Total pages in book: 51
Estimated words: 48854 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 244(@200wpm)___ 195(@250wpm)___ 163(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 48854 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 244(@200wpm)___ 195(@250wpm)___ 163(@300wpm)
“I suppose we could go,” I say, hoping I’m not making a stupid decision that will only have the Boss in a bad mood. Even though he’s my father, I still have to abide by his rules. And I have to act as if I were already the head of the clan. Even though he still controls everything.
“Exactly,” Gian says.
“The worst they can do is kill us.” Even though Romano chuckles, a deep-seated worry twists in my gut. That is definitely what they can do if they see us, if they realize we’re Montesano.
A family feud that has spanned generations.
You’d think after so many years, people would forget.
But the mafia never does.
“What if…” Gian pushes to his feet, pacing the floor of my office as he taps his finger against his lips. “What if you brought something valuable back from the Vitale mansion for your father?”
He looks like he’s struck the goddamned jackpot with his assumption. I don’t know if my father would even care. But the fact that I had gotten into our enemy’s home and walked out with something that means something to them may prove to him I am worthy.
I have spent my life trying to prove myself. I wanted my father to look at me the same way he looks at the men who work for him. But more than that, I want him to see me as an equal. I’m the next in line to take his throne, and if he saw the potential in me, then he’d finally allow me to step up.
“I suppose it would be good.” I’m still unsure of this, but when both of my friends are on their feet, ready to race out the door, I realize I should just take a breath and enjoy the night. It’s not like I have to kill anyone. At least that’s what I’m hoping for.
You can never be sure that you will walk out of enemy territory alive and well. It’s not a guaranteed outcome. But I have to try. Perhaps it will be fun.
I stand, buttoning my suit jacket. I suppose I’m going out tonight. I can’t go in a suit and tie, so I have to change into something less formal. A party means I can let loose for a short time.
When I was growing up, my father drilled into my head that I needed to be formal at all times. Professional. As a Made Man, you needed to exude power, and you couldn’t do that in a pair of jeans and a hoodie.
“Let me change into something more discreet. I don’t want to walk in there looking like a goddamned Underboss. They’ll pick me out within seconds of entering,” I tell them and leave them in my office. It’s not like there’s anything in here that they don’t already know about me. As I make my way up to my bedroom, I ponder how the evening will go.
“Domenico.” My father’s voice distracts me from my thoughts and I turn to find him walking up the stairs. He’s dressed immaculately. “What are your plans for the evening?” It’s as if he knows already. The man is a mind reader. I used to ask him if he was. As a child, I was convinced my father had superpowers. But then I learned better. He was merely a human, a normal being who could read people as most devour books.
“We’re going to a party,” I tell him, blatantly ignoring the fact that I should in fact tell him it’s at the Vitale mansion.
“I want you to do a job for me,” he informs me. “There is a gala being held at the house of the enemy.”
My stomach twists. He must have been listening to our conversation. This is far too coincidental.
“I’d like you to find the jewel of Vitale.”
“You heard our plans,” I say. It’s not a question, more of an accusation, but he merely smiles. There’s no guilt in his eyes, but there is also no denying the man was eavesdropping. I’ll have to be careful about what I say in the future.
Perhaps my office has been bugged. My father should be able to trust me. He should be able to see right through me, to the very heart of me. I’m loyal. I was born Montesano and so I will die.
“Bring me back the jewel,” he throws the order out easily, waving his hand in the air. I watch him turn and head to his wing of the mansion. I wish I could leave, run a clan in another country, far away from him. But as the second-in-command, I can’t up and leave. It will show weakness that I cannot handle what the Boss throws at me.
In the safety of my bedroom, I sigh as I shrug off the formal attire and change into something more my style. The Vitales are known for their lavish parties, but I think something less stuffy will do.