“I’m trying to save your life, Gino, because if you don’t remove that gun from my sister’s head in the next ten seconds, you’re a dead man. I’m throwing you a lifeline. Take it.”
Tension bleeds into the air, and I don’t think Gino is going to do it when Joshua speaks up. “Don’t take away the only Mama we have ever known. Please, Papa. We love Mom. Don’t hurt her.”
I expect Gino to throw shit at his son for being weak and letting emotion overrule logic, but he surprises me, removing the gun from my head. He still keeps it trained on me as he says, “Joshua. Get the box from the hall and collect all the guns.”
Joshua runs off, returning a minute later with the brown leather box I keep scarves and gloves in. He has emptied it out, and he diligently goes around the room so everyone can put their weapons inside. Caleb is the last to resist, but Ben removes the gun from his hand, stepping in front of him. “You do not want to do this.” He clamps his hand on Caleb’s shoulder, and a shuddering breath leaves my son’s lips. Joshua slips out of the room to hide the box out of sight before quickly returning.
Leo takes my hand, pulling me over to the other side of the room. I pull Joshua and Caleb into my arms, smothering my sobs in their shoulders. I dot kisses all over their faces, needing them to ground me.
“Let’s sit,” Ben says.
“This is my house,” Gino snaps.
“Not anymore,” Caleb says, keeping his arm around me as he glares at his father. “We don’t want you here.”
“I don’t know what you think you know, but you’re wrong,” Gino says as no one makes a move to sit.
Tension is fraught in the air, and things could ignite in a split-second. No made man worth his salt only keeps one weapon on him. That show with the guns was just that.
“I heard you on the phone,” Caleb spits, and I hate to see so much venom in his blue eyes. “Telling someone Greco had killed Juliet but you had come to an arrangement. An arrangement that would mutually benefit both parties.”
Poor Caleb. This explains a lot about his behavior and his renewed interest in learning more about Juliet. I wish he had come to me with it.
“That’s exactly why you should never eavesdrop, son. That was only half the story.”
“How far does your relationship with Greco extend, and what have you promised him?” Ben asks, standing taller and leveling a look at my husband. “Don’t bullshit me, Gino. I want the truth and how exactly you planned to take me down.”
“Before I tell you, I want to negotiate a deal.”
Leo snarls. “You’re in no position to negotiate.”
“Fuck you, Messina. You’re just a thug who got lucky and rode Bennett’s coattails all the way to the top. Everyone knows Ben is the brains behind the operation and he could run it single-handed without you.”
“Enough,” Ben barks. “This isn’t some pissing contest, and I’m low on patience today. Say what you want to say, Accardi.”
“I will tell you the deal I made with Greco and reaffirm my loyalty to you, provided I’m officially sworn in as The Outfit’s don, I get to divorce your sister, and you guarantee my safety and that of my sons and my future bride.” He drills a poisonous look at Leo. “You will also demote Messina tosoldato.”
“If you think that will piss me off, think again. I would happily trade my career, tradeeverything, to be with the woman I love,” Leo says.
Ben sends a sharp look in Leo’s direction before swinging his eyes back around to Gino. “Leave Messina out of this, and you have a deal.”
Gino’s harsh laugh echoes around the room, and I gulp over the ball of nerves clogging my throat. “Not a chance.”
“Take the deal,” Leo growls, staring at Ben, as they silently communicate. “Free Nat. I don’t give a fuck whether I’m a lowlysoldatoor not.”
“Ido.” Ben shoves off the wall and walks up to Gino. “I see what you’re doing, and trying to weaken my position will not endear you to me.”
“You know shit, Bennett.” He jabs his finger over Ben’s shoulder in my direction. “Why don’t you ask your sister, huh? Ask her to tell you how she disrespected me?”
“Natalia has been a good wife and mother, and the only person who has been doing the disrespecting around here is you,” Leo barks.
“Fuck you, Messina. I know it was you. I had my suspicions, but I could never prove it. Until you started fucking my whore wife again.”
Confusion splays on Leo’s face as he looks at me. I’m frozen in place, unable to move or speak as awful realization dawns.
Gino stares at Leo, frowning a little before his eyes widen. He throws back his head, laughing. “Oh my God. You don’t know, do you?”
Panic has a vise-grip on my heart, and my voice is all choked up when I speak. “No, Gino. Please don’t do this. Not like this! I’m begging you!”
