Page 36 of His Broken Queen

“No one is asking you to,” Gio said.

“It doesn’t matter what those results proved.” I finished my drink. “Our father was no better than Antonio, but at least Antonio managed to live, and got you an education. Our father left us to the streets. Sure, we had money, and a lot of it, but we were trained for this life at an early age. That's all we know.”

“That's all I know,” Rocco said. “And now, after thirty years of believing I was a Torrio, I find out my whole life was a lie. I don’t know where I belong, but I have to figure it out.”

“You will.” Gio poured another round. “Right now, we all have to be on guard. We have to find the bastard who is targeting us.”

“Has there been any progress with finding out who was responsible for the attack on your home?” Rocco asked. “Now that Morgan is gone, the investigation will slow down.”

“That’s what we want.” I downed my vodka. “I don’t need their interference.”

“Would it be okay if I had a look at the security footage from that night?” Rocco finished his drink. “Maybe if I look at it with a fresh set of eyes, I might see something you missed.”

“That’s a good idea,” Gio said. “I’ll send it to you.”

I sat down at the desk, and scrolled through my phone as Gio and Rocco made small talk. Gio was a good judge of character, but he was more trusting than I was. As Rocco talked, I noted his mannerisms. They were more familiar than I had realized. Studying his strong profile, I saw the resemblance that I hadn’t found before. His dark hair and olive colored skin could have easily been the result of Torrio DNA. We were all Italian, and had some of the same genetic traits, but now that I really looked at him, the truth couldn’t be concealed any longer. I saw my father’s eyes, Gio’s jawline, and my tall, muscular frame.

When Rocco took a seat by the window, his posture was straight and his speech so articulate. He commanded respect. I always pegged him as being the smartest Torrio, and now I know why. He was a Bilotti the whole time.

“What do you think?” Gio’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.

“About?” I looked at him.

“Weren’t you listening?” Gio waved his hand to dismiss me. “Never mind.”

“I should get going.” Rocco headed toward the door. “I need to tell Vincent and Sandro about these results.”

“Rocco.” I stopped him before he could leave. “You’re still the same person you were this morning.”

“But you have two more brothers,” Gio said. “If you want them.”

“I appreciate it.”

When he opened the door, Luciana stood on the other side with her hand up as if she was about to knock.

“Oh.” She tucked her hair behind her ear. “I didn’t realize you were here.”

“I was just leaving.” Rocco smiled. “You look lovely.”

“I…ah.” Lu looked at me from the doorway as she fidgeted with the hem of her dress.

She wore a simple black dress, light makeup dusted her face, and her hair was blown out in a sleek, long style. This was the first time since Stella’s death that she appeared like herself. Her stunning beauty took my breath away, and I might have told her if I wasn’t seeing red.

Did she honestly believe I would approve of this?

“Going somewhere?” I came around and joined them at the door, and true to her character, she backed away from me.

“I, well, I’m going to Stella’s funeral.”

“The fuck you are.”

Chapter 11

Luciana

This was a hard sell, but I wouldn’t let Romero talk me out of it. I needed to do this.

“I have to go,” I said. “I’m not asking.”

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