Something inside me starts cracking under the pressure, and then it splits my chest wide open, allowing rage, hatred, and desperation to pour in like a tidal wave.
“I don’t deserve you treating me like this!” I snap as I take a threatening step forward. “I’ve given my all to this company and your pathetic brother. Give me my paycheck.”
She narrows her eyes and points her finger at me. “You didn’t do anything worthwhile. You were tolerated because Austin felt sorry for you.”
Knowing how Austin really felt makes shame crawl beneath my skin. While I gave everything I had, he viewed me as nothing more than a charity case.
Heather picks up the phone, then her index finger hovers over the nine. “Get out or I’m calling the police.”
I stand still for several seconds because I genuinely don’t know where to go, but then my pride wins out. I stalk away, and grabbing my suitcase from the cupboard, I hurry out of the office.
Once I’m darting down the sidewalk, the chaotic mess in my chest gets the better of me. I burst into tears as my entire life collapses around me.
Chapter5
Adriano
I didn’t get to follow Laurie last night because Remo and Valentina insisted I come over for dinner.
Their place is in Manhattan, so I crashed at the penthouse suite I have on retainer at The Mark, a five-star hotel, seeing as I’m meeting with Christiano, ourcapo dei capi, this morning.
Before he took over from Uncle Damiano, there was talk that the title would pass to me because I’m the eldest out of all the kids.
However, Uncle Damiano was adamant about keeping the title in his bloodline, and honestly, I was relieved. Christiano was born for the position, and I don’t have to deal with all the businesses.
Being the older brother to the other twelve sons and daughters of the Cosa Nostra is enough for me.
Growing up, I was the one who made sure no one looked for shit with the younger kids. Now that most are married and settled, I’ve been able to take a step back from being an overprotective older brother and focus more on myself.
“Remo seems very happy,” Little Ricky mentions as we drive toward the warehouse where Christiano’s main office is situated.
“He does.” Happy for my brother, the corner of my mouth lifts. “Being with Valentina is a dream come true for him.”
Christiano killed Valentina’s husband when he found out the fucker was beating his sister. It was a good day, and since then Remo’s been glued to her side, taking on the role of father to her two kids.
Little Ricky stops the SUV in front of the warehouse, and my eyes sweep over Christiano’s men. I see Nico standing with a group, and when I get out of the vehicle, I give Christiano’s head of security a chin lift.
While Little Ricky walks toward Nico, I go into the warehouse. I tap my knuckles on the door as I step into Christiano’s office. Lifting his head, he spots the wooden box in my hand, and a grin spreads over his face.
“Fuck, you actually managed to get it,” he says.
When I scowl at him, he chuckles. “Not that I doubted you for a second.”
Stepping closer, I hold the box out to him. “Try not to get emotional.”
Christiano pushes back from his desk and takes it from me like I’m handing him a damn newborn. His fingers slide over the polished wood before he opens the clasp and lifts the lid. For a second, he just stares down at the bottle resting against the black velvet lining.
“Jesus Christ.” A burst of laughter leaves him as he carefully takes the bottle out. He turns it in his hand, studying every detail, then pats my shoulder. “Thanks, brother. This means a lot to me.”
I grab a seat in one of the open chairs and say, “Devran came through.”
That gets Christiano’s full attention. He carefully sets the bottle on his desk, and sitting down again, he asks, “No issues?”
I shake my head. “None. The shipment arrived exactly when he said it would. Every crate accounted for.”
A pleased expression settles on his face. “That’s good. I had my doubts about working with the Turkish mafia.”
“Especially with the kind of shit he moves.” I stretch my legs out in front of me. “I have a good feeling about Devran.”
