Page 25 of Nicco

[IDK yet. Highly doubtful…I miss you. I’m sorry.]

[I miss you too.]

[I’m going to make things right.]

[Just be honest. That will make everythingmolte bene.]

[I will. I promise.]

[F.Y.I. I spent all your money. Hopetuo padreleft you some money.]

[Did you buy lingerie?]

[Maybe.]

[Does that mean you’re no longer mad at me???]

[Boy bye.]

[LMAO][I love you.]

[Lord! Lord! Lord!][I love you too.]

The door opened, and a man came strolling in. He was the only Bregoli not wearing black. He was wearing faded, ripped blue jeans and a red t-shirt with a lot of stuff on it— a dragon, a tiger, a bird, some graffiti and Medusa with a snake crown. His eyes were bloodshot red. All attention went to him. He looked like death warmed over and over and over again for good measure.

“Sit down, Frankie.” Nicco said, perturbed by the sight of him.

[We’re starting.] I sent my last text to my girl and tucked my cell phone in my suit jacket pocket.

Valentina rolled her eyes, and she looked past Cenzo to Mr. Casual.What the fuck was he wearing?

This was the one called Frankie. Francesco Bregoli was the youngest brother. I’d never seen him before today. I couldn’t remember Nicco mentioning much about him. He was the least impressive of the Bregoli clan. His hair was lighter and probably dyed.

Frankie sat down next to Cenzo. “I’m here. Let’s get this over with.”

“You’re late.” Nicco’s glare was intense, and it made Frankie sit up straight. “There are people here some of you may not know about.”

Valentina leaned toward the table and made eye contact with me. “Okay, I can look at this man and figure out who he is but this girl.” She pointed at the young girl beside me. “I don’t have a clue who she is.” Valentina said.

“I don’t know who they both are.” Frankie added. “Nicco, are you going to have Pellegrino read the will in front of strangers?”

“They must be people dad mentioned in his well.” Cenzo surmised. “Why else would they be here?”

“Cenzo is correct. I called Lord here and Pellegrino called Alexis here because our father mentioned them in his will.”

“Jesus Christ. They’re going to get money too?” Frankie obviously blurted. I knew I could take him in a fight. He was clearly the weakest link.

“This Lordes guy looks just like father. Valentina affirmed, so sure of herself. But this girl. She’s not even old enough to be his—” Valentina frowned at Nicco, then at Alexis. “Are you even Italian? You look Puerto Rican or something.”

“I’m Black.” Alexis abruptly answered. I’d heard her voice for the first time and she did have a Chicago accent.

Valentina chuckled. “You definitely aren’t Black.”

“I am Black, and I don’t even know why I’m here.” Alexis snarled, probably because she didn’t know she walked into the lion’s den. I liked this girl.

“Alexis, you are welcomed here.” Nicco said.

“Yeah, but I don’t even know who you people are.” Her tone was calm for Nicco.

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