Rafe’s expression doesn’t change, but his tone turns a fraction softer. “Got it.”
“Good.” I smile, but there is no warmth. Rafe might be a friend, but if he fucks me on this, his blood will spill. “Because if she slips past you, it won’t matter that my uncle will kill me. I’ll kill you first.”
Rafe snorts. “Yeah. Knowing you, you’ll come back as a ghost to finish the job.”
“Exactly.”
I leave the warehouse, get into my car, and drive.
Once I pull through and stop by the entrance, a guard opens my door before I can touch the handle.
“Mr. Amante,” he greets, eyes forward, no emotions.
I nod before heading up the stairs and walk inside.
A few seconds later, I’m in the main room, and my uncle sits with two capos, a glass of something dark in his hand. He looks the same as always: calm but brutal.
He’s the kind of man who never raises his voice because he doesn’t need to.
“Lorenzo.” His gaze pins me. “Sit.”
I sit—not out of obedience, but because of respect. He took me in and taught me how to be a man.
Also, I might not remember my father, so in truth, he’s the only father I know.
One of his men, Tony, slides a file to me. “Another hit on one of our warehouses.”
I flip it open, eyes scanning.
“I’ll handle it,” I respond simply. “Rafe and I got it. We can run point.”
“Good.” His mouth tilts, not quite a smile. “I know I’ve already told you this, but your father would’ve been proud.”
A muscle jumps in my jaw as the words land like a fist to my ribs. If he knew what I did, what I’m hiding in my house—
He wouldn’t be proud. No, the only emotions I’d get are fury.
And fury from a man like him, or in this case, a man like my uncle, wouldn’t end in lectures.
It would end in a funeral.
Mine.
I lean back, feigning ease, making sarcasm do the work guilt tries to do. “Anything else?”
“I’m proud of you too,” he says evenly.
I nod once, the motion tight.
Meeting done. Orders given. I walk out feeling like a liar, but at least I walk out...
On the drive back, the image of Victoria’s door won’t leave me.
She’s asleep.
My stomach twists.
I’m a scumbag.
