Page 12 of Unbroken (Russo Mafia)

“All right. Let’s head home. We’ll deal with this tomorrow. Besides, we have a meeting to attend. We have to prep for.”

I can hear Nico whine behind me. “Seriously Lucca, you know how I hate attending those fucking meetings.”

“We all do, Nico. The thing is, we can’t get out of this one. Trust me, I’ve tried.” Twisting the ring on my finger, the one I received after becoming a capo, I looked up at my long-time friends. They’ve been with me through so much shit, I’m surprised they’ve stuck with me this long. But this meeting will test us. I only wish I knew a way out of it.

I walk out, heading to my car. The sooner I’m home the better. I’m still pissed off with my father for the shit he brought up. I’ve been trying to block that out of my mind, and while trying to figure all that out still. I have so much going on I don’t know how to deal with it all. Pulling out into traffic, I head to my townhouse. The nice thing is the guys all live next to me. We bought the entire block of townhouses. The last townhouse is where we keep the office. I don’t keep anything in the house. I wanted something that seemed normal and safe. If only I could keep the outside world safe.

When I walk into the house, it’s quiet. I make my way upstairs and head to the last room on the left. The door is ajar, and I peek my head inside. Wrapped up in her blanket with her star machine on, is my beautiful daughter. I step inside and lean over her. She’s the spitting image of me. Her brown hair is fanned out on her pillow her small hands tucked under her cheek. I’m reminded daily just how blessed I am that I was given the chance to become her dad.

“Love youPrincipessa.”I lean over and give her a kiss on her forehead before I leave.

I head to my room right across the hall from hers. It’s empty and cold just like my heart. I toss my jacket onto the chair that sits in the corner and head into the ensuite. I stare at myself in the mirror. Rubbing my face with my hand, I quickly wash and brush my teeth. I have a long day tomorrow. One I’m not excited about.

Every day it gets harder and harder. I’ve made it this far. I’m sure I can make it further if I have to. Just wish I didn’t have to do it alone anymore.

I can’t believe I’m back here.

It’s been almost eight years and I’m moving home. Someone shoot me. Please.

Pulling into the driveway of the house I’ve spent my teenage years in. It feels surreal to be back and under these circumstances I wish they would have been better. I didn’t waste any time packing up my small apartment and giving notice to my boss. The only thing that worked out in my favour was my boss was able to call her friend up and find me work here. If it wasn’t for that, I would still be searching for something. Being an accountant isn’t that hard to find work. I don’t have time to search. Dad needed me more than pimping myself out to every known job posting out there.

“Dad? Where are you?” I call out as soon as I step inside the house.

Looking around, nothing has changed. Which I knew better. Dad doesn’t do change. I’m surprised he let me leave for college in Ottawa. Then let me live there. He only made it out to visit a couple of times. Work always got in the way for both of us, and I never had the desire to come back here.

“In here, pumpkin.” Dad’s voice breaks my thoughts.

I find him sitting in his study. Nothing changes. I shake my head when I find him typing away at his computer.

“Shouldn’t you be resting old man?”

He looks up at me and grins. “I’m not old, only getting slower these days. But I can still work while I can.”

“I don’t need you dying on me before your time. Now get your ass to bed and I’ll make some supper.” I point towards the door.

“So demanding and you only got here.” He stands and steps to me. “I missed you kid.” He wraps his arms around me.

It’s been a while since I felt Dad hug me. Knowing that he’s sick only makes it worse. My eyes sting with tears and if I blink, they’ll fall. I’ll have to be strong for Dad now. He’ll need me more than ever. I squeeze him and quickly pat his back.

“Love you, Dad. I’ll go start supper.” I leave before he can see my teary eyes.

“Love you too kiddo,” his voice shook slightly.

I’ve been with Dad for a week. I found a place that will work. It’s nothing fancy, a simple one-bedroom apartment. It’s close to work and Dad won’t have to worry about me travelling all the time. I only wish he would quit his job. He’s been working non-stop.

I can’t live with him and try to have a social life. Which is funny considering I haven’t had one in a very long time. He doesn’t need to know otherwise. He thinks I’m trying. I’ll let him believe it if it makes him happy. I’ll do anything to keep him happy.

I start work in a few days and I’m looking forward to it. It’s a bigger firm than I’m used to, so I’m hoping I’ll be able to make a good impression. I know Scar wants to meet up eventually, but she’s been busy with work as well. Being an adult is hard work. Here you think it’s going to be all glam when you're younger, but it’s horrible. All you do is work. Try to schedule when you can hang out with your best friend. At this rate, we’re going to be old and living in the old folks’ home together chasing each other in our wheelchairs. She was overly excited when I told her I’m finally moving back home. I was sure she was going to blow my ear drum from her scream. To be honest, I’ve missed her face a shit ton.

I’m about to make supper when Dad walks through the door.

“Hey pumpkin. What did you accomplish today?”

I can’t help but laugh. “Funny you should ask; I actually found a place to move into.”

He stops in his tracks. “Why? I thought you loved living here with me?”

How am I going to explain this without hurting his feelings? I made a straight line towards him. Bringing him in for a hug. “I’ll always love living with you Dad, I need my own space and I feel like I’m cramping your style.”

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