“Mikolaj of the Polish Mob has claimed your father’s death,” Giovanni replies, looking me in my eyes.

“Mikolaj,” I repeat softly. The single word is neither a question nor a statement. It’s just a sound. A painful sound.

“Rosaline, are you okay?” Ademaro whispers. I look across the table at him. His eyes are filled with remorse.

“Of course. I am a Romano,” I smile.

It was the best Adrianna and Sofia response I could give. I needed my sisters’ strength at this moment. Without it, I would shatter to nothingness.

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