“They are your sons, and I wanted to help. You were clearly worried last weekend.”
Gratitude fills my chest. “Thanks, Leo.”
“I checked in with Rico earlier today. They are both getting on fine, so put your mind at ease.”
I know Frankie had spoken to her husband before he left for the trip. But even though I know Enrico will keep a close eye on the twins, it is still hard to stop worrying. Leo checking in with him helps me to relax a little. I smile, nodding my thanks, before I get up. I fish plates and spoons from the kitchen cabinets and grab the homemade ice cream from the freezer.
Returning to the table, I plate two large slices of cake and drop a scoop of vanilla on each one. I hand them to my brother and Leo as Sierra walks over to the coffee machine to make coffee.
“God.” Leo moans around his spoon. “This is almost better than sex.”
Ben chuckles. “This is fucking good, but you’re clearly having sex with the wrong women.”
“Ben!” Sierra shouts, turning around and glaring at her husband. “Don’t be mean.”
And there goes my good mood. It’s not like my brother to be so blatantly hurtful. He may not be privy to the specifics, but he knows what we feel for one another. Either he’s tired and it slipped out or he said it on purpose to suit some agenda. Perhaps he thinks I’m going to throw myself at Leo like I did that man at the hotel. He wouldn’t be wrong except I can’t touch Leo without risking his life, and I won’t be that selfish.
“I was thinking of visiting Mateo’s grave in the morning,” Leo says, deliberately changing the subject. He looks me directly in the face. “Would you like to go with me?”
I don’t have to think about it. I nod. “I haven’t been for a while, so yes.”
“I would go too,” Ben says, “but I promised the kids we would take the boat out and head to Island Beach.” In the past, Ben has often come with me when I have visited the Mazzone mausoleum.
“We’re all going,” Sierra says, bringing a tray with coffees over to the table. “You are both welcome to join us.”
“Thank you.” I finish my wine. “But I think I’m going to head back to the city after the graveyard. I want to get everything ready for the twins’ return on Sunday.”
The guys eat their cake and drink their coffee, and then I ask to speak to Ben alone in his study.
“Did you talk to Gino about NYU?” I ask him the second the door is shut.
“I did, and you are permitted to go.”
A layer of stress lifts from my shoulders, and I throw my arms around my brother. “Thank you, Ben.”
“You’re welcome.” He kisses the top of my head before I ease out of his arms.
“How did you get him to agree?” I ask as he takes my hand, leading me to the two comfy chairs in front of the fireplace. It’s summer, so there is no fire set, but it’s still a relaxing space to sit and talk.
“I told him he owed you and it was the least he could do considering he’s flaunting his other woman all over Chicago.”
I gasp, almost spilling my wine. “You agreed you wouldn’t interfere!” I cry.
“I made no such promise,” he coolly replies. His blue eyes latch on to mine. “He doesn’t know you know or that you were in Chicago.”
I breathe easier hearing that.
“I told him I have been monitoring his movements via the app.”
A laugh bubbles up my throat. “I’m betting he’s considering slicing his arm open to remove the chip.”
Ben chuckles. “Probably. But I put devices on his cars and in his apartment too. He’s not going to outsmart me.”
“Is that wise?” I know Ben heads The Commission, but Gino is still a don.
“He is fucking things up in Chicago,” Ben says. “Trust me, he has more pressing concerns than a few bugs in his place.”
That woman has a lot to answer for if she is responsible for Gino screwing up. But it’s on him too. I have zero sympathy. “Thank you, Benny. You are the only man in my life I can truly rely on.”
