“Yes, sir.”
“Mark my words, Israel,” Giovanni roared down the hallway.
I looked at my secretary. “Close the door on the way out, please. And make sure that man isn’t allowed back in here.”
“For today?”
I paused. “For good.”
If my brother thought he could waltz in here and talk to me like that, he was mistaken. Clearly, he didn’t see me as the head of this family yet. That meant I had to teach him a lesson. Even though he was my brother, I cut his paychecks. I gave him his jobs. I made sure he was comfortable and had everything he needed. But he was still operating off the idea that Dad wielded some sort of power in this family.
When really, he only wielded the power we gave him ourselves.
I picked up the manilla envelope and flipped it over. On the front was stamped ‘urgent,’ in bold, black letters. I quickly tore it open as I leaned against the edge of my desk. My eyes scanned the documents before I raked my hand through my hair.
More fires to put out. More people to fire. More hires to be made, and another undercover operation to plan.
“I usually send Gio for this,” I murmured.
But I figured this was a great time to start that lesson.
I set the papers down and picked up my office phone. I dialed the number seven, then waited until the phone rang. One ring, two rings, three rings exactly.
“Yes, sir?”
I grinned. “Porter. Got a job for you.”
“I’m all ears.”
“Come to my office at two. We’ll talk then.”
“Yes, sir. See you then.”
“Thanks.”
I set the phone back down on the receiver and smiled to myself. If my brother thought I was going to keep giving him work after a display like that, he was sorely mistaken. I picked the papers back up and pushed off the edge of the desk, walking back around to my chair. I sat in the buttery leather seat, feeling it give way as it molded to my body.
Then, I slid my reading glasses on and started reading.
The more I read, though, the more I found myself thinking about that damn party. It was this weekend, and after planning this with my brother since well before Bonnie ever entered the picture, I was glad to have it almost past us. Three more days and I’d never have to plan another wedding anniversary party like this for as long as I lived. Including my own, because I sure as hell wouldn’t live long enough in my line of work to ever see that milestone.
The smallest pang of regret touched my gut. As quickly as it came on, I pushed it away. “Come on, focus.”
I read through what had been included in the “urgent” envelope so I could be prepared to brief Porter once he got there. My mind was still swirling about the party. Why the hell did my brother care all of a sudden? Did he really think he could take my place like Bonnie suggested? A few days ago, he wouldn’t have given a shit who I brought to that party. And now, I wasn’t supposed to take Bonnie? Yes, I didn’t trust her. Yes, I hadn’t brought her with me that day for a plethora of reasons. Yes, I was entranced by her. Hell, even wooed by her at some points. But I was a man. I was strong. And I could make my own damn decisions.
I wanted her with me at that party.
So, she’d go with me to that party. “That settles that.”
Something about my brother’s actions still bugged me, though.
I mean, he’d never come to visit me. Ever. The last time he’d come to stay any length of time with me had been after his fucking divorce. That bitch of a woman he’d married against Mom and Dad’s will had kicked him out. She’d taken everything he’d owned since he was stupid enough not to make her sign a damn prenup. He’d come and had crashed in the library for two solid months before I’d finally told him to get out. And now, after all these years, he popped back up again?
He’s got something he’s working.
“Or, something he and Dad are working on.”
As I sat there, staring at my laptop, I wondered if the threat really was Bonnie’s family. If Pava Moretti really was the biggest wall I had standing in front of me right now. As my mind wandered and as I slowly started piecing some things together, a new picture formed in my mind’s eye.
And I started wondering if the real threat to my family right now… was my own.
14
Israel
Finally, the evening had come.
The evening of my parent’s anniversary party—and I couldn’t wait to get it over with.
I was tired of the back and forth. Tired of the judgment. Tired of Mom changing things at the last minute and Dad never putting his foot down. I swear, that woman was the weakest part of him. And that truth echoed a sentiment my father had preached to me my entire life.
Women are nothing but targets. Do better than I did.
My day at work had been long enough. But, to pile on an event where I had to plaster on a smile and act like things were okay? It felt a bit too much. My shoulders were already stacked with mounds of chips that weighed me down with every step. I slept with both eyes open to make sure my home wasn’t invaded again. I kept tabs on my enemies to make sure none of them became as bold and brazen as Bonnie’s uncle.
And Bonnie. She was a much different beast altogether.
I rose up the elevator with my hands slid into my pockets. I closed my eyes and drew in a deep breath, enjoying the silence that came with such an encasement. Some days, I wanted to move into this elevator. Just ride it up and down with nothing but my
