Loyalty.
Silence.
Those are the only two things we demand. The two promises of a made man who joins one of the four families. Those who break their oath die. It’s as simple as that.
I sit in my office, needing solitude away from our relatives who insist on checking in on us throughout the day. I appreciate their concern, they’ve helped us a lot with meals and errands and such. But I’m also ready for the revolving door of people coming and going to end. I miss my time alone with Elena. Truly alone with her.
My phone vibrates on the desk. I glance at the screen and my heart drops into my stomach. It was only a matter of time before he called. I’ve been expecting this, but that doesn’t make it any easier.
Bracing myself, I answer. “Hello Papa.”
“Maximo. Do you realize how lucky you are? Everything could have gone terribly wrong. What would I have told your mother? You could have gotten yourself killed.” Of course he knows about it all.
I cringe. “I know.”
“Your sister could have been killed.”
“I know.”
“Your wife, too.”
A wounded sound rumbles in my chest. “I know.” The words scratch up my throat.
He sighs. The sound’s heavy with meaning.You fucked up, son. But also:I’m so glad you’re alive.
I screw my eyes shut. Enduring my father’s disappointment in me is one of the worst feelings in the world. I’ve broken histrust, and I’m not sure if I’ll ever get it back. Not after what happened to Julianna.
“I just spoke with your sister. As much as I should insist that she comes home, she doesn’t want to. She wants to stay with you in America.”
I hold my breath, hope fluttering in my gut. If he lets her stay, I know it’s a test. He’s giving me a second chance to prove myself. To not disappoint him again.
I hear my mother’s voice in the background. He covers the cell’s microphone to answer her, his words a hushed jumble that I don’t catch.
“I told her she can stay as long as you agree,” he says.
“She can stay.”
“She’s your responsibility now, Maximo.”
“I know, Papa. I won’t let either of you down. I promise.”
“I believe you. Keep her out of trouble and away from danger. While she’s there, I’m working on finding her a suitable husband, one strong enough to stand up to Nero if he becomes a problem.”
“Have you told Julianna about this plan?” Knowing my sister, she’s going to hate it.
He grunts an affirmative. “She’s known the terms for years. She either stays hidden or she marries. She chose to come out of hiding, so I will make sure she marries well.”
“Okay. Hug Mama for me.”
“I will. Talk soon.”
“Arrivederci, Papa.”
A mix of determination and dread floods my veins. On one hand, Papa has given me another chance to earn his trust. On the other, Julianna’s no easy assignment. My sister’s always been rebellious, and I’m not sure how she’s going to take it when our father finds her a groom. Will she accept the arrangement or make our lives hell?
Flip a coin because I don’t fucking know.
“Maximo?” A light tap comes on my door.
