"I agree," one of the capos growled. "This cannot stand. Gino's a traitor to you and to the family. He must be dealt with."
Murmurs of assent echoed around the table. Luca met the gaze of every man there. "I want eyes on every street corner, every hole in the wall Gino might scurry to. We need to find him, and we need to end whatever alliance he has with the Russians. "
"God only knows what kind of information he's giving them, or what he's promised them," the man across from me said.
"That's something I intend to find out," Luca promised. Then he stood and gave me a nod. A sign that it was time for me to go and let the boys talk. "Thank you, Luna. I know that wasn't easy for you."
"You're welcome," I told him. I felt numb as I was dismissed from the room, the capos' dark mutterings and Tristan's heavy gaze following me.
I made my way back to Logan's room, my mind whirling. I'd just betrayed my own father, condemned him to death. But what choice did I have? He was who he was, and other than taking care of Logan's school costs, he'd never done anything to earn my loyalty, and he'd never stop coming after us. If for no other reason than some sick need for revenge.
I pushed open the door to Logan's room and found him sitting up in bed, his face pale and his lunch untouched in front of him. "What happened?" he demanded.
I sank into the chair near him, rubbing my face with both hands. "They just wanted to know about Gino," I said. "I told them everything." Well, not everything, but enough.
He was quiet for a long time. "Is it true? What he told me? Did you fuck him? Our own father?"
Shame washed over me. "I didn't know he was our father then, and it's not like I had a choice."
"He told me you were a stripper, and a whore." There was no disgust in my brother's voice, just curiosity.
Shrugging, I said, "The stripping part is true. That's how I made enough money to give us a place to live and to help you pay for school."
"I could've helped, Luni. I could've gotten a job."
I smiled. "It wouldn't have been enough. Besides, I don't mind dancing. I've never been shy about my body, and I won't be able to do it forever. Plus, the club I worked at takes really good care of me and all the girls who work there."
My brother was quiet for a long moment, studying my face. I waited for his judgment, but I should've known that wasn't the kind of man he was, because it never came. "Do you think they'll find him?"
"I don't know," I admitted. "But they're going to try."
He nodded, his jaw tight. "Good. I hope they do. And I hope they make him pay for what he did to you."
I squeezed his hand, grateful that we still had each other. "Me too," I whispered.
A soft knock sounded on the door, and I turned to see Tristan standing there, his dark eyes unreadable. "Can I speak with you for a moment?" he asked.
I met Logan's gaze. He shook his head slightly. "I'll be right back," I promised, rising to my feet.
I followed Tristan out into the great room, my skin tingling with nervous energy. He led me away from the doors and out of my brother's earshot before stopping and turning to face me.
"I just wanted to check on you," he said, his voice low.
I met his eyes, trying to appear steadier than I felt. "I'm fine," I told him. I swallowed hard, my heart racing. "Tristan, I..." I trailed off into silence, not knowing what to say.
His dark eyes bored into mine with an intensity that made my pulse race. "I don't like you being here."
I frowned. "At Luca's?"
"Yes." He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair back from my face, his fingertips grazing my cheek.
I shivered at his touch. "I'd think the home of the mafia boss would be a pretty safe place to hang out."
"It is."
"Then I don't understand."
His hand fell back to his side as his eyes darkened. "Neither do I."
