Page 118 of DeLucas After Dark

“That’s why I’m here,” Vito replied, placing an arm on his shoulder before pulling him in for a hug.

As I stood there, witnessing the bond between these two hulking men, I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride for my husband. Vito was a pillar of strength and loyalty, the kind of man who would go to the ends of the earth to protect those he loved. And now, faced with this new threat, he was reconnected to a brother he never knew he had.

"Thank you," Marcello repeated, his voice thick with emotion. "I won't forget this, Vito."

"Neither will I," I murmured under my breath.

“No need for thanks, Marcello. Let’s get to the bottom of who’s after you guys,” Vito said.

The moment Safia entered the room, I could feel the air shift as if she carried an aura of mystery and danger. She was a vision of dark beauty, her raven hair cascading down her back like ink spilled across a midnight canvas. Her gaze flickered around the room, scrutinizing every corner and crevice for any sign of lurking shadows. It was clear she didn't trust easily.

"Vito," Marcello began, his voice strained with urgency. "I hate to admit it, but we're in deep trouble. The Grecozis always seem to have the one up on me. I don't know who I can trust because apparently, they have someone working for them inside my organization."

Vito's jaw clenched, his piercing eyes narrowing. "Tell me everything you know about the Grecozis," he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Marcello hesitated, shooting a wary glance at Safia. She remained silent, her expression unreadable, but the tension in her posture spoke volumes. When she finally spoke, it was with the same caution that seemed to shroud her entire being.

"We don't know much," she admitted, her voice soft yet edged with steel. "But they're relentless, and they won't stop until they capture me." She paused as she sucked in her emotions. “From what I understand through the rumors I heard as a little girl, Azil Grecozi is the man who ordered the hit on my family when I was fourteen. They made it look like an accident, but the plan was to kill my entire family. They didn’t know I survived because my uncle brought me here to Columbus where we lived under an alias with no problems until now.”

"Then, we'll have to get rid of your problem," Vito replied, his voice low and determined. "You're under my protection now. Both of you."

"I can keep us safe,” Marcello retorted.

Vito quirked a brow. “Then, why am I here, little brother?”

“Because we’re stronger together,” Marcello said, his resolve strong. "And I knew we could count on you."

I smiled at Marcello, starting to love my brother-in-law already.

"We need every detail you have about the Grecozis." Vito’s voice was laced with urgency.

Safia began, "They go by the name 'The Serpents.' They're known for being ruthless and relentless when it comes to hunting their prey."

"Anything else?" Vito pressed, his tone urgent. "Any indication of why they're after you?"

Marcello’s gaze flicked to Safia before settling back on Vito. "We think... it has something to do with her father’s debts, but I don't know how true that is. Safia had no indication that her father was connected to the mafia, and definitely, no indication that her family was in debt to them.”

"Then, we'll find out the truth. Who do you have on it?" Vito asked.

"Someone breached my home security last week, so I don’t know who to trust. I have my right hand, Romeo, that I trust with my life. He’s outside with the guards now, but I have stopped communicating with the rest of my team until I figure this threat out. That’s why Ramiri told me the truth and came to you for help,” Marcello revealed.

Vito spoke in a low, steady voice. "It’s okay to work alone, but I have a trusted team. You can trust and believe there are no snakes among them. I’ll call them over, and we'll figure this out. I won't let anything happen to you or Safia."

Marcello looked at Vito with a mixture of awe and relief. His shoulders relaxed ever so slightly, and even though there were no words spoken, I could almost feel the bond between the brothers solidifying, growing stronger with each passing moment.

My gaze shifted to Safia who looked as if she had allowed herself to relax. She hesitated for a moment before looking directly into my eyes, and I saw something there that I hadn't expected: vulnerability.

"Nicole, I just want to say... thank you. For standing by Vito in welcoming me into your family for protection." Her eyes filled with unshed tears.

"Safia, we're in this together," I assured her gently. “Vito’s family is my family.”

Just as we were all getting a complete understanding of the road ahead, Russell entered the room and announced that Vito’s team, Ishmael, Casper, Prosper, and Teddy, had arrived.

Ishmael walked over and gave Vito and I a hug, then turned and greeted everyone.

Prosper didn’t speak. He just found a vacant table and began setting up his equipment.

Teddy scowled as he stalked into the room. “Who in the hell do we have to kill?”

---