Page 43 of Carnal

"But?" I push and reach for the body wash, adding, "You're not the firstborn. There's a hierarchy established. You don't have to be all touchy about the subject."

"Thanks for the 101 on how my family works. Glad you've been paying attention," he seethes, then steps out of the shower.

I rinse off, shave my armpits, then turn the water off. I reach for a towel and wrap it around my body, following Tristano to the sink.

He takes the toothbrush I gave him and puts paste on it.

I slide in front of him. "Hey!"

He grinds his molars and locks eyes with me.

I admit, "I'm not sure why you're upset."

Several tense moments pass. He finally confesses, "It sucks being the youngest male in my family. You chose your position, I didn't."

My pulse creeps up. "You don't like the family business?"

He sighs. "Didn't say that."

"Then what's the issue?" I press.

He glances at the ceiling then back at me. "I'm the last on the totem pole, and I can't do anything to change it."

His admission surprises me. I always assumed Gianni got the unlucky straw since he's only a few minutes younger than Dante. Now that Tristano's voiced his feelings, I can see how it would be difficult to be in his shoes. I've always wanted to be someone in charge. Even though Dante's my boss, I've learned how to take control in the office. Over the years, we've established our boundaries, and Dante knows not to cross certain lines with me. If it has to do with my duties, I call the shots. But as Tristano stated, I chose this position. He didn't get to pick his.

I reach up and cup his cheek, trying to focus on the positive. "How many men answer directly to you, working on your projects?"

He shrugs. "Dozens."

"And how many men are under them?"

"Hundreds. And you already know this, so what's your point?"

"Seems to me you have lots of power. Any of those men would love to be in your shoes," I assert.

He steps to the side of me and turns the water on and replies, "Forget I said anything." He brushes his teeth.

I grab my brush and add paste to it. I continue, "I'm not disregarding your feelings. I can see how it would be annoying at times."

He grunts, keeps brushing, then spits in the sink. He mumbles, "Try almost every day." He opens the bottle of mouthwash and takes a swig.

"I can sympathize," I offer, then brush my teeth.

He swishes, spits, then sits on the counter, studying me.

I finish then ask, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Doesn't it ever get to you?"

"What's that?" I take a capful of mouthwash.

"Taking orders from Dante. Hell, taking orders from my brothers and even me at times."

I swish, then spit, wipe my face, and step in front of him.

He palms my ass and arches his eyebrows. "Well? Does it?"

"I don't work for you and your brothers. Anything I do for you three is because you beg me to help," I chirp.

---