“Fuck him,” I mutter to myself.
I haven’t come in second since my father left. He’s not back, so this can’t be him. Besides, I took over most of his operations.
I’m too exhausted for this shit. I need a good night’s sleep and a fifth of something strong. Something to knock me off my ass.
My phone rings, interrupting my thoughts. I pull it from my pocket and roll my eyes as I see it’s Uncle Emilio. I already know what he’s calling for.
I’m thinking about proposing to Salvator Romano’s youngest daughter. It’s not a love match. I will never fall in love again.
I want Romano’s connections and his docks. Alyissa Romano is pretty enough; she’ll make nice arm candy as a little Mafia princess, but that’s where things will end. I don’t fuck.
I would have to get hard for that. The only way I’ve been able to get hard in the last three years is if I pictureher. I’m not willing to do that with another woman.
That shit makes me sick to my stomach, so I don’t fuck. Not that I don’t have plenty of ass thrown at me. I’m too broken to care or want to care.
If I were to marry Alyissa, she would have to accept the fact that there will be no sex. I’d keep her happy with gifts and shopping sprees. That would have to be good enough. Though I doubt that’s what she’ll want.
It’s the biggest reason I haven’t given her father a commitment. If not for that, I would have by now. Uncle Emilio hates the idea of me taking her for my wife.
I think that’s what’s driving me to want to do it more. I’ve almost convinced myself that it will be worth it and I’ll be able to go through with it. After all, it was his choice that took the love of my life from me.
“God, I miss you so fucking much, baby.”
I get to the bar in my home and grab a tumbler. As I go to grab a bottle, my phone rings again. This time it’s from a number I don’t know.
Given the hour, I don’t ignore it this time. This could be business or a problem I need to handle. I answer and lift it to my ear.
“Don’t hang up,” Uncle Emilio says.
“What?” I roar into the phone.
“Lose the attitude. This is the call. A car is downstairs.”
With that, he hangs up. I stand with my mouth hanging open. He’s opening the books.
I’m getting the promotion. Finally, I’m a made man. I’m one step closer, baby. This is for you.
CHAPTER 28
Alive & Well
Rico
I haveto question the timing of it all. Why now? What’s my uncle up to?
This would have been Oni’s nineteenth birthday. Everyone knows I’ve crashed out on this day in the last three years. Why promote me, throw a party, and make a big deal out of this day?
My mother and father aren’t around. Both traveling or whatever. This happening now makes me feel so alone.
This shit is pissing me off and I can’t fucking breathe. Yet I’ve just been made, and I need to put on a smile for everyone. While I’m putting on an act for everyone else, I’m fucking dying inside.
That’s why I’m in this bathroom stall trying not to lose my shit. My uncle didn’t even have enough respect to be on time. I’m here holding on by a thread and he’s nowhere in sight.
“What do you think is going on with the don? I thought he’d be here by now,” a guy says outside the stall.
I’m not the only one who realizes the disrespect. I’m tired of this. Uncle Emilio has been riding me harder than ever in the last two years.
“Marone, word is tonight isn’t about Rico. Well, it is, but it’s not. He’s giving the kid his flowers, but the real celebration is about his daughters. He’s bringing them back home.”
