She must sense my hesitation. Reaching over, she squeezes my hand. “You can tell me anything, Lennon. No judgment here. Whatever it is, I’m by your side, helping you deal with it.”
The sincerity in her eyes makes me choke up a little. I take a deep breath and nod. “I know. Okay.” I push her drink toward her. “You’re going to need it.”
Then I proceed to tell her about my father and my three half-brothers.
To her credit, she stays steady, her expression one of determination instead of horror. My heart swells as I realize how lucky I am to have a true friend.
By the time lunch is over, my chest feels lighter, I have a slight buzz and a newfound appreciation for our friendship. I almost smile… until Sandro floats back up to the surface of my thoughts.
Chapter 42
Alessandro
My muscles are on fire, my taped knuckles bleeding from working the punching bag when I get the call from my father.
My heart is a hammer in my chest as I wipe the sweat dripping in my eyes and answer it. “Hey.”
There’s a horn blast in the background. I can envision him in the back of his luxury sedan, laptop open. “Hey, Son. It’s a go.”
I almost collapse from relief and at the same time, I feel like I can fly. It’s a new feeling. “The whole plan?”
“The whole plan.” Ice clinks in a glass. “They want it done within forty-eight hours.”
“Not a problem. I’ll keep you updated.”
“And Son?”
“Yeah.”
There’s a soft chuckle and then he adds, “Congratulations on the end of your engagement.”
I know he can hear the smile and relief in my voice as I say, “Yeah, thanks. Talk soon.”
I immediately text the main group of my guys:Operation Milo is a go
Then I text Milo:Can you meet me at the Viper Room at 9? I have a business proposition
Meeting in his family’s territory will put him at ease, and keep him from being suspicious since I never give him the time of day when it comes to business.
Milo:Shouldn’t you be talking to my father?
Me:We both know you will be the one in charge soon
I tap my foot as I wait for his response. The delay tells me he’s suspicious. Finally, it comes.
Milo:I’ll be there
***
I arrive at the Viper Room half an hour early to make sure everything is set up.
I watch Gunnar exit the restaurant with his cover date. I don’t approach him in case Milo is here early, too. Instead, I text him.
Me:All set?
He climbs into his SUV and then replies:Everything’s in place. Good luck.
I smile. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this good.
