“His condition has deteriorated?” My brows zipped together.
He just smiled serenely, the same smile he flashed his victims before decapitating them so he could have their skulls.
“Wait, but Achilles said he’s been demoted,” I said.
“He was,” Tiernan confirmed. “By Luca and Enzo. He’s ruffled far too many feathers, shitting all over Camorra operations twice in a row for you. The brothers have been calling the shots for the past ten weeks.”
“And no one’s asking questions?”
“They told the Camorra he’s abroad for an experimental treatment or some shit.”
This was a huge power shift that would change the fabric of the entire underground world. I couldn’t believe it had happened. Moreover, I couldn’t believe it had happened because ofme.
I forced myself to relax for the rest of the ride there, knowing Vello was no longer a danger to me.
When we got to the Ferrante mansion, Enzo opened the door. My heart sank, but I kept my smile casual. I hadn’t seen Achilles the entire week. Not since he brought me wine. I tried not reading too much into it. He had mentioned he’d give me time. And I still needed it. But I also needed someone who wouldn’t treat me like I was a fragile little doll in need of saving.
“Tier-Tier, baby girl.” Enzo offered me a one-armed hug, his Adonis body nearly crushing me to smithereens. “You look fantastic for a girl who had her head blown the fuck up.”
I threw him a grin, strutting deeper into the lavish house. “And you smell amazing for someone who spews crap out of his mouth twenty-four-seven.”
Enzo linked his arm in mine, leaving my family behind. “I missed you.”
“Can’t blame you. I’d miss me, too. When’s dinner?”
“Soon, I hope. I’m starving. All I had today was twelve egg whites, chia matcha pudding, and some pussy.”
I gave him a horrified glare. “You gotta stop doing that to yourself, dude.”
“I know. But maybe one day I’ll like it. I mean, my friendsloveeating pussy. What am I missing?”
“I meant your diet. It’s unsustainable.”
“Of course it’s sustainable,” he thundered. “It’s how I sustain my six-pack.”
We sauntered to the dining room. Tiernan and Lila loitered behind, unpacking her breast pump.
As soon as we slipped into the corridor, Luca and Sofia came into view, huddling in what looked like a tense conversation. Sofia shook off Luca’s deadly gaze, flashing me a warm smile. She wrapped her arms around me in a quick hug. “Tierney, I’m so glad to see you up on your feet and well.”
“Thanks.”
Her swanlike features, her soft angles and elegant neck, and musical voice had a calming effect on me. I didn’t know Sofia well, but she was very close to Lila. The latter had good judgment when it came to people, so I decided not to hold Sofia’s marriage to her husband against her. It wasn’t like she had a choice.
“Did you get the pies I sent you?” Sofia’s lashes fluttered nervously. “Lila said you didn’t want visitors. I didn’t want to impose.”
“I got them.” My smile broadened. “They were great. Really made me push myself to the limit during all my PT sessions to burn those extra calories.”
Sofia giggled.
“Tierney.” Luca’s voice dripped with disdain. His face was marred with faded purples and blues, and I had no doubt it was thanks to my revelation that he’d threatened to kill me. “The only reason your brain is not smeared all over this Italian marble floor is because of Achilles and Tiernan. And because that floor costs more than your life’s worth. I hope you know that.”
“Oh, I know.” I smirked, sad I didn’t have hair to flip to annoy him further. “And rest assured, Mr. Cold Fish, I don’t care.”
Enzo snorted, and we rounded the hallway into the dining room. Chiara, the matriarch, stood at the doorway, greeting her guests in her prim dress and coiffed updo. She, too, curled her nose in disgust at the sight of me.
“If it isn’t the woman who handed my entire family to the feds.”
“Are the feds in the room with us?” I squinted, glancing around the room. “I don’t think so. I spared your family because of Lila and Achilles. Jury’s still out if I’ll extend the same favor to you, though.”
