My men are loyal enough that they’ll follow me anywhere.
I hang up from a brief phone call with my accountant and check the time.
“Sergio, how long has she been with the doctor?” I ask, almost distractedly. I’m scrolling through my phone and swiping left on emails, sending many straight to my trash folder.
Sergio radios the security inside, then peers at me in the rearview mirror. “It’s been fifteen minutes. You want one of them to go in the room?”
“No, you fucking idiot. Do you know what a gynecologist is? My wife is in the middle of a private examination.”
I already spoke to her doctor. She’s receiving a basic exam to ensure everything is good, and then she’ll be put on vitamins and a new fertility treatment that will help our endeavor along. She’ll be pregnant within the next few weeks.
I’ve been having her enough I would be surprised if she isn’talreadypregnant.
If I’m going to die soon, then I’m going to die with Nevaeh carrying my child. She doesn’t even understand the significance yet; she’s so stuck on the fact that I haven’t forgiven her, missing out on the fact that she’s still my wife. She’s still going to be the mother of my child.
Her importance has gone nowhere. Even if things aren’t as tender as they used to be.
I dial up Pa and listen to the phone ring so many times, I’m certain I’ll be sent to voice mail. He’s been avoiding me to the point of cowardice and I can’t say I’m surprised. Then, on the sixth or seventh ring, he finally answers.
“Caelian,” he wheezes. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“You tell me, Papa. You have been avoiding me.”
“Avoiding you? Son, you are my prized heir. Why would I ever avoid you?”
“Am I?” I snarl, teeth gritted. “Or is that Cristian? Or Carmelo? How about Coreno? Have you already replaced your eldest son with one of them? Decided I have a weak heart and am too much trouble?”
“Well, you have not been an easy son if that’s what you’re asking, Caelian,” he says candidly. “But you and I both know Cristian could never take your place. He would have to get off his fat ass to do so. And Coreno? He is ruthless and cutthroat, yes, but he lacks the natural dominance necessary.”
“And Carmelo?” I press. “You know, the stronzo who betrayed me, who you’ve sided with?”
“Son, I have no idea what you’re?—”
“You fled the Orchid Lounge rather than speak to me! You sent a group of men to beat me down in the alley! You think I don’t know you were involved? I saw your fucking car speeding away!”
“All this anger you have for me. Where is the respect?”
“I’ll tell you where the fucking respect is… in the fucking gutter where it belongs! Where I was beaten by your men!” I roar like a beast. “Guess what, Papa? I’m washing my hands of you and this so-called family. I’m selling my shares of Zinc Co, and I’ll no longer be warring with Nero on your behalf. Fight your own battles.”
“You will come to regret this. I can promise you that.”
“I can promise you I stand alone. I don’t need you or the Ziccardi family. But, Papa, youdoneed me.”
“You sound foolish. Your choices are your own. Just do not expect mercy when you lose.”
Before I can respond, he hangs up on me. I’m seething as the line goes dead. Pissed enough to crush my phone within my grip. I’d have the piece of plastic cracked in half if I squeezed any harder than I already am.
My father wants to play hardball. He thinks I’m a child, where he can intimidate and control me. He’s sorely mistaken considering I’m better than him and his band of idiot hangers-on. Carmelo wound up losing against me, and Coreno and Cristian have no chance.
Pa is older, frailer. He’s wizened and sleepy half the fucking time. How does he possibly think he’s going to succeed in this ploy?
I’ll crush him like I do all my enemies.
On that note, I get out of the limo. Nevaeh has emerged shouldered by the security I’ve sent with her. Her expression is flat and downturned, her aura sad and mopey. She’s likely exasperated from the thorough exam—conducted by afemaledoctor—and still upset from our earlier ride into the city.
In past times, before our struggles, I’d have swept her up into my arms. I’d have rewarded her the rest of the evening, pampering and spoiling her every way I could. I’d be doing everything in my power to make Nevi feel better after such an appointment. No such luxuries will be afforded now.
I meet them halfway down the path leading into the clinic. My men take a hint and move aside.
