Page 8 of Nicco

“But it’s not racist.”

“Borderline racist.” I couldn’t help but grimace.

“I’ll take it. I’ve been called worse. I have to go out of here.”

“Where?”

“I have to go home to my family. You stay home. Make yourself at home. I got the best security here at the Palladium.”

“I can see that.”

“I will see you tomorrow. Tell Labria good night for me.” He smirked.

“Probably won’t do that.” I joked.

Chapter Four

NICCO

Ifelt better knowing Lord was here with me. I instructed Lefty to stay at the penthouse and look after Lord and Labria. My other security guy Punchy drove me to through the desert to my family home in the burbs.

Loads of CCTV cameras and perimeter checks were a part of my daily life. The checks were conducted outside and inside my gated family home. Even our cars were routinely checked for bombs. I had to keep everyone safe from any unforeseen dangers.

In this business, I had to be suspicious of everyone. Maybe it wasn’t the best way to live, but it was all I knew. Bregoli’s had a role to play. We had to look like a normal, clean family to the Feds. Those bastards spent years trying to send my father up the river. It didn’t take them long to set their sights on me. Loyalty was all that mattered, and rats always got dealt with.

The traffic moved quickly, and I tried to relax on the way. I hadn’t been home in a week. I spent most of my time at the Palladium tending to business and living like a single man. My kids were all old enough to fend for themselves. My wife was a constant pain in my ass. She gave me three sons, and that was all I really needed from her.

My security had been doubled since my father died. It was standard protocol for the new boss. I was unofficially the king, but it was clear to everyone in the organization that I was next in line. My father groomed me for the position and there wasn’t a soul that could deny that.

Twenty-two years ago, I married Gloria in order to gain the LaGrassa family as an ally to the Bregoli’s. I knew at a young age my marriage would be a business arrangement. I accepted it. I knew I would never be faithful. I busted enough nuts to produce three sons. Then tried to stay away from Gloria. I wasn’t a good husband, and we got along better when I stayed away.

I entered the house, and everything was dark and quiet. I talked to my oldest son Rocco earlier in the day and he was staying with his girlfriend. He would be home sometime tomorrow. At this hour, I was sure my sons, Vito and Matteo, were asleep.

Heading straight to the kitchen, I fixed myself a scotch and sat alone at the kitchen island. I heard heels clicking their way toward me. It was the familiar steps of Gloria in her Gucci heels.

“Nicco, I didn’t know you were home.”

“Just got here.”

Gloria marched over and planted a kiss on my cheek. “Are you hungry?”

“No, I’m not.” I sipped from my glass.

“That’s good. The maid went home for the day. Maybe she has something wrapped up in the refrigerator if you want me to take a look.”

I hated when she called her the maid. Tamala Howard had been working for us for twenty years. “No, I’m not hungry.”

“Well, she’ll be back in the morning. I told her I need her here bright and early since you father died.”

I stood and drank until my glass was empty. “How about some wine?”

“That would be nice. A drink to celebrate, your father.”

“I will grab a chardonnay from the wine cellar.”

“Grab two.” She raised two fingers in the air.

I nodded. Gloria opened a top cabinet for wine glasses as I left her in the kitchen. I headed down the back hallway. I stopped at the door to the basement. Because my house was built from the ground, I had a large basement with a custom wine cellar. I had various wines imported from all over the world. My collection was large and my love of wine and luxury liquor I learned from my father. He taught me all about fine wines. Hell, he taught me everything. I only had a high school education. I missed the opportunity to give him the praise he deserved.

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