“You act like I’m the only dishonorable man here. You keeping my nephew from me is unacceptable, and you know it.” He jabs his fingers in Ben’s face. “You will regret your actions.”
“Is that a threat?” Ben growls, and every made man in the room reaches for his weapon again. “Because I will end you. I won’t even have to do the dirty work. As soon as I let it be known you were aware of the ambush and you did nothing to warn any other don, they will come after you from every jurisdiction.” Ben cracks his knuckles, his determined face devoid of remorse. “I will let them have at you and watch as the vultures pick at your lifeless flesh until you are nothing but a sad sack of bones.”
Saverio grins, and the motion stretches his skin, drawing attention to the large ugly scar traversing his face. “It’s a promise.” They face off for a couple of tense beats, and then Salerno jerks his head at hissoldati, and they move en masse toward the door.
“If you’re not my ally, you’re my enemy.” Ben calls out when Saverio reaches the door. “Don’t call my bluff. I will act accordingly.”
“So be it,” Salerno says. “Just remember you set us on this path.”
32
SERENA
“Girl, is it just me, or has your bodyguard team doubled in size?” Chelsea asks as we exit the building after our organizational behavior class and are instantly swamped by scary-looking men.
“Yep,” I confirm, linking my arm in hers as she yanks the collar of her wool coat up around her neck. “Things are a little tense right now, and it was this or return to online classes,” I explain.
Her brows furrow in concern, and I hate I can’t tell her exactly what is going on. How the guys are all stressed, more than we have ever seen, and literally working around the clock trying to find a solution to the Chicago problem. Rumors have abounded this past week, and it seems all is not quite so rosy within The Outfit. There is unrest among some of the men, which should be a good thing for us—if we could get to any of them. Every night when Alesso finally crawls into bed, he gives me a quick update, and it doesn’t sound like things are turning in our favor yet.
So, the danger is heightened, and the guys are terrified of letting us out of their sight.
Hence the four-man-strong goon squad who follows me everywhere on campus. I’m garnering more than my fair share of strange looks, and it’s doing little for my reputation. But I’m assured having them close by, and if it means I still get to attend classes and hang out with my friend, then I’m all for it.
Chelsea tugs on my arm, stalling me. “I’m scared for you.” Genuine fear splays across her face. “Maybe you should go overseas. Go hide someplace until this blows over.”
Despite how little I have told her, she is astute and understands more than I realized. Ben works hard to keep stuff off the internet about our family, but there are plenty of people who know who he is, and the rumor mill suspects he’s a mafia boss. It’s not inconceivable to think Chelsea has heard gossip.
“That’s not the way these things work,” I say. “Doing what I’m doing is what’s best. The safest option for everyone.”
She drags her lower lip between her teeth as she clings to my arm, looking like she’s on the verge of tears. My heart swells with love for my friend at her obvious concern. I wish I could reassure her, but I won’t lie. “Chelsea, it’s—”
“Surprise!” Alesso’s dulcet tone sends delicious shivers skating along my skin.
I whip my head around, and my eyes pop wide as my boyfriend stands before me, grinning and holding a bunch of flowers. “What are you doing here?” I blurt.
“I thought I could take you to lunch.” He hands me the bouquet of white, pink, and purple lotus flowers surrounded by baby’s breath and other greenery. Every week, Alesso brings me lotus flowers, and I love it’s become our thing. His head angles in Chelsea’s direction. “Both of you, if that’s okay.” He thrusts out his hand toward my friend. “I’m Alessandro. It’s nice to finally meet you, Chelsea.”
Chelsea loosens her hold on me and timidly shakes Alesso’s hand. Her head dips low, and she doesn’t look at him as she says, “It’s good to meet you too, but I’ll have to pass on lunch. Thanks for inviting me though. I have just remembered I need to go to the library.” Her eyes lift to mine, and if I didn’t know better, I’d say Chelsea has gone all shy around my boyfriend.
“Chels. You don’t have to do that. Come to lunch.”
“It’s cool.” She darts in, kissing my cheek. “Enjoy some alone time with your man,” she whispers in my ear. She pulls back and fixes me with a smile. “I’ll catch you later.” She glances briefly at Alesso, waggling her fingers. “Nice to meet you. Enjoy your lunch!” Then she strides away, picking up her pace as if she can’t wait to get away from us. Strange.
“I think I might have scared her away.” Alesso’s hands move to my hips as he slowly reels me into his body.
My lips curl at the corners. “You are a little scary when you want to be.”
He tweaks the tip of my reddened nose. “I’m a made man, angel. It comes with the territory.”
“Not just any made man.” I link my arm in his as we walk off. “Aconsigliere.” My smile is proud as I beam up at him. Ben announced his appointment this week, so it’s all official now.
“I’m still getting used to it,” he admits, keeping his eyes peeled as we walk, protected now by an entourage of six bodyguards, thanks to the addition of Alesso’s two. Ben is taking no chances, and he has increased the security detail on his family and key personnel.
“Any change takes time to adjust to,” I say, snuggling into his side.
“I hope you’re right and the men who are reticent come around.”
I peer up at him, frowning as I stare at his handsome face. “I thought you said the men took the news well.”
