Page 43 of Mafia Redeemer

“Hey. I can only chat for a moment, but I need to tell you something.”

“That you’re dating Enzo? Yeah. I know.”

My stomach knots.

“Are you mad at me?”

“Of course not. I wish you’d liked Bogdan when you met him or Aleks or Niko. But those wouldn’t have been good matches, even if I wished it made you my sister for real. If you have to be with one of the Mancinellis, Enzo’s the only one worth anything.”

“Laura!”

“What? I’m certain he’s right there with you. Maks said he got back from wherever he went about an hour ago. I figured he’d go straight to the event to see you. I’m also guessing Pasha and Sumiko just walked in if you’re calling me from there.”

“I—”

“I wish you’d told me sooner, but no one understands better than I do why you hesitated. I may have issues with Lorenzo’s family, but none are personally directed at him. Sergei says he’s very protective of you.”

“Sergei? How the hell does—”

“Piccolina, the moment Laura figured it out — which was undoubtedly before any of the men in her family — she told Sergei to watch out for you. Carmine says Sergei or Anton have followed you all week.”

I stare at Enzo while I wait for Laura to say something. She remains quiet.

“Did you hear what Enzo said? Is it true that Sergei and Anton have been following me?”

“Of course. Never mind that you’ve been seen in public with Lorenzo. The moment I heard he was traveling, I asked them to watch out for you.”

“Laura?”

“Yes, Enzo.”

“Did you assume I wouldn’t have someone guarding her? Or do you assume my men aren’t good enough?”

“Short of the men in my family, no one is good enough for my best friend. You’ll do.”

“Laura!”

I gasp at that last comment. She’s dead serious, but she didn’t have to say it. At least, not when Enzo could hear.

“Good. I’m glad we’re on the same page. You can have whoever you want follow Chellie. But they stay out of it.”

“Until they’re needed. Your pride means nothing to me.”

I listen to them go back and forth as though I’m not the one holding the phone.

“Are you both finished? Laura, this was a courtesy call.”

“No. It was a ‘I better tell on myself before someone else does.’ You’ve done that since we were kids. I was the ‘say nothing unless they can prove it’ kid.”

“Yeah, well, between the two of us, we did all kinds of shit and barely ever got in trouble. I trusted Maks, and now I need you to trust Lorenzo.”

“When’s the wedding?”

“Laura! Stop.”

I seem to exclaim her name a lot tonight.

“Whatever. We wouldn’t be having this conversation if you weren’t already practically living together.”

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