Page 92 of Carnal

"Shut up. We each had a woman with us," I fib.

"Thank God. I wouldn't ever be able to look at Flex or you the same," Gianni claims.

"Whatever," I mutter, then stretch my arms. "So, it was a quiet weekend?"

"Yep. No one to chase down and toss into the dungeon," Dante states.

I glance at him, biting my tongue, wanting to ask how he could be so loose-lipped to tell Pina about the dungeon. If Papà knew, he'd kill Dante.

"What?" he asks.

"Nothing." I jump on the treadmill and hit the program buttons.

"We do have a new problem to discuss," Papà announces, stepping on the elliptical next to me.

I hold in a groan. Of course there would be an issue the second I return from paradise. I was hoping to work out and get a few hours of sleep. Not sure what's happening, but my gut says I won't be getting any daytime rest. I face Papà, responding, "Yeah? What's that?"

"Jacopo Abruzzo called a meeting for the heads of the families," he reveals.

My stomach drops. The only thing anyone calls that type of meeting for has to do with the sex club.

"Probably trying to smooth over his asshole son's mistakes," Gianni sneers.

"It's at noon. Tristano, I want you to go with me," Papà asserts.

Shocked, I ask, "Me?" I've never been to those meetings. If Papà takes anyone, he always takes one of my other brothers. It's mostly Dante since he's next in line.

Papà nods. "Yes."

"Why?"

"Does there have to be a reason?" he questions.

"Yeah. You don't do anything without having a reason," I state.

Papà chuckles. "Fair enough."

"So? What's the reason?" I repeat, curious why I'm finally getting a seat at the table after all these years.

Papà takes a swig of water then replies, "Because you're ready."

An odd feeling fills me. I'm unsure what that means, nor did I know that before now, Papà didn't believe I was capable of attending these meetings. Part of me is interested in seeing what it's like, but the other part is insulted that he didn't have faith in me.

"Don't get too excited. It's normally boring as fuck," Gianni claims, selecting a speed rope.

Papà scowls at him. "Keep your comments to yourself."

"What? I want to kill half the men in there. The others I see enough of. If I never have to go to another meeting, I'm good," he declares.

Papà shakes his head then addresses Dante. "Take note of this. Someday, when all the pressures are on you, keep this little admission of your brother's in your head."

Gianni groans and then starts jumping rope.

I finish my workout, shower, and attempt an hour's nap, but I can't sleep. I text Pina.

Me:Are you tired?

Pina:Not too bad. Did you sleep on the plane?

---