Page 7 of Taunt Me (Dark Odyssey 2)

Nothing like big brother to add to the shitty way I feel. Salvatore is one year older than me and thinks that gives him some level of authority to tell me what to do.

I guess I should be glad though that Vincent isn’t here.

The thought barely registers in my head when Vincent walks through the door.

“Oh fuck!” I growl and Vincent tenses up like he’s ready to breathe fire.

Vincent, my eldest brother is underboss andcapoto our family. Seeing him is as bad as seeing Pa. Pa who’s like the fucking Godfather.

Why are they here?

Mimi backs away from me, casts a glance their way and walks through the door. I don’t miss the look Salvatore gives her as she goes. It lingers and tells me he’s not just worried about her, he cares more than he’s shown.

It’s interesting and if I was feeling up to it or even like the man I was a few years back, who was just coping, I’d call him out on it.

“What do you want?” I ask them both. “Can’t you people just leave me alone? I’m entitled to be wasted after my birth night.”

“You were supposed to meet us with Roberto this morning, did you forget?” Vincent asks.

Oh fuck, of course I fucking forgot. Roberto is a main investor, Vincent another, for the hotel development business idea I was setting up with Salvatore. We wanted to buy property and start a chain of hotels in the Caribbean. We have the money it takes to get it up and running but having Vincent and Roberto on board would have taken our plans to the next level.

“Shit, I’m sorry.” I ball my fists and shake my head. I can’t believe I forgot all about the meeting. I don’t even have a recollection of needing to remember.

“Yeah you will be. Look, Gabriel…” Vincent face is stern and I know he’s not shitting around with me. He doesn’t accept shit like I’m grieving for a girl I lost ten years ago. He also makes a point of calling meGabrielto show me he’s serious. “We worked this morning out but the deals off if shit like this happens again.”

“Come on man, fucking hell.” I bare my teeth at him. The fucking business idea is the only thing that’s been keeping me going. I can’t lose it.

“Gabe… I don’t know what the fuck you think this is but I’m done with the shit. You have this place and I have my own ventures. I don’t exactly need a piddly hotel development company. We meet tomorrow at nine. If you don’t show, I’m out.”

That’s his final answer and I know not to try to talk him out of it.

He cuts me a crude stare and leaves. Salvatore stays behind. He’s the loyal brother who lingers, always there for everyone. Always there for me. The heart for lack of a better word? Because the man is just as ruthless as me with a temper worse than mine.

He’s looking at me with the same angst Vincent showed.

“You gonna leave too?” I ask, breaking the silence because several seconds have passed with him probably deciding if he wants to hack off my head or not.

“I am. I’m done too Gabe if you shit all over the plans tomorrow. It’s not the first time you’ve screwed with me, but it’s the fucking last.”

He’s right. I lost him a million dollar deal a few months back, so fuck yeah the man is right.

“I’ll show tomorrow,” I promise.

“You better, if you don’t I’m done with you.” That’s much stronger and harsher than what Vincent said.Done with me.

I’ve always been close to Nick, but that’s probably because he’s my kid brother and we’re watching out for when he loses his temper and gets himself in shit. Salvatore is the brother that has my back.

When he frowns I feel something else again. It’s his disappointment. His disappointment that somehow gets to me more than Mimi’s rage.

“I get it Gabe. I fucking get why you’re acting up like this. But it’s time to get over it. It’s well past time to get over it or you’re gonna lose everything including the people around you.” Salvatore shakes his head then leaves me.

I watch him go, wanting to say something but nothing comes to mind. Everyone’s right and losing everything is a scary thought.

I thought that happened already. I lie back and stare at the ceiling. I need to let her go.

I need to.

I just do because even now … even now, no one can touch her.

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