Page 33 of DeLucas After Dark

“We don’t question the paternity, what right do others have?” I say. “Our relationship is exactly that: ours, and no one has a right to dictate how we live. Not even you.” I stare at the man who could end all three of us as if we are equals. In this matter, no one can scare me out of defending who Sloane, Tácito, and I are to each other.

“Since you brought this to my attention, I’ll step aside for now and give you the extra coverage you need. But I have two stipulations: don’t make noise and don’t fucking call, summon, or interrupt me when I’m with Eve.”

“Thank you for accommodating us. Also, we brought you a gift, to express our appreciation for all you do.” I pick up the gift-wrapped package and place it in front of Enzo.

The box weighs more than it appears. He opens the box to find Colorado-inspired gifts, and he arches a brow at me. I nod at him to dig deeper. Underneath the coffees, ciders, and jams, is the real reason the box is so heavy. A shit ton of hard US currency.

Enzo closes the box and nods. “If there’s nothing else, you can go.”

We depart, feeling his eyes boring into our backs. The new challenge ahead of me is to catch Pierangelo in a trap when I’m not in my territory.

VALENTINO

Ipull up to a busy street in Quartiere Umbertino, a neighborhood in the heart of Bari. Pedestrians, cyclists, and cars maneuver through the streets in a perfect choreography of organized chaos. Acquaintances stop passersby to strike up animated conversation, complete with hand gestures. The shouts and horn honking add a layer of welcome I didn’t know I needed.

I breathe everything in, feeling the pull on my soul that can only come from returning to one’s ancestral place. Colorado is my home, but without my realizing it, being here has injected itself into my DNA.

Before me is Pierangelo’s apartment building. He lives in the penthouse where he has a perfect view of the busy pedestrians and the theater across the street. My men and I enter with little fanfare.

Pierangelo’s people usher me inside when I tell them I’m here as Sansone’s proxy. The decor in the penthouse is all about flash and status. In comparison, Enzo and I prefer more understated elegance that people recognize as soon as they step into our homes without our wealth slapping them in the face.

Already, I expect this meeting to go south. At least, I won’t have to worry about Sloane and Tácito since they left with Ethan’s and Enzo’s people to tour the city. I spy a roman-inspired chaise, one I imagine the emperor Nero used while deciding the fates of common folk fighting for food in the coliseum. I lie on it as I wait for Pierangelo to arrive.

Unlike at Enzo’s, I don’t fear the man I’m about to meet. With Enzo’s backing, there isn’t shit Pierangelo can hit me with, and I close my eyes to demonstrate the point for whenever the asshole appears.

Almost an hour passes while I slip into a light doze. When Pierangelo’s footsteps echo against the gaudy black and gold marble flooring, I don’t change my stance, though I am more alert.

“What’s the meaning of Sansone sending you here?” his voice sounds from above me.

I open one eye to peer at him before rising to a seated position. “As I told your guard, Sansone has a local issue to deal with.” A yawn overtakes me, making me realize the nap was much needed. Since landing, Tácito and I have been very creative with keeping Sloane busy at nights. “I’m here in his stead.”

“This was supposed to be a friendly conversation, but you two have just shit over my good will.”

“How so? You wanted an in-person update, and I’m here in person to deliver said update.”

“Che palle! You must not know me.”

“I don’t, but I’m here. Now are we going to discuss business or should I enjoy the rest of my vacation?” I stare him down, unintimidated by his aggression.

He backs away, shaking his head. “I guess there’s nothing to be done since you two have royally fucked up my plans.” He pulls an M9 semi-automatic pistol on me. “Sansone was supposed to come here and hand over his territory to my son, Piergiuliano.”

I ignore the gun to get him talking some more. “Is your son such a mezza sega? Do you not want him taking over your territory because he doesn’t know how to wipe his own shit? Is that why you want him taking over Sansone’s dealings?”

“Vaffanculo, lecchino! Once my son proves himself to Don Enzo, he’ll take over for me and control Colorado.”

I snicker at the absurdity he’s spewing. “Sounds like Piergiuliano’s fucked up already. And if Don Enzo hears that one of his loyal men went down because of you, your son will be the last of your problems.”

The gun in Pierangelo’s hand begins to shake. “You don’t know shit. But because you showed up, I’ve adjusted my plans.”

I narrow my eyes as I put together the long wait with him doing shit behind my back. “And that would be?”

“I’ll have to eliminate you and your brother while sending a message to anyone working for him that I’m not to be fucked with.”

Since shit just got real, I snatch the pistol from Pierangelo and aim it at his head. “Want to repeat what you just said?”

The man backs away. “If you pull the trigger, I can’t call off the contract on your brother’s life. It’s too late for the people in that mansion of yours, but you still have time to be cool headed. You might even be able to save your wife and that fica you let fuck her, like the bitch you are.”

“Like Don Enzo would sanction any of this.” Although I’m heated, I remain cool. But if what he says is true, he made moves to blow up my home before I left Douglas.

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