Rico opens his mouth like he wants to argue but then thinks better of it.
They stand and walk toward the door.
Luca pauses before leaving, looking at me like he wants to protest but knows better, and then he leaves, closing the door behind him.
I stand alone in my den and feel the rage boiling beneath my skin.
Three days isn't enough time.
My men are right.
I'm asking for something that can't even happen, and still I have to make it happen.
My entire reputation and livelihood depend on this.
I walk to the door and yank it open.
I need to move.
I need to think.
I need to find a way forward before the deadline expires and everything collapses.
But as I step into the hallway, I slam directly into Angelica.
The impact sends her stumbling backward.
I reach out to steady her but she jerks away from my touch.
Her expression is guarded.
"Were you listening?" I ask.
"Yes."
"Of course you were. You can't help yourself. You have to stick your nose into things that don't concern you."
Her eyes flash with anger. "Don't concern me? Your war affects me and my daughter every single day. Everything you do puts us at risk. So yeah, I listen."
Her eyes shift back and forth between mine as she cowers against the wall and I realize I'm frightening her.
What good is doing everything Kemal wants if I push away the very woman I'm doing it for?
If not for her and Sofia, I'd cash everything out and start over somewhere else.
I have the manpower and resources to do it, maybe Palermo, or Naples…
But I need to be a better man, and I need to do this for my family.
I run a hand through my hair.
The frustration is overwhelming. "Look, I'm sorry. I'll figure it out. I always do."
"You need help. I heard you talk to your men…" Her eyes grow wide.
I see the pulse throbbing at her temple.
I narrow my eyes on her and purse my lips.
