Page 48 of Did My Heart Love Till Now?

I averted my gaze.

“Shit.” He growled. “That’s it. I’m fucking done. We’re leaving tomorrow!” He stood and marched to the door but spun around. “I have a plan and will need you to go along with it. Just don't fuck it up or we're both going to die.” He exited the room and closed the door lightly.

Sighing, I rolled over and pulled my reading light out of my nightstand and held it to the papers. I skimmed over the words and examined the photos. I knew this would be in my best interest but what about Gavino? I suddenly became sad again as I couldn't bear the fact my father was after his blood now. I fell back on my pillow, sobbing.

I decided to read through the binder to familiarize myself with the meeting. It was the right decision to make. It was dangerous to walk into a situation not knowing what to expect. That would have been an amateur move on my part. I was trying to be better about making decisions that would protect not only myself but those around me. It wasmy duty now.

As the black Cadillac Escalade pulled into a shipyard, I tossed the binder onto the black leather seat next to me and took a deep breath. Resting my elbow on the arm rest, I ran my thumb back and forth over my bottom lip. The shipyard was creepy as hell. Several docks lined a cement wall, stretching out into the water. A small cargo ship’s crew was busy unloading boxes.

Federico glanced back at me from the front passenger seat. “Are you ready for this?”

I shrugged, peering out the window at a swaying sailboat in the water. My eyes scanned to the other side of the SUV, studyingthe enormous, abandoned building with a faded mural on the side that read Lucky’s Fish Co. Peeling my gaze away, I focused back on Federico, nodding. He and the driver exited the vehicle.

Joey nudged my side, mumbling. “You're about to step into another world.”

I snapped my head toward him. “What are you talking about?”

He glanced passed me and I peered back over my shoulder to Federico who was holding the car door open. Returning my gaze to Joey, I tightened my jaw. “Answer my question.”

“Time to go,” he lifted his chin toward the warehouse, “Boss.”

Inhaling a deep breath, I nodded faintly before stepping out of the car. I unbuttoned my jacket, checking the shoulder holster for my gun. Joey stepped out behind and stood to my right. I buttoned my jacket back up and smoothed my suit. As I checked my surroundings, I said a silent prayer, hoping I would not die before I got the chance to see Sofia again. This was supposed to be a routine meeting. Unfortunately, I trusted less people than I could count on one hand. “How do I look, J?” I mumbled under my breath, straightening my tie.

“Like your dad.”

Truth be told, I took that as a compliment. As much as I hated the rivalry with the Barone family, I only hated it because I was in love with Alphonse Barone's daughter, and he had hurt her. For every other reason, I understood the rivalry since I had become involved. It was not the easiest of lives, but it was rewarding when I did what I was supposed to. I felt powerful now, like it was the right fit. However, it was hard to fully commit when my heart and body rested with the enemy's daughter.

I wanted to follow the rules of the family, but I also wanted to create my own, changing most of the outdated expectations. After all, I was in charge now and who knew when or if my father would get out of prison. Silently, I sighed, thinking about how I wanted him to see me doing well with this after he called me so many names. Would he respect me once he knew I would never bend the knee to him ever again? It was no longer his position. It was mine.

Bellagio exited a nearby car and approached quickly. “She’s secure where she belongs.”

I exchanged a quick glance with Federico who offered a curt nod. “Good.” My eyes focused back on the warehouse and glazed over with a feeling of human detachment. “J, why does it feel like my eyes just glazed over with anger and now I feel like I’m in kill mode?”

Snickering under his breath, he took a step closer. “It means you're ready.”

Federico led us to the entrance of the warehouse and slid open a door. Cautiously, Bellagio stepped through first, followed by me. The rest trailed behind closely into the large, open main room of the warehouse. Sliding my hands in my pockets, I scanned the massive room.

Men were busy packing boxes, chatting, or patrolling the room. Two forklift drivers were arranging pallets of shipments in the back while four stood to the side, smoking. It felt as if I were watching a colony of ants working hard. Were they here on their own free will?

The room began to silence throughout as they noticed us, or rather, me. Eyes darted around among themselves as they appeared to wait for orders. Federico stepped in front of me and turned his back to them. He held his arms out to the side. "This is how you make eighty percent of your money." He rotated back to the men. “Get back to work!”

Without hesitation they continued doing the task they had been assigned. I offered no response to Federico as I watched. Joey, able to read my mind as always, leaned sideways close to my ear.

“They work for you.”

I nodded once in acknowledgement.

“This way.” Federico took the lead as we paraded to a hallway and sauntered to a dead end with a door. Walking into the room first, he stepped to the side. Three men stood in the center of the room. The man in the middle crossed his arms high on his chest, glaring at me with soulless eyes. The others on each side held a single, black briefcase at their side.

Here goes nothing. Clearing my throat, I buried all doubt. “Gentlemen.”

“We haven't met.” The man in the middle spoke first. His deep, robotic tone seemed too cavernous to be real. “I’m Louis and this is Toes. And him over here?” He jerked his head toward the other man. “He don’t matter.”

“Toes?” I brought my hand to my chin, squinting. “Dare I ask?”

“Your dad chopped off the toes on my right foot.” He shrugged it off like it was no big deal. “I walk funny now.”

Savage, dad. I raised my eyebrows, smirking. “Well, let’s do this, shall we?” I gestured toward the metal table behind them as I waltzed to the other side.

---