“It isn’t very wise of the other cities to align themselves against us.” My dad traded his flute for a shot glass. “I have some ideas on how to get them to see they’re on the wrong side of this fight.”
“Lorenzo has offered the backing of his cartel,” Chello said. “He’s ready to move when we are. We just have to say the word.”
“Juan has pledged the same,” I said. “We don’t lack manpower.”
Working with the cartels proved to be helpful, especially when we had to go to war within our own organization. There was a reason they came to the Accetti family when they needed something. In turn, they were there when we needed their support.
“That’s why this empire is in charge.” My dad downed his shot. “We just have to remind Boston, Philly, and Chicago of that. I’ll forgive their temporary lapse in judgment once I get them back on track.”
“We have to make it clear that going against us has major consequences.” I gave my brother a shot full of the smooth vodka. “I also want the opportunity to make Bello pay for putting his hands on Sable.”
“I’ll make sure you get that chance.” Chello tapped his glass to mine. “No one fucks with our women. That message has to be enforced.”
“History will not repeat itself.” My father poured himself another drink. “The best way to honor your mother is to make sure no one suffers the fate she did.”
“The Accetti Empire is whole,” my father said, “the trinity is complete.”
When Chello glanced at me, I knew we had a common goal. Keeping Lissia and Sable out of danger had to be the priority of whatever plan we came up with.
Nothing was worth their lives.
EIGHTEEN
Sable
No,no, no!I rushed into the bathroom in Milo’s office, barely making it to the toilet before the vomit splattered across the white porcelain and hit the water.
Gross!I flushed the toilet before plopping onto the cold tiles and resting my back against the wall, waiting for the room to stop swirling. Heat radiated down my throat and spread across my chest as my head throbbed. The pain was most prominent behind my eyes.
“Are you okay?” Lissia asked as she came into the bathroom and closed the door. “Milo’s worried about you.”
“I think it’s a migraine,” I said. “My head’s been off all morning.”
“Did you take anything?” She leaned against the sink. “I might have something in my bag.”
“Thank you, but strangely enough, the pressure in my head seemed to release once I threw up.” I kicked off my heels. “I just need a few minutes.”
“Migraines are the worst, but throwing up does seem to help. I read it has something to do with the digestive system or something like that.”
“I didn’t eat breakfast, and then Nico and I were talking and that always makes me nervous.” I took a breath. “Then you and Marchello came home and there were all these emotions and I…”
“I get it.” She smiled. “You don’t have to explain.”
“If anyone gets it, it would be you.”
Lissia could be a useful ally when it came to figuring out how I fit in around here. I wanted to adjust quickly and be part of Milo’s family. They meant so much to him.
“It’s nice to see you and Milo worked out your differences.” She opened a drawer in the cabinet at the sink and took out a washcloth. “I’m excited that you’ll be at the house.”
“It’s such a big house.”
“It is, but it has a cozy feel.” She ran the washcloth under the water. “I haven’t lived there long. After Chello and I got married, we went to Miami, and then we took an extended honeymoon.”
“You had an adventure.”
“We did.” She motioned me to stand and join her by the sink. “I like being home. Marchello needs his family, and I miss my mom and Ricardo.”
I pushed myself off the floor, catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror. “Oh, I look drained.”
