“What would make Caspien think to do that?” Maurice jumps back into the conversation. “And what of your brothers? Where are they?”
“What aboutmybrother?” I ask, getting frustrated at being ignored.
Nazario ignores me again to answer Maurice’s question. “I moved Santo and Ang into the Shadowmancer’s clubhouse until I get back. The girls are still in school with their security team in place until Friday, when they’ll go home to spend the weekend with Mama like they always do. The guards have theirinstructions, and the girls know what’s going on. As for Santo and Ang, they’ll be safe with Soul’s crew. No one else knows they’re there.” Nazario then turns to me and says, “Mauro is getting my guests situated, then he’ll be back up to join us. When he does, we need to clarify a few things.”
I’m confused as to why they would hide their brothers with a motorcycle club. It’s not uncommon for organized crime families to use outside gangs or clubs to transport or hide goods. I’ve never heard of Papa doing it, but then again, Papa doesn’t include me in every aspect of his business. But Angelo and Santo aren’t of my concern.
“So, is my brother here, or is he with your motorcycle friends? I’m confused.”
“Guests? Multiple?” Enzo’s eyes narrow. Again, I’m being ignored.
Nazario sighs an exasperated sigh. “In order for me to leave my brothers at the clubhouse, I had to bring Hex along to Italy for your wedding. Soul’s conditions.”
“You fucking what?” Enzo throws his head back, sliding his hand down his face. “Why? Where is he now?” I don’t understand why this is such a big deal, nor do I fucking care since they both continue to pretend I’m not standing here asking questions that need answers.
Nazario shrugs. “I didn’t ask why. Soul just said it was his price for keeping my brothers safe and for his club doc to take over Santo’s care. I’ve learned not to question my friend over the years. Just like he doesn’t question us.” Nazario raises a brow, an expression that even I know meansshut the hell up.
“What about the nurse you paid to come stay at the house with Santo? Where’d she go?” Maurice smiles a knowing smile.
Nazario waves him off. “Don’t worry, Nonno. I sent her along with him too.” Nazario shares a look with Maurice, who’s now chuckling.
Eliseo must understand the silent conversation because he’s also laughing. “Should I keep the priest on standby? Fucking hell. At least your aunt will have something to keep her busy and out of my hair.”
“Did you call me, dear?” Right on cue, Vella enters the room. Eliseo straightens up, shaking his head and gesturing for her to join him at his side. “Oh, Nazario. Your friends, the two young men you brought with you, they’re in the kitchen getting something to eat.”
Pissed off and over being ignored, I release Enzo’s hand, squat down and retrieve my knife before releasing my blade and flinging it across the room, narrowly missing Nazario’s head as it sticks into the wall behind him. Maybe a reminder that I’m not just some woman will get their attention.
The room falls silent. Everyone seemingly in shock. Nazario looks to the wall, then back to me slowly, calculated. His face is full of questions and fury. Enzo immediately moves in front of me, standing between me and his cousin.His Don.
Standing to my feet, I push at Enzo to move, but he stands firm. “Will someonepleasetell me where my brother is andwhymy papa is looking for me in Dallas?” I ask sarcastically sweet and unapologetic. Again, I push Enzo’s big arm, trying to move around him, but the big brute won’t budge.
Everyone is still quiet except Maurice, who is now laughing and pointing at Enzo. “You definitely have your hands full, boy. But I will say, I like the fire in this one.” Mauro enters the room intrigued by the old man. Enzo and Nazario, neither one, look amused by Maurice’s laughter.
“You need to explain to your bride-to-be how things work around here and fucking fast.” Nazario grits. Pointing a finger at me, he glares. “If you were anyone else, you’d be dead right now. You realize this, yes?”
“Your family stole my brother. I figure I’m owed at least one attempted murder in return.” Nazario’s eyes narrow further. I can see Mauro’s shoulders shaking out of the corner of my eye.
“My marrying Enzo is the only thing preventing a war. However, it appears my papa may be on his way to Dallas as we speak to stir shit up anyway. So, please spare me the high and mighty, I’m the fucking Don and you’ll do as I say speech,” I snap. “I’m not new to this world or how it works, but I’ll be damned if I let you or anyone else continue to keep my family apart and expect my compliance. Youallowe me that much.” My voice begins to shake.
“He’s in the kitchen with Hex. But, Althea,” Nazario says hesitantly. “He doesn’t remember anything about you or how he came to the Academy. Which means your father may still feel he has the right to start a war with us.”
“He does.” My anger is simmering so close to the edge, I’m vibrating with fury and can feel my eyes burning with unshed tears. “However, I won’t let that happen. None of you are responsible for Gianni’s fucked-up decisions. But Nazario, I can only help calm my father’s rage if I know my brother is alive and well. He may not remember us, but I will know him. So will Papa.”
I hold my shit together a little longer, though my voice wobbles and my heart breaks. Enzo turns and pulls me into his embrace, holding me close against his chest, shielding me from his family.
Is he choosing me over them? No, he can’t be. Right?
A throat clears. “There’s more.” We turn so we can both see everyone’s faces, but he doesn’t loosen his hold on me.
“It appears your friend, Sebastian, called Caspien and told him Enzo kidnapped you. Since Caspien couldn’t get ahold of either you or your guards, he headed for Dallas to find out for himself. We were already in the air before he landed.”
Fuck.
“How did you find out he was coming?” Enzo asks, as baffled as I am. That’s not something Papa would broadcast. Especially if he thought they were hiding me away somewhere.
Nazario answers Enzo’s unspoken question in one word.
“Hex.”
