"You have to let me explain. My brother..."
My lips trembled. I wanted to tell him about Carmela's threats.
But the words died in my throat.
What difference would it make? It would only drag his own mother into the conflict.
Nero never gave me the chance.
With one sharp movement, he tore off his tie.
Before I could react, he dragged me against him and bound my wrists tightly behind my back.
The silk dug painfully into my skin, and I cried out.
"I don't want your explanations."
He gripped my chin and lowered his mouth to my ear.
"Chloe, you made one very serious mistake. You just offended the Boss of the Mafia."
His voice dropped into a cold whisper.
"And when you die, the only place you'll ever be buried is in the Vitale family cemetery."
Without another word, Nero ignored my
