“Where would you go? You don’t have any money.”
“I know.” She pulls away from me once more. “But you could pay me again. I could work as a maid.”
“You’re my wife now. No longer my maid.”
“Then I could get another job somewhere. You could help me.”
I frown. “And you’d… what? Live somewhere else?”
“Isn’t that for the best? I could find my own independence. My own freedom.”
“I promised I would never hurt you again. I am not letting you go, Emma. You’re my wife. You belong here.”
“And I’m glad I’m no longer your prisoner. But I’ve never had the chance to live, Leo. I want to experience it. I’d like the chance to live on my own.”
“Who would protect you then if more of my enemies show up?”
She hesitates, shrugging. “I don’t know. But can I truly stay with you after everything? I need to figure out what I feel.”
Rationally, everything Emma is saying makes sense. She should get the chance to experience her own freedom. But that would mean letting her go and I’m not ready for that.
“You did something most people don’t do. You killed your own father. You’re not thinking straight. Take some time and we’ll discuss this more.” I leave her room before she can say anything to make me change my mind.
I am not letting Emma go for anything.
Gabriel and I are at our club, dealing with more business. After Alessandro shot it up, we haven’t been able to reopen it yet. Going over paperwork is boring but it’s part of the job.
One of the security guards knocks on the door to the private office. “Mr. Romano. Mr. Detti. There’s a man here to speak with you two.”
“Who is it?” Gabriel asks.
“Says his name is Matteo Marani. Says he worked with Mr. Greco.”
“Which one?” I ask.
“Both of them.”
Gabriel nods. “Let him in.”
The guard leaves and a moment later, a young man enters the room. Around a similar age as Gabriel and I. Has money judging from his designer suit. Slicked back dark hair. A perfect five o’clock shadow.
“We haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet,” Matteo says, extending his hand to both of us. Gabriel and I get to our feet. This man is dangerous. I can sense it in my gut. “I’m Matteo Marani. A close associate of Giovanni’s and Alessandro’s.”
Neither I nor Gabriel shake his hand.
Matteo chuckles, lowering his hand to his side. “Fair enough. My associates have caused a lot of problems for you, judging by this club. It’s been a few weeks now and it still hasn’t opened up.”
“What do you want?” I snap.
“Leo,” Gabriel warns. “I apologize for my friend’s tone but he has a good point. What do you want?”
“I know you killed Giovanni. Everyone knows it. But Alessandro has been missing for a few days. His last known location was at your house, Mr. Detti. I can only assume he’s dead and that you killed him.”
I don’t say a word. Impulsivity is my weakness but even I know to keep my mouth shut in this moment.
Matteo huffs. “That’s all the confirmation I need. You see, I’ve worked with Alessandro for years. His brother, Giovanni, was a harsher pill to swallow. I never cared for him. But Alessandro was a good friend and now that he’s gone missing, I can’t stand back and not do anything about it. I can make your lives hell or we can make a deal. I am sensible. I am willing to become partners with you two. I would prefer that than going to war.”
Gabriel and I exchange a look.
