Page 62 of Sweet Lies

“I accept; it will be done,” I respond, as matter of fact as if this were any other job. It seems like Rebecca and I both have choices to make.

There’ll be no going back on this decision—lines were being drawn and wars started.

* * *

Instead of preparing myself for the following weeks with calls and weapons, I find myself with Elijah in his recently purchased house. It’s similar in size to the place they lived in as children. The last time I was here, it was sparse on furniture, but now it appears fully decorated, from luxury couches to knick-knacks. It felt more like a home, thanks to Lily, I guessed. Never would I have imagined Elijah would fall head over heels for a woman. I always believed he would marry for an alliance—a cold partnership; instead, he’s found his match in every way that matters.

Elijah’s office is extensive, with an oak desk and built-in bookcases. Vast windows look out into the gardens.

Elijah leans against the bookshelf with a thoughtful expression. “Do you know who it was?” he asks once I finish telling him about the phone call.

“I didn’t recognize the voice. He knew about me.”

He huffs. “Many people know about you in our circle. You’ve made a name for yourself. Is it possible even if we track down who made the phone call that someone else is calling the shots?” He pushes away from the bookshelf.

“It is. Sometimes my bosses don’t want to make it easy to locate them so they have someone else make the call,” I answer as he walks to the large bay window and stares out with his hands clasped behind his back.

“And you believe he bought the lie that you would do the job.”

“Yes. I’ve never gone back on my word before. They have no way of knowing all the history that connects us. They could always call in others and pay whoever finishes the job first, but that isn’t as common. It depends how much they trust me and how much they need him dead.”

“I’m a little surprised that you came to me with this information. You made your choice.”

I think for a moment about my next words. With Elijah Rossi, they could always be my last. “It’s not you I chose, old friend.”

He glances down at the ground, and I know he’s thinking about the past and everything Rebecca and I aren’t telling him. He laughs a little as if he can’t come up with another option.

“Let’s keep this between us for now. Let them believe I know nothing and that you’ll complete the job. For now, that’s more useful to us than having the truth out.”

“Are you going to tell Claire?” I ask.

“Not yet. It will put her on high alert. In time, I’ll tell her and Alex.”

“You’re the boss,” I answer, smiling as he nods and grins back.

“For what it’s worth, I’m glad you’re back with us,” he says.

I laugh. “Careful, old man—your sisters will think you’ve gone soft. Are you going to keep your deal with Bec when all this is over? Can you leave her alone?”

“Because she shot me?” he asks, his face twisting, and I know he understands my meaning even if he doesn’t want to admit the truth.

“No, because she’s your sister. I know you. You would have moved heaven and hell for her at one time.”

“It’s a deal in blood,” he answers as if it’s that simple. But it’s never that easy for the Rossi siblings.

I mustn’t look convinced because he adds, “Time will tell. She’s wanted out our whole lives. This is her chance, and I won’t stand in her way.”

“Do you believe the others will simply let her live her life?” I ask.

“They will if they want to survive,” he answers simply.

“Is this plan of yours going to work?”

“Everything is in place. I’ve waited long enough, made sure everything is lined up perfectly. We’ll be the most powerful family soon enough. I’ve made sure of it. You’ll need to decide if you want to stay when all this is over. I need a right hand.”

“I thought you had one lined up?”

“I do. He’s a good man and has a head for our business, but he isn’t you. You were always going to be my second. The job’s still yours if you want it.”

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