Page 30 of The Beast

He rolls his eyes. “I can tell she’s comfortable around you and that’s just what she needs right now. To relax and possibly open up to someone. Allow the bad memories to be crushed by new happy ones and I’m guessing you’re the man for the job.”

“The only man.” I growl and he shakes his head. “Just take care of her and keep me updated. Bring her back to us, that’s all I ask.”

For some reason, his words make me emotional because earning his acceptance of the situation means more than he will ever realize. Angelo isn’t just one of my closest friends, he’s like a brother to me. They all are and entrusting me with his precious twin is the greatest gift he could ever gift me.

“I won’t let you down.”

My voice is rough and outlined in emotion and his dark, glittering eyes fix on me with a turbulent warning.

“She’s my only blood, Alessandro. She’s all I’ve got. Bring her back.”

I nod and swallow hard because I don’t want him to see how weak this is making me. I need to be strong and powerful to cope with the possibility Winter may never recover from the trauma of the past few years. Whatever Massimo did to her has had a devastating effect and as my thoughts turn to the monster currently wounded, but not dead, I growl ominously, “We have a visit to make.”

Angelo nods and I see the darkness swirl around him like the deadliest storm about to break and as we stand, we do so with one aim in mind. To make Massimo Delauren pay for his crimes against our family.

* * *

We headto my grandfather’s den, where he is waiting to fill us in. The ever-present soldiers are positioned at every turn, watching us move past with dark curiosity. They know I am the Don’s heir and I command a certain respect, but even I understand I must earn that if I am ever to gain their loyalty.

They respect my grandfather through past actions and he has lived a long and vengeful life because he is always one step ahead of his enemies and the soldiers who serve him hold a deep love for him. He treats them well and yet is hard and cruel when it counts, and I’ve learned a lot from him over the years.

As we stop outside his den, I take a deep breath and then nod to the soldier guarding the door and as he opens it, the scent of cigar smoke and brandy reaches out and draws me into the familiar.

“Alessandro.” My grandfather’s low, deep voice calls me in, and I move to his side and embrace him as expected. I kiss him on both cheeks, as is customary and he nods his approval and gestures to one of two seats placed opposite his own. Angelo approaches and shakes his hand, and I can tell my friend has his respect as he says, “Don Sontauro, I am honored to welcome you to my home.”

“Don Majerio, I am your loyal servant and must thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing my sister home.”

My grandfather nods, a contemplative glint in his eye, and as Angelo takes the seat beside me, he hands us both a glass of his favorite poison.

“Then we drink to a strong alliance.”

We raise our glasses and, as we drain them, I wonder what he has in mind. We both owe him our souls and knowing my grandfather, he will enjoy possessing them and will waste no time in calling in the favor.

“Massimo.” My grandfather shakes his head. “The madness was distressing to watch. Portia was right to bring it to my attention.”

Thinking of my grandfather’s mistress, I’m still queasy about the whole set up and the twinkle in his eye doesn’t make me feel any better as he says with pleasure, “An enjoyable trip that was cut short. I won’t leave my return one so long.”

He laughs at the disgust on my face and whispers, “Don’t judge me because until you walk in a man’s shoes, you haven’t earned the right. Maybe one day you will tread the same path. Many of our ancestors learned the lesson and realized the importance of options.”

Like my friend beside me, I have zero intentions of that and just nod politely to bring an end to this disturbing conversation. My grandfather sighs heavily. “I am happy to welcome Winter back into the family. I am guessing she willbefamily, given the lengths my grandson has gone to.” He looks slyly at Angelo, probably to gauge his reaction, and my friend just nods and says firmly, “I would be honored if Winter was welcomed into such a fine family as the Majerio one.”

My grandfather puffs on his cigar and appears to be in a thoughtful mood and I say hastily, “You have something we want.”

As he blows out the smoke rings, he chuckles. “I wondered how long it would take you. I expected you to be eager to play with our new guest.”

“Where is he?”

“Under lock and key, although his accommodation is not as salubrious as the one your friend here will enjoy.”

“Can we see him?”

Angelo is as desperate as I am, and my grandfather nods.

“Of course. Allow me to accompany you.”

I stare at him in surprise because my grandfather doesn’t usually get involved in the hard stuff anymore. He prefers to let his enforcers earn their generous pay, but I’m guessing, as always, he’s testing me, ensuring I’m capable of taking the top job and making him proud.

As we follow him through the double doors that lead out onto the terrace, I take a deep breath of Sicilian air. It always calms my raging thoughts because my homeland may be turbulent and unforgiving, steeped in retribution and sinister dealings, but it’s always been a place I love with all my heart.

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