Page 105 of Single Malt Drama

My father jabbed his finger on the intercom button. “Giancarlo, finish it with the Grassos.”

No. Please, God no. My chest burned as if my heart had gone up in flames. Why hadn’t I kept my mouth shut?

My brother’s voice came through the line. “You can’t ask me to do that. They are like family.”

“I’m not asking. I’m telling. You do it, or I’ll have them taken apart piece by piece while the other watches.”

Something inside me snapped. I believed with every fiber of my being he’d do as he said. I’d never forgive myself if I sat quiet while his men hurt Maria and Alessio. He’d win if I fought him, but I’d lose either way. I’ll give him what he wants—Anything he wants—including breaking myself wide open on his altar, to save them.

“What do you want from me? Name it. I’ll give it gladly, but let them go, Papá. Let them go!” Screaming like a lunatic, I fell to my knees. “I’m begging you. Please don’t do this.”

Giancarlo said something, but I couldn’t hear him over my pulse pounding in my ears.

My father smiled a smile that sent shivers down my spine and came around the desk. Setting his hand on my shoulder, he leaned in to whisper, “That’s better.”

I could hear my brother breathing on the other end of the intercom. Thankfully, he’d stopped talking.

My father walked back to his desk and pulled out the damned contract Marco and I had signed.

He’s going to force me to have the marriage dissolved. I pressed my hand to my stomach and prayed for the strength to let Marco go.

His gaze boring into me, he tore the paper in two, stacked it, tore it again, and again, until there was nothing left but confetti.

Giancarlo didn’t tell him? He doesn’t know how I feel about Marco. I gave him my best horrified expression.

“Your life for theirs, Nico. That is what I demand. You will remain here, in this house, married to a man you planned to leave.”

I hung my head, covered my face and pretended to cry. For the first time in my life, I was glad my father had ignored me. He didn’t know me well enough to know real tears from fake ones. As for where Marco and I would live, I’d worry about that another day.

Giancarlo cleared his throat. “The Grassos?”

Our father huffed. “Return them to their home in Trapani.”

At least they will be alive. Not free, but alive. My heart broke for Maria and Alessio, but I’d make it right as soon as I could.

“Yes, sir.” The line clicked and went silent.

“For Christ’s sake, get off the ground, Nicolina.” He reached for me.

I forced myself to remain limp and impassive.

“Cheer up. As you said, you are the wife of the Marchionni capo.” He smiled again, just as evil as the first. “Think about it. A merger between the two strongest families. We will be unstoppable.”

“I thought Gabe and the others wanted out of the Cosa Nostra?” I played dumb in hopes he’d share more of his plans with me.

He waved his hand. “Once that old goat Joe and Gabriel are dead, that nonsense will end.”

“You’re going to hurt Gabe?” My voice caught.

“I have no need to do anything to Gabriel Marchionni. He and his father have done it to themselves. They broke the Omertá.”

Bile rose in my throat, and the all too familiar feeling of motion sickness while sitting still returned. I’d warned Marco about that damned statement about the mayor. “They violated oath of secrecy?”

“They released family secrets to the media in order to stop the Abruzzos from infiltrating New Orleans.” He chuckled. “It worked. Abruzzo heads will roll, but so will Gabe Marchionni’s.”

“But you control the votes. You can stop this. Think about it. Marco will be forever in your debt if you spare his brother.” I hated myself for giving him any leverage against Marco. I only hoped my husband would understand I’d done it to prevent him from mourning another brother.

“The Abruzzos’ place in the Fratellanza is tenuous. They no longer have a vote. Thanks to that stupid American waitress, the balance has shifted, and my influence is limited.”

So that’s it? Gabe dies?I needed to get out of there before I vomited on the antique Persian rugs. “I’m very tired. May I go to my room?”

He curled his upper lip and looked me over as if seeing me for the first time since I’d walked into his office. “Get some rest and find something to wear besides those rags. Your husband is being named capo of the Marchionni family tomorrow. His wife is expected to be by his side at the ceremony.”

I’ll see Marco tomorrow?I caught myself smiling, but it faded as quickly as it came.

I had a problem, and I hadn’t seen this one coming. One look at the two of us together, and my father would know we were in love. He’d know I’d duped him. I had to get a message to Marco, or Maria and Alessio’s lives would be in danger. Again.

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