The silence of the library was broken as Maxim burst through the door without knocking. He was pale and I didn’t need to ask to know it was bad news.
“They’ve got Brando.” He blurted out.
I sprang up, my pulse racing with urgency. “What? Who got him?”
“Giuliano put a bounty on his head. That bastard, Aldo, captured him. He got Brando into Giuliano territory before I could stop it.”
A wave of heat surged through me, anger searing my veins. My gaze shifted to the family portrait, landing on Brando’s teenage face, the smiling boy he once was. My voice was low, almost a whisper. “Giuliano is infamous for his execution ceremonies.”
Maxim nodded grimly. “They’re planning to execute him at dawn.”
God, the Giuliano execution was nothing short of a nightmare. After beating the victim within an inch of his life, they’d cut off his balls and shove them down his throat until he choked to death. The image burned in my mind, fueling my rage as I headed for the door.
“Over my dead body,” I growled.
Maxim cursed under his breath. “I told you if you didn’t stand by him, someone would eventually kill him. Now it’s too late.”
I spun to face him, defiant. “He’s still alive, which means it’s not too late.”
Maxim didn’t back off. “He’s in Giuliano’s hands. On his turf. Going there is suicide.”
My anger flared like an inferno. “I’m not going to sit on my ass while that bastard cuts off the only brother I have and chokes him with his own balls.”
Maxim placed a hand on my shoulder, his tone firm but urgent. “I get it. But you can’t save him now. If you step into that territory, you’ll end up the same way.”
I clenched my fists. “Then I’ll die trying. But I’m not forcing you to come with me.”
He held my gaze, unwavering. After a beat, he gave my shoulder a firm squeeze. “You’re my Capo. I’d follow you to hell and back, Carlo. My life’s yours. That oath wasn’t empty.”
I nodded. “Get the choppers ready. We move now if we’re going to make it in time. Load the weapons. Alert the men. We’re hitting them from the ground and air.”
“Got it, boss. Everything will be ready in thirty minutes. Our soldiers have been itching for a real fight. Tonight, they’ll get their wish.”
After he left, I pulled out my phone and called Giorgio, told him to meet me in the parking garage. When I got there, the scene was chaos. Men strapping on vests, loading weapons, their expressions locked in that perfect place between bloodlust and focus. Giorgio showed up as I finished adjusting my gear.
“Which group should I join, boss?” he asked. “I’d prefer to come in with the chopper. I’m a good shot.”
“You’re not going with any of them,” I said firmly.
He frowned. I clarified before he could argue. “I’ve got a more important mission for you. The risk tonight is high, I can’t promise any of us will make it back. But if I’m going to stay focused, I need to know Emily’s safe. And there’s no one I trust more than you. You’ve already risked your life for her twice.”
As always, Giorgio nodded, solid as ever. “What should I do?”
“Take her to the apartment I bought. Now. If we fail, Giuseppe will take this house first. She’ll be safe in that building, two judicial officials live there, no one would dare hit it. Stay with her till things calm down. Then get her to the Paris safe house.”
I handed him an envelope. “I’ve deposited enough money into Emily’s account to make sure she can live comfortably for the rest of her life. The cash in here is for you. Promise me you’ll watch over her until she’s out of Italy.”
Giorgio took the envelope, his voice steady, full of conviction. “I swear on my honor, boss. You don’t need to worry about her. And I’m sure you’ll make it back alive.”
I gave him a faint smile. “I hope so, Giorgio. I really hope so.”
TWENTY-EIGHT
Emily
I stared at the open suitcases in front of me, pausing mid-step as I reached for the closet. After visiting my new apartment a few nights ago, I’d made the decision to pack up and leave this house behind. But I couldn’t do it. Carlo’s voice still echoed in my mind. The way he said he loved me, it refused to let me go.
I didn’t know what the right move was anymore. As much as I hated to admit it, I still loved him too. That truth made me sick, but it was real. I loved him... but I couldn’t forgive him.
