Wren nodded excitedly. “I am.”
My mother smiled at her and then approached me and kissed my cheek. “Thanks for letting me have a girl’s night with Wren. I’ve waited thirty-two years for this.”
Diego came in with a dozen grocery bags of food hanging on his arms while my father followed him in. It was his first time seeing Wren, and I was happy to see an approving smile on his face. He walked over to her, and she stiffened when he kissed her cheek.
“You are more beautiful than my son described.”
Wren relaxed and a genuine smile spread across her face. “Thank you. It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Michelson.”
“Julian,” he corrected her.
She nodded once. “Julian, it is.”
My mother chuckled and beamed at my father. “Wait until you get the chance to spend time with her.” She linked her arm with Wren’s. “She’s very entertaining to talk to.”
My father leaned in close to my mother and kissed her. “Have a good night, dear. We’ll be back later.”
I could see the turmoil in his eyes when he looked at my mother. In just a few short hours, she wouldn’t have that angelic smile on her face; she would be heartbroken. I didn’t want to hurt her by taking away one of her sons, but it had to be done.
My father turned to me and jerked his head toward the door. “It’s time, son.”
I locked eyes with Diego, and he nodded in understanding. It was his job to protect the women at all costs.
While my mother busied herself with the groceries, I went over to Wren, and she wrapped her arms around my waist.
“I love you,” I whispered, kissing her head.
She tilted her neck back and met my gaze. “I love you, too.” Then, her voice dipped lower. “Give your brother hell.”
Letting her go, I stepped away and started for the door. “I plan to.”
I took one last glance at both her and my mother before turning the corner. Joey and Stefan pulled out of the driveway while my father hopped into the back of Benny’s car. My vehicle needed to stay behind in case Wren had to get away.
Once Benny hopped into the driver’s seat with Darion beside him, we headed to the warehouse.
“Who did you call?” I asked my father.
He released a heavy sigh. “Only the Rossis, Salvatores, and Kazakovs. They’re your biggest supporters. The Porcellos and the Sellingers are neutral. However, Nikolai was the one who called them in. I heard he offered them a large chunk of money to take his side.”
That didn’t surprise me.
A few minutes later, we arrived at the warehouse. It looked like a dilapidated building with broken windows in the front and graffiti-covered walls. As we exited the car, I could feel the tension in the air. There were a few vehicles parked in the back, including Valentin’s. His father, Riccardo, was standing by the large rusty metal door that led inside, along with Emilio Kazakov, the kingpin of his family. They were both good friends of my father.
“I’ll be right inside,” my father said as Benny parked the car. He looked at me, his eyes full of regret. “I’m sorry you have to do this.” Without another word, he got out quickly and joined Riccardo and Emilio with Darion by his side. I was only sorry my father had to be there to witness it.
Grabbing my bag, I hopped out and Benny and I went inside. The interior was dark and musty, with only a few dim lights flickering overhead. The sound of dripping water echoed through the empty space.
As we made our way through the maze of corridors, I could hear voices in the central part of the warehouse; it was where the fight was taking place. I didn’t want to go in there until it was time. A room was at the far end of one of the corridors, and Valentin was waiting for me outside the door.
Benny placed a hand on my shoulder. “I’m going to join the others while you prepare. I’ll come get you when it’s time.” I nodded and he disappeared back down the corridor.
Valentin took my bag and waved a hand toward the inside of the musty room, his expression guarded. There was nothing around but empty shelves covered in dust and a cobweb-covered desk.
“Nikolai’s not here yet,” he said.
“Of course not,” I scoffed. “He likes to make an entrance.”
Valentin set my bag down on the desk and I took my holster off, handing it to him before changing out of my suit into black shorts. Valentin stared at my gun and carefully placed it in my bag.
