"Your choices led to that exile," Alessandro says. "And now your choices have brought the Bratva to our doorstep demanding your head."
I sit back, feeling like I’m in a netherworld. Is this what the family has come to? “Listen, the Bratva has been fucking with you while you sit around with your dicks in your hands letting them get away with it.”
They all bristle, but I keep on. “What happened last night, they started. They wanted Katerina to steal papers. They kidnapped Enzo to make it happen. Hand me over if you want, but you’ll just prove to them that you don’t have the balls to protect what’s yours.” I look Alessandro in the eyes. “I’m not your enemy, Brother. They are. Until you get that through your thick skull and take action, the Bratva will keep coming, and from what I’ve seen so far, they’ll burn you to the ground.”
“You shouldn’t talk to your Don like that,” Uncle Matty sputters.
“He’s not my Don.” I study them. “I was kicked out, remember? I’m the head of my own family now. You can listen to my warnings or not, but you won’t be telling me how to run my life or prevent me from protecting what’s mine.”
The debate spirals, voices rising as family members take sides. Some argue for my defense, others for sending me to the Russians as a peace offering.
"Enough!" Valentina slams her hand on the table. "While we fight among ourselves, the Bratva is planning their next move. We need solutions, not accusations."
At least she seems to see the situation as I do.
Alessandro’s expression darkens as he realizes he's losing control of the room.
He stands, commanding the room. "The solution is simple. You leave New York by nightfall, or we turn you over to the Bratva."
I don’t know why his words hurt like they do. I guess deep down, I hoped he’d see me as his brother. As someone who was looking out for the family.
My fists clench. “I’m not leaving my son or Katerina.”
"It's what's best for the family," Alessandro says. "Your family, if I need to remind you, includes more than just your mistress and bastard."
I'm on my feet before I realize it, the chair crashing behind me. I push Alessandro against the wall.
"Say that again about my son."
Adriano rises, hand sliding inside his jacket. "Sit down, Luca."
"No." My heart hammers against my ribs. "Kill me if you must, but I'm done letting this family dictate my life."
Alessandro's face reddens. "This isn't negotiable. The Bratva wants blood. Yours or all of ours."
I study him. “When did you become such a pussy?” I push him again and then back off. “Handing me over isn’t going to stop them from going after you. If anything, it will embolden them. If you’re not going to fight for your business, you might as well hand it over to them.”
“You don’t know anything,” Adriano says.
“I know more than you, little brother. Look.” I hold my hands up. “If you want to kowtow to them, I won’t stop you. But I'm not leaving Katerina and Enzo behind. Not again."
"Then you've sealed your fate," Alessandro says coldly. "And perhaps theirs as well."
“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” Valentina's voice cuts through the tension. She stands slowly, commanding attention despite being the youngest and a woman. "Something doesn't add up."
Alessandro sighs. "This isn't the time for your theories, Val."
“What file?”
Everyone in the room looks confused.
“What does it matter?” Alessandro says, adjusting his suit jacket.
“What does it matter?” Valentina’s voice holds the same shock I feel at their dismissal of the Bratva’s attacks. “What’s in it? How would it help the Bratva? How does he know about it?”
I roll my shoulders. “Sure, give them the file. Maybe that will make them happy.”
“I’m not giving them a file.” Alessandro sits down.
