An audible groan erupted from Bellagio, Nick, and me.
“My point is,” Joey inhaled a deep breath, “I’m accepting this and will make sure these violent delights don’t have vi—”
“No.” I arched a brow, chugging the flute of champagne. What started as a toast, brought reality back.
“Violent ends.” Sofia sighed. “I’m not sure that’s possible.” She lifted one delicate hand to her cheek and drank her beverage in two gulps with the other.
“I’m not going to let that go.” Nick snapped about her injury before guzzling his drink as well.
“Baby, come on.” I took Sofia’s hand, leading her upstairs.
She did not need to be present while business was discussed. The topic of her father would surface as we were all ready to kill him for many reasons. My only reason was him hurting my wife, but it was enough. Did I need another reason?
As we entered the bedroom, she spun and threw her arms around my neck. I yanked her to my lips and assaulted her tongue with mine. This woman had me wrapped around her finger from the moment I got in the car with her that night at the club. She was the only person on the planet I would ever allow to control me. Not that she wanted to, but I would burn the entire world down for her. As much as I did not want to break the kiss, I reluctantly peeled myself away.
“I love you so much, Mrs. D'Angelo.” I smirked against her soft mouth.
She leaned her head back and peered into my eyes. “I love you so much.” She sighed. “Would I be a complete party pooper if I wanted to sleep? I haven’t slept well in days, and I finally feel content and safe enough to sleep.”
I nodded, smiling. “Yes, baby. Please sleep. I’ll come check on you in a little while.”
I hoped she would still love me once I murdered her father, but it was a chance I would have to take. Sofia sat on the bed and bent over, grabbing her stiletto. I kneeled and removed her heels for her and placed them next to the bed neatly. I stood and leaned over, pressing my lips to her forehead.
“Go take a long, hot bath and relax. I’ll be back.”
16
“What are we discussing now?” I entered the basement game room carrying a beer I grabbed from the refrigerator on the way down.
Joey, Bellagio, and Nick were laughing and drinking brown liquor from rocks glasses.
“I actually like this guy.” Joey chuckled, pointing at Nick.
“You're drunk.” I shook my head with a smirk as I set my beer on the edge of the pool table and picked up a cue. I took a blue square of chalk and twisted it on the tip.
Joey stepped over and arranged the billiard balls in the black triangle rack. “So, we're going to kill their dad huh?” He picked up his glass off a half wall and took a sip.
Taking the white cue ball in my hand, I tossed it in the air then caught it and laid it on the table. “Painfully.” I aimed the tip of the stick at the white ball, lining up my shot. I forced it forward with a powerful blow. A loud crack echoed as the balls scattered all over the black felt surface. Two stripes zipped into pockets. I groaned. “I hate when I'm stripes.” A vibration came from my pocket, and I slid my phone out, checking the caller ID. My smile quickly faded.
Hello?
Yes, hello, is this Gavino D'Angelo the son of inmate, Silvio D'Angelo?A man replied.
Uh yeah?
This is The Island Correctional Facility and we have been unable to get in contact with your mother. You are second on the list of people I am to reach out to. I am calling to inform you of the demise of your father.
My face dropped and my pool cue fell to the floor. A fucking phone call?! Do they not do this shit in person?! I felt the blood draining from my face as the man continued.
We're deeply sorry sir. You have our extended sympathy for your loss, and we need someone to come fill out paperwork at your earliest con—
WHAT DO YOU MEAN MY FATHER'S DEMISE?! I bellowed into the phone at the top of my lungs.My father is dead?! How the fuck did he die?! What the fuck is going on?!
Sir, we will need to go over the details with you and your mother in person.
I ended the call instantly and hurled my phone against the wall as hard as I could. It shattered, sending fragments flying everywhere. Thankfully, I had a backup in my other pocket. I buried my face in my palms and fell back on a nearby couch.
Nick sighed. “Gav—”