My brother only said my full name when he was angry, and although he didn’t allude to anything specific, I couldn’t help but feel like I got caught. The entire ride, my stomach was in knots. While pulling into his driveway, I see Emilio’s car. My heart started pounding. Seeing his car here was never surprising, but I was concerned this time.
“Ms. DeCarlo,” the butler addressed me. “Your brother is in his office waiting for you.”
I walk away before remembering Luca scolding me for my lack of sympathy toward the house's staff. I didn’t want him to add this to the list if he was upset with me.
“Thanks,” I reply, wishing I could remember his name.
I could hear my brother speaking as I walked toward the wing of the house that was forbidden to be in unless Luca asked for you.
“Go down there and remind her whose city she is in,” Luca demanded.
“Will do.”
“And next time, Emilio, I should get calls with resolutions, not problems.”
“I’ll make sure of it,” Emilio assured him. “I suggest we do something about Alfie.”
I listened closely to hear what they were talking about. What could Emilio mean by doing something about Alfie?
“I’m not getting rid of him.”
Emilio huffed, “Luca, I’m not sure why you have this attachment to this kid. He owes you nothing.”
“It’s none of your concern, E.”
They only addressed themselves this casually behind closed doors. Over the years, they have grown close. I’d even go as far as to say they were friends.
“It is my concern,” Emilio replied. “You take this orphan under your wing, and then you have me look after him like he’s one of our own.”
“He is.”
“He was initiated into the family after a damn week of knowing him, Luca.”
“I don’t need to explain anything to you. You work for me, and if I tell you to do something, I expect it done without pushback.”
Even though I wasn’t in the room, I felt the tension. I knock before walking in.
“Hi,” I smile, and I enter the room.
I find Luca and Emilio standing facing each other with a drink in hand.
“A bit early to drink,” I commented.
“It’s been a rough morning,” Luca stated.
I shot Emilio a questioning look, but he turned away and poured more liquor into his cup. He was avoiding me.
Luca went on. “Bethany, Gabe Appollo wants a wedding within the week.”
My stomach dropped. “That’s extremely last minute.”
“It’s not ideal, but I can’t push it off.”
I laugh, “Yes, you can. You’re Luca DeCarlo.”
Walking toward the liquor stand, Luca hands his glass to Emilio for a refill. “Something has come up.”
“Like what?” I huffed.
