Page 18 of Vengeful Vows

“You did well, Nico.” He coughs into a handkerchief, and his hand trembles as he stuffs it back into his pocket.

“I tried to respond as you might.”

“You give me too much credit.” His attempted smile becomes a grimace. His face is pale and gaunt, and his breath is labored.

“Is there anything you need?” I ask once more, anticipating his negative answer.

He surprises me again.

“Get your personal life settled and take care of Don Raffaele. He will need you.”

“Roberto—”

“Go,” he commands. “I have work to do.”

“I’ll send you a copy of the letter before I give it to Matteo.”

“If you require my assistance.”

Out of respect, I should check with him first.

As if reading my mind, he shakes his head. “It’s time to step up,figlio mio.”

My son.

“Now leave me alone to enjoy my brandy.”

I hesitate.

Ignoring me, he picks up his glass.

Dismissed, I exhale and then leave the room.

Outside, Giorgio is still on duty.

We exchange glances. I consider commenting on Roberto’s health, but the uncomfortable truth is staring at us all, like the cold, hard barrel of a shotgun.

“Evening, Nico,” he says with a tight nod.

“Giorgio.”

Moments later, I’m back in the car, and Sergio has exited the property, preparing to turn right to take me home. “Drive past Bella’s building.”

In the rearview mirror, he looks at me. “Sure, boss.”

The light is still on in her condo. I know which floor she lives on, and I carefully counted out the windows when I walked her to her door.Are you thinking of me, little flower?

The nickname fits, reminding me of her, standing at the terrace edge, bathed in white lights and framed by the flowering night jasmine.

Surely she is. After all, I’ve disrupted her life, and much more is to come.

We quickly arrive at the Seven One Three, one of downtown Houston’s poshest addresses. That doesn’t matter much to me. What does are the amenities of the private penthouse condominium, including a dedicated elevator to my residence, access to a helicopter landing pad, a world-class pool and workout facility, restaurants, retail space, and of course, top-notch security.

Because I have work to do, I skip my customary whiskey in favor of shrugging out of my suit coat, discarding my tie, turning back my shirtsleeves, and sitting down at my computer to compose a draft of Don Raffaele’s letter to potential members of the conflict resolution council.

Because every word matters, and I’m presuming to speak for thecapofamiglia, it takes me over an hour.

Not satisfied, I change clothes so I can hit the fitness center, lift some weights, and clear my mind with a punishing 5k run on the treadmill.

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