Honest

thirty-three

Giuseppe

Scotch swirls around in my cup, I stare at the Amber liquid. She's right. I know she is. That's why when she ran I didn't run after her.

She's not good for me. Well she is, but she's not. We're compatible, but at the same time, she's toxic to me.

That's part of her appeal. I guess that's why opposites attract. Because too much of one thing is never a good thing.

We're too much alike, I think.

And I'm overdosing when I'm with her.

So I let it be. I stayed away from her. It was better for both of us.

But when I saw her, I remembered. How it felt to be with her. To taste her. To...

And I wanted it. I want it.

I smile. She beat me at my own game.

There's a knock at my door.

"Enter," I call, setting down the glass. In front of my is my cousin, and his fiancée.

They stand, nervously.

"How are you doing?" I ask.

"A little banged up, but we're okay."

I nod. "Well, I brought you back to give you what you deserve."

Levi pulls Salone into his arms, his eyes darting at the guards.

"Relax," I chuckle. "You deserve to be happy. I'm giving you my blessing. You're right, Levi. I was...prideful and I didn't get want to face her again. But that's no reason you can't be happy. So stay. We'll have a real wedding, it'll be huge."

Levi shoots me a confused look. "Where's this coming from?"

"You're my cousin Levi. And...there's exceptions to every rule. Salone has done nothing but come from a family that...I wanted nothing to do with. Speaking of which, I'm going to send you to her now."

Levi breaks out in a smile. "I thought you were gonna kill us for a second!"

"Luna would've murdered me. And then Uncle Luciano would've brought me back, Aunt Savannah would've murdered me again, and then Dad would've brought me back for Mom to murder me again."

I chuckle. "I'm crazy but not that crazy."

In fact, they should all be storming in here soon.

"Anyway, get out of here, before the circus comes to town, Desiree sent this gentleman to escort you, Miss Salone, You know him?"

She nods. "Yeah. Thanks."

I nod. "Alright," I look down at my paper work. "Go on."

Levi rushes to me pulling my head into an awkward hug. Couldn't he let me stand up before engaging in this weirdness?

"Yes...yes, I love you to. Please get off me. Or I can't guarantee I won't shoot you."

He lets go, ruffling my hair. I flinch away. It's times like this, I remember he's actually about 10 years older than me.

"Alright, alright. Go! Seriously. Unless you want be swamped by premium Vitale Members."

That snaps his ass in gear. Luna would tear that poor girl in half. I smile as they race away.

He's looks happy, genuinely happy. That's good.

"Giuesspe Leonce Vitale, if you killed your cousin you're gonna be in so much trouble."

I wince. That, however is not good.