Since then, I’ve been sitting here picking at the sandwich the chef made for me. It’s not that the food isn’t good—my stomach has just been in knots about what’s going on. The alarm announces the front door has opened, and movement starts to pick up all around me. Even the chef looks a bit nervous.
“Where is she?” Rico bellows through the house.
I jump in my seat and turn just in time to see him storm into the kitchen like a madman. I stand and wipe my sweaty palms on my new wide-legged slacks. Reaching up, I touch my braids that I pulled up into a bun.
I shift from foot to foot, thinking I should have gone with a more sophisticated top, not this crisscross crop top that bares my stomach. Rico eats me up with his eyes. That heated stare makes me both nervous and curious about what he’s thinking.
His fists are balled up at his sides, and his nostrils are flaring. He looks angrier than he was last night in that shed as he killed those two men. I can’t help wringing my hands as I stand with my mouth hanging open.
“This is why I’m about to start a war,” he mutters to himself.
“Huh?” I say.
I knit my brows in confusion. This guy makes my head spin. Even if he were attracted to me, he’s so out of my league.
“Nothing. Your uncle wants to see you and make sure you’re okay. We’re going to do this on my father’s property.”
“Okay,” I say.
“Oni, this is your chance to show me your loyalty. You’re returning here with me, no matter what; it’s your job to make sure that happens.”
“What? What are you talking about?”
“Your uncle is ready to go to war with my family for you. That wasn’t how this was supposed to play out. This was a friendly merger. If he pulls out now, not only do I look weak, but he’s asking for the Gallo wrath.
“That’s not what my father or I want. I want you here. I need you here, but I’m not going to tolerate the disrespect. I feel where your uncle is coming from.
“I would have the same reaction. I need him to chill so I can fix the real problem. Do you understand?” he explains.
“Yeah, I get it. You need me to calm my uncle down so I can stay.”
“Good girl. Come here,” he says.
Slowly, I move to where he’s standing. Looking up into his eyes, I watch as he begins to calm himself down. My head is reeling.
I learned last night what happens to the disloyal. However, who is Rico to me? My uncle is my blood.
Should I really choose him over Uncle Claude? As I think about it, I may need to in order to survive. I know too much not to side with Rico.
He could decide to kill me and my uncle. Uncle Claude didn’t ask for this. He’s just trying to protect me.
I’m the one who stole the truck. If I hadn’t, those drugs wouldn’t have been lost. I wasn’t thinking.
When I found them in the truck, I took a picture of the plates and took off. I didn’t think of someone finding the vehicle and taking some of the product. I’m sure they had planned to go back for the rest, but I had already called Uncle Claude to fix my mistake.
I’m lucky they didn’t take it all. I would probably be in a much different situation. Rico pinches my chin between his fingers. I come out of my thoughts and focus on his face.
“This is how you earn my trust, Oni.”
“I get it. I understand.”
He kisses my forehead. “Good, you look nice. Did you get everything you need?”
“I think so.”
“Don’t hesitate to let me know if you need anything else. I’ll take care of it. Let’s go. Pop is waiting.”
CHAPTER 6
