None of us have a choice.
It’s what we were born into.
Except Sierra was kept outside of this world until recently. Not out of protection. No, our father saw her as a loose cannon, and he made Mom, Saskia, and me lie to her about our true heritage. Something I equally hated and loved him for. Sierra was pissed when she discovered the truth and that I had known and said nothing, but I always believed she was better off not knowing. Her life was better for being kept in the dark.
Not that it mattered.
She’s as entrenched in this world now as we all are.
Which reminds me. I need to have a conversation with Ben, and it can’t wait any longer.
After asking Alesso to keep the wine on hold, I walk to the east wing where Sierra and Ben have their private quarters. I knock on the heavy mahogany doors, and Sierra appears a few seconds later. “Rena.” She leans in and kisses my cheek. “Is everything okay?” Concern is etched upon her face.
Although we all spend most nights together, there’s an unspoken rule that Saturday nights are private time, so it’s not like me to interrupt her with Ben. But I have put this off long enough. While I’m feeling brave, I want to ask this favor of my brother-in-law. “Everything is fine. I just need to ask Ben something.”
“Come in.” She steps aside, letting me into her living room. Ben is seated on the long leather couch in front of a roaring fire, clutching a glass of bourbon in his hand. He’s wearing jeans with a fitted black sweater, looking relaxed and happy.
“Sorry to interrupt,” I say, taking a seat on the comfy leather chair.
“Would you like a glass of wine?” Sierra offers, hovering behind me.
I shake my head. “This won’t take long, and Alesso has wine waiting for me.”
Sierra grins as she sits down beside her husband, snuggling into his side. “Does he now?” She waggles her brows as her grin expands.
“For the umpteenth time, we are friends.” She has been softly teasing me about him since we moved in here.
“I didn’t say anything.” She smirks as she lifts her wineglass to her lips.
Ignoring my younger sister and her deliberate innuendo, I focus on her husband. “I need a favor.” I sit up straighter, clasping my hands on my lap. “I know you have a lot on your plate, but—”
“Whatever you need, it’s yours,” Ben says, cutting across me. “You’re family, Serena. I take care of my family.”
A lump forms at the base of my throat. Ben is such a good man, and I’m so happy my sister has him. I don’t have to worry about Sierra or Rowan, knowing Ben will always keep them safe. It’s one less thing to concern myself with.
“I know you do. I’m not sure I thanked you for taking me and the kids in. Everything has been such a blur these past few weeks.”
“You have thanked me profusely, Serena, and it’s not necessary. Our home is your home, and we have tons of space. I’m happy you are here, and I know how happy it makes my wife. You have a home here for as long as you need or want one.”
“You’re one of the good guys, Bennett, and my sister is a lucky woman.”
Ben slides his arm around Sierra’s shoulders. “Trust me, I’m the lucky one.” He beams at his wife, and they share an intimate look. One I have seen them exchange several times. One day, I would love to have someone look at me the way Ben looks at my sister. But with my issues, it’s highly unlikely I would be so lucky.
“What do you need?” Ben asks, finally dragging his gaze from Sierra.
“I’m worried about retaliation,” I blurt. “And I’m wondering if there are more DeLucas in Sicily we should be concerned about.”
Ben nods, swirling the bourbon in his glass. “Those are valid concerns.”
I love that he is honest and he doesn’t sugarcoat anything. “I feel safe here, but I can’t hide forever. I need to be able to live my life, and I can’t do that constantly looking over my shoulder.”
Ben winces a little. “I’m not sure it’s possible to avoid that forever, even if we can discount immediate threats. Whether you like it or not, you were married to the man most of thesoldatiof The Outfit considered their boss. Gifoli had his fair share of supporters and enemies. We are working to turn that loyalty toward Barretta. It’s why Gino is in Chicago.” Gino Accardi is Natalia’s husband, Ben’s brother-in-law, and one of the five New York dons.
Ben clears his throat before continuing. “Gino will help to smooth things over and reassure them that a new don, underboss, andconsiglierewill be appointed in due course and to remind them The Commission has their best interests at heart. I have confidence we can win them over in time, and anyone who may be resentful of you will come around.”
I’m not naïve. Ben isn’t either. I know he believes what he says, but it won’t be easy. I know there are factions within The Outfit who resent me because I have sided with the enemy in their eyes.
Tensions have traditionally been high between New York and Chicago, and the fact Ben and The Commission have swooped in—in the aftermath of Alfredo’s and my father’s deaths—will have only increased suspicion.
