“I don’t know.” The corner of his mouth dipped again.
“You suspect someone.”
He made a show of looking at the imaginary watch on his wrist. “Time’s up.”
“Answer the fucking question.”
He flipped me the finger over his shoulder and strode into the house.
“Arrogant prick.” Sometimes I wanted out as much as Gabe, but other times I’d step into my father’s position in a hot second. It wasn’t about the wealth, though there was plenty of it. To have the respect and power my father enjoyed…
Unfortunately, Papa Joe had refused my offer. Repeatedly.
Since Joe Jr. had died, Gabe had become the chosen one. Joe knew the business; Pops had groomed him since he was a kid. Gabe, on the other hand, knew how to run a bar. He was in over his head.
Marco rounded the corner with two beers. “Thought you could use a cold one.”
“Thanks.” I downed half the bottle. “How much of that did you hear?”
“Enough.” Marco turned and looked out over the sea. “His delivery sucks, but he means well.”
“You know what they say about good intentions and paths, don’t you?”
“Keep talking to him. He needs to hear all sides.” He frowned.
Yes, but will he listen?“Too much is at stake for any of us to remain silent.”
Marco, being Marco, could only do serious for a few moments. He glanced back at me and grinned. “Hey, bro, Jessie is out with her parents tonight. You might as well go tuck Nicolina in.”
“I have no intention of spooning, or anything else, with Nico.”
He held up his hands and walked away.
I tended to follow orders and tow the party line, but I couldn’t do that with Nico—not if it meant marrying her. We’d end up killing each other.
I could walk away. Forget about all of this and see where things go with Shanna…