Honest

fourteen

After Dad stopped crying, I went back out. It's best I tell Salone of this... development. She can't lie on the spot and Dad will ask her.

See, the thing is...back before I was even born there was this...war. Dad tells the story all the time. The Capo of Vitale Famiglia declared war on an entire state because his wife had gone missing.

He targeted all organzied crimes and the police...well they condoned it. It went on for weeks. Most of men died. My father watched hopelessly as he sent his men into a dying fight.

We had numbers but...they had strength. They killed 70 percent of the Eses. We were forced to withdraw, gather our numbers and strength back.

It's been...decades since then. The current Capo is Niccoló Vitale, said to be Luciano's cousin. Sad hates them. For what they did. He hates the Vitale Famiglia.

Personally, I don't hold a grudge. All's fair in love in war right? Maybe it's because I wasn't there. Almost everyone my Dad knew died.

He grew up with these people and watched them be killed in the rage of a broken hearted man.

I thought it was...kinda sweet. Y'know? I mean, he declared war on our whole state just to get her back. He went on national television—Twice! I mean, the police could've shot him down.

He could've been arrested or worst but he didn't care because...he loved her.

One day, I hope someone loves me like that.

I look up at my building remorsefully. I'm gonna miss this place. But until I get my permit I promised.

I head toward the entrance.

“So....”

I jump, my neck snapping toward the voice.

“A whole two chapters without me? I'm a little jealous,” He laments.

I scowl. “What?”

“Nothing. I'm curious. We're you gonna stop by?”

“No. Why would I?”

He stalks towards me. “Well, I did you a favor and you didn't even thank me. You have no manners, do you?"

I grit my teeth. “I have to go,”

“Are you avoiding me?” He asks lowly.

“Trying to,” I grit.

He laughs deeply. “Why?”

“Because... you're a mobster. And a criminal...and—”

He laughs again, yanking me back into his arms.

“A criminal?" he whispers, his breath minty and cool on my face. “It's funny, I could have sworn you asked me to kill someone for you.”

I swallow looking away. He puts his finger under my chin, forcing my eyes to meet his.

“That's not criminal, Doctor Brown?" He mocks. “And I don't even see a hint of remorse. Do you even care what I did to him?”

He scoffs derisively. “Do you wanna know, little one?”

I sneer. “Tell me.”

“I made him fight. Like a Gladiator. To the death. When in Rome, right?”

He seems pleased. Although, I have to admit that was a very creative idea.

I'll use it sometime.

I look away again. “Oh...that's sad.”

“It's sad,” He echos. “You don't look sad? I bet if you, you could enjoy it.”

Duh.

“The poor guy for beaten to death. Didn't you love him?”

Love? That chump. Please. I love the Buick way more. Her name is Nancy

I'd never let Nancy die.

“You didn't huh? Oh...aren't you a little b***h?” He chuckles, c*****g his head.

“Come on. I'll take you home and we can watch a movie,” He coaxes, “We can eat and you can tell me why you're not appalled by the fact I've murdered your fiace.” He takes my hand, urging me forward.

I jerk back. “That sounds like death. Death itself.”

He pauses, turning around. “No. Fighting until you die is like death. A movie is...at best like mind-numbing entertainment. Besides, you owe me.”

“I got rid of a problem for you. You could be in jail right now, gattina. Or worse,” He takes my hand, “You could break your nails.”

Goodness, he's right! I do owe him. I just got these done!

“Fine, one evening together. s*x not included."

He quirks a brow. “You know your gonna sleep me don't you?”

Yeah. There's no way I'm gonna leave his house unscathed. He has an pack and he has a nice d**k, knows how to use it, last all night, extremely kinky—basically?

Just my type.

Oh, if only he wasn't from the Vitale Famiglia, the secret sworn enemy of the family I want to inherit.

If anyone saw me with him, my dreams of being the next Queenpin?

Bye-bye?

Unless of course I start my own?

But I'm entirely too lazy for that, honestly. Yeah, that about sums it up.

I take his hand, and he walks me to his car.

“How did you know I'm sensitive about my nails?”

“I've come close to death only twice in my life so far: the first, was when I cursed in front of my mother. I still have the scar. The second, was when I broke my sister's nail.”

He smiles at me, a sweet smile. “Usually, if a woman goes out of her way to make sure her nails are always done, that means comprising them means death and destruction.”

I smile back, because I'm going to marry him everyone else be damned.

He understands me fundamentally.

“You're so smart, Giuseppe.”

“Level ten intellect. Just like you.”

I grit my teeth and smile. If he's a level ten intellect, and I suspect he is, because he knew I am—that means I can't say anything during this little get together.

If I do...if I let anything slip, he's gonna know everything.

And London bridge will come crashing down on my damn head.