Page 96 of Carnal

"One day, I hope for your father's sake you learn to shut the fuck up," Bram Wilson, head of the Scottish mafia, states.

Biagio gives him a look of death.

Sergio nods. "Then let's vote. All those in favor of Biagio getting a three-month suspension, hold your hand up and say aye."

Most of the room holds up their hands, shouting, "Aye," including Abruzzo allies.

"Opposed, hold your hand up and say nay," Sergio instructs.

Fewer than six men take that option.

"It's settled, then. The Marinos on the tape get a month's suspension. Biagio gets three. And I will also put this out here while we're all in the room. Any more trouble from you, and it'll be an indefinite suspension," Sergio warns Biagio.

I barely taste my food. I spend the rest of the meal scowling at Biagio, wanting to kill him. When he smirks at me, it's settled. One day soon, he's going to meet his maker.

16

Pina

A Few Weeks Later

"Don't get upset with me,"Tristano states.

The scent of garlic butter fills the air. I turn off the stove and move the saucepan to the unlit burner. "This is the third time you've done this to me."

He throws his hands in the air. "What do you want me to do, Pina? Until Dante and Gianni are allowed back into the club, it's all on Massimo and me."

I cross my arms, glaring at him. "I've made you dinner three times. Not once have you eaten it. Every time, you leave me with a kitchen full of hot food to run off to the club."

"You know I don't have a choice."

"Do I?"

His eyes widen. "What does that mean?"

I scrub my face, frustrated and angry.

"Well, don't stop talking now," he hurls.

"Fine. I'll tell you. You banned me from the club, but you're constantly there. Gee, I wonder why," I sneer.

"Working. I'm there working, and you know it," he claims.

"Oh, I'm sure you're working it. Especially with lipstick marks near your ear!"

His face turns red. He steps closer and lowers his voice. "I told you, Chanel hugged me and kissed my cheek, just like she always does. End of story. You can ask her if you don't believe me."

My emotions stew inside me. I don't believe Chanel would ever do anything with Tristano or he with her. However, I hate that Tristano's there without me.

He declares, "I don't know why you even want to go to the club. We can do everything at your place in Manhattan or here."

I stay quiet, my heart beating faster.

His face darkens. "Are you not happy with us? Do you need to do what you used to there?"

I sigh, admitting, "No. Of course not."

"You sure?"

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