Page 117 of DeLucas After Dark

I clenched my fists, feeling the cold glass against my knuckles, as I weighed the risks and benefits of helping Marcello.

"Vito," Nicole's soft voice broke through my thoughts, her warm hand finding mine. "That was a lot and it came at you fast. Talk to me. What are you thinking?"

"If I help him, our family could be in danger," I confessed, my heart heavy with the weight of responsibility. "But if I don't... I'll not only have failed my brother but the DeLucas."

"Your loyalty runs deep, Vito," she said gently, understanding in her eyes. "But so does your love for us. I know you'll make the right decision."

"Every choice comes with its price," I murmured.

"Then, let's face it together," Nicole replied, her determination unwavering. "Me and Antonio will stand by you, no matter what."

"Alright," I said, finally turning to meet her gaze. "I'll meet Marcello and Safia to find out what’s going on. But only because I can't turn my back on my own blood." I turned to Russell, standing against the wall waiting for orders on how he could help. "Russell, call Marcello and ask him to meet me at the safe house.”

“I’m on it,” he replied.”

In the bittersweet moment, I leaned in to kiss Nicole’s cheek, tasting the salt of her tears. “We should prepare," I said to Nicole, my resolve solidifying. "There's no time to waste."

As I went into my weapon room and chose my companions, I couldn't shake the fear that gnawed at the pit of my stomach. It was ten days before Christmas, and I had chosen to help my brother, including going to war with another cartel if that’s what it led to. The consequences of that decision loomed over me like a dark cloud. The bond of brotherhood, something I only knew with my cousin, the new Don Enzo, tugged at my heart. I had a brother. Not someone like a brother, but a real brother. No matter the cost, I could not abandon Marcello to his fate.

When I entered my bedroom, Nicole was dressed and packing her bag. "Please be careful, Vito."

"Always," I replied, my hand resting on cold steel. My hands moved deftly as I loaded my gun, the cold metal an unnerving reminder of the battles me and my weapon had faced before.

"Do you think everything will be okay?" Nicole asked for reassurance, her voice barely audible above the sound of zipping bags and clattering weapons.

I glanced at her, my heart aching at the worry etched on her face. "I don't know, but that's why I’m going to help them to make sure everything will be okay."

Nicole nodded, a determined glint appearing in her eyes. She picked up a small knife, testing its sharpness before sliding it into a hidden sheath within her coat sleeve. When I met her, she wasn’t a fighter. But the woman standing before me never ceased to amaze me.

"Alright," I said, ensuring every weapon was accounted for and secure. "Let's go.” I walked into the living room, went over to my son’s playpen, and scooped him up. “Come here, little man,” I said, cradling him in my arms.

His bright eyes sparkled as he peered up at me, a soft giggle escaping his lips as I kissed the top of his head.

"You're going to be brave for me, aren't you?" I whispered softly, smiling as he nestled against my chest.

Cooing, he smiled back at me, then reached out and grabbed onto the lapels of my coat. Here was my family - the one thing that kept me grounded amidst the chaos around us. I held him close to me, savoring this momentary respite even as I prepared myself for what was to come.

Nicole stepped forward and gently ran her fingers through our son's hair before resting her hand on my shoulder. "I'll protect him," she said firmly, her gaze steady and determined.

I nodded in agreement and pressed another kiss to his cheek. “I know you will, mia bella.”

As we stepped outside with Russell and two more guards flanking us, the frigid air bit at our exposed skin, a harsh reminder of the unforgiving world we were entering. Snowflakes swirled around us, painting the streets in a blanket of white – a deceptive beauty masking the darkness beneath. All I wanted for Christmas was to make it back home safely with my family, so we could play in the snow, drink Egg Nog, and any other Christmas traditions we could think of starting for our family.

Nicole

Do They Know It’s Christmas?

Vito and I stood side by side, our eyes scanning the safehouse’s living room as we waited for Marcello and Safia. The anticipation was tangible as I strained to hear any sound beyond Antonio’s cooing.

"Stay close, Nicole," Vito whispered, his hand resting protectively on my lower back. I nodded, feeling an uneasy knot forming in the pit of my stomach. The anticipation was unbearable.

And then, just as suddenly as a storm breaking through the clouds, he appeared. Marcello stepped into the room, his stature as imposing as his brother’s. His scowl menacing like impending doom. His demeanor mirrored the danger that had brought him to this meeting with Vito.

"Vito, Nicole... thank you for meeting us here," he said, his voice raging with anger that belied the sincerity of his greeting. "I know your family is preparing for the holidays, and this is the last thing you should have to deal with, but it’s time for the DeLucas to come together on one accord."

Vito rose to his full height so that he was eye to eye with Marcello. “I have always been on one accord with the DeLucas. I am the DeLucas,” Vito corrected.

"Of course, you are. Now, we must stand in one accord as Alfonso’s sons," Marcello countered, his voice steady and determined. "We're family, and family sticks together no matter what."

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