“Benny was a master manipulator,” Gianni interjects. “He knew how to poison people. My sister especially. My father never forgave him for turning her against him. Benny pumped you with lies, little girl.Hewas the black sheep, and it didn’t go over too well when our father passed him over for Baz to take over the corporation.” Gianni speaks in code, corporation meaning the family.
“That’s why he tried to kill you, isn’t it?” Realization suddenly dawns on me.
“Yes,” Baz confirms.
“So, it was Benny who made the power play?”
“Yup. And now Regina is trying to finish what he started. Brainwashed till the very end.” Gianni sighs. “Benny always wanted to be king, and there is strength in numbers.”
“That’s funny. Because he used to say the exact same thing about you. You wanted to be king.”
Gianni huffs. “I never wanted to be king. It just sort of happened that way.”
He looks at Baz then back to me. “I think Benny had been planning this for a while. But he didn’t bank on Baz fighting back. He always did underestimate my nephew. He got what he deserved.” There’s not a hint of remorse in the last sentence.
I’m completely at odds. Everything I was told is being challenged. My entire foundation in question. The man I thought I knew is, in reality, a complete stranger. I feel a little sick. And a lot stupid. A naïve child once again alone on the street. Once again wandering aimlessly in search of a purpose.
But I have a purpose now, don’t I? I clutch my stomach and sneak a glance at Baz. They’re my purpose.
It’s like I’m looking at life under a different light. A black light, and all the invisible pieces are illuminated in the dark.
“I wouldn’t have killed anyone if I’d known the truth.” It’s the only response I can muster. Baz squeezes my thigh reassuringly under the table. I lean closer to him, drawing on his strength. I need all the support I can get right now, and the person I want it most from is Baz. He kisses the top of my head possessively, Gianni watching the entire display.
“What’s done is done,” Baz proclaims. “We wipe the slate clean and move forward.”
“You think it’s just that easy?” Gianni contests.
“Make it that easy,” Baz orders. “We’re getting married. Soon. Before the baby comes.”
Say what?My insides go bananas from his declaration, but I remain completely composed on the outside.
“Cover it up, start a rumor, do whatever the fuck you have to do to smooth it over. No one touches Stevie. Not even you.”
A chill actually runs down my spine. Baz the Boss is bad ass. It’s completely inappropriate right now, but I’m totally turned on.
Gianni runs a hand through his greying streaks. He resembles Benny. Dark hair, light eyes, same shaped face. He’s older though, the crow’s feet and smile lines more prominent, but he’s still good looking. The Velona men have an identifiable European look. Not Baz, though. He’s so different. Chestnut hair and creamier skin. His features are masculine in a different way. Sharp but rugged, like an edgy male model.
They’re classically handsome. He’s ruggedly beautiful.
Gianni remains silent for what feels like an eternity. His intrusive gaze jumping between me and Baz.
“I’ll smooth it over. But Stevie belongs to us now.”
“Like hell. She isn’t working for you. She’s pregnant. And going to be a mother.”
“She has a special skillset, and we are down ten men because of her. She’ll pay her debt.”
“Over my fucking dead body.” Baz shoots out of his chair, but I grab his arm.
“Baz, it’s fine. I’ll pay my debt.” I nod, conceding. It’s the way of our world.
“Hell fucking no.”
“Baz, yes,” I argue. “It’s the right thing to do. You know how things work.”
“You don’t have to be a killer, Stevie.”
“She does if you want her to live,” Gianni stipulates, and Baz shoots rocket launchers at him across the table.
