“Think about it. Think what a marriage to Nico would mean.”
What the hell is she talking about?“Besides being roped into a relationship Nico and I don’t want?”
“You’d grow to love her over time.” My mother lowered her voice to a conspirator’s level. “You could have everything you want. With the Lazios backing you, you could take over for your father here in Sicily.”
My grip on the phone tightened. Is she fucking serious? “Gabe is getting us out.”
“Gabe is letting his love for Maggie and the kids get in the way of common sense. You are smart. Smart enough to know it’s impossible to walk away from this life.”
I’d heard enough. She’d all but admitted she was working against my brothers. Worse, she expected me to do the same. “Are you listening to yourself? You’re suggesting I stage a coup against my own brother?”
“Don’t you understand?” She sighed. “Once you’re in charge, you will have the authority to allow Gabe to go free. This marriage is the only way everyone gets what they want without bloodshed.”
Everyone except me, Nico, and my father. “Not five minutes ago Pops shot me down when I asked him to name me his successor.”
“Your father’s dying.” Her voice cracked. “Would you see me bury your brothers, too?”
Pinching the bridge of my nose, I sucked in a deep breath. “No.”
She sniffled into the phone. “I want you to be happy, but that Jewish girl is trouble.”
“Goodbye, Ma.” I disconnected the phone.