Page 17 of Nicco

“So this is real? Your brother is a mafia boss? I should’ve known. He was just too smooth. He was just like you.”

I wasn’t sure if that was a compliment or an insult.

“I think there might be an official ceremony or something, maybe a party. I don’t know how the whole thing works. It’s my first time coming here to his house and it will be my first time meeting these people. I know he was the underboss and now he’s the boss. I don’t know the ins and outs of this life, his life.”

“Okay, well. We’re leaving after the funeral, right?”

“Yes, babe. We’re going home.”

“I can’t believe you keep all of this from me.”

“Would you had believed me if I told you all of this before?”

“Yes. I would because as far as I knew, we didn’t lie to each other.”

Her words sliced my throat like her tongue was a Katana. I didn’t even have any words that could compete with her brutal and honest assessment of the situation.

“I mean, all the bodyguards are weird, but I just thought Nicco was just very wealthy.”

“They’re for his protection. All of the Bregoli’s have some form of protection. As I Donovan, I’m fine. No one knows how I am.”

“Security knows. I’m sure there are other people who know. It won’t be a secret for long.”

“I know this is a lot to toss at you, but I need you to bear with me. This will all be over soon.”

“It’s more than I expected, that’s for sure.”

“How do you feel about it?”

“I’m pissed off. I want to get back to Chicago and away from all of this extra illegal shit.”

“And we will. Bria, don’t let this affect our relationship.”

“That’s up to you, mister. I want you to be honest with me from this point forward.”

“Of course. I will.”

“Lord, you can tell me anything. I might not like it, but you have to be honest.”

“I know. I will. I promise. After all of this is over, we will be back in Chicago.”

“I can’t wait. All of this Mafioso stuff gives me the creeps.”

“There’s one more thing.”

“What now?” She snapped.

“I have to leave and go somewhere with Nicco this morning.”

“And I’m not invited.”

“He wants me to go to the morgue.”

“Why? Why you?”

“There was an autopsy, and he wants me to be there when he gets the results. It’s nothing big. He just wants me there.”

“Fine. I will sit here in this penthouse suite. Better yet, I’ll go downstairs to the casino.”

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