Never Truth

31

Later that afternoon, I found myself back at the Genovese home after receiving a summons from Enzo. I’d had enough time to get my head on straight and was ready to do my job. For now, I would make sure Sofia was safe and play the role of old friend at her graduation party. The only decision I’d made was not to rush into judgment, but that was enough to relieve some of the tension mounting inside me. Sofia knew I worked for her dad, so I no longer had to worry about explaining my presence. I had time to fix things between us. There was no deadline or time limit to figure out our s**t. At some point, I’d have to decide what to do about telling Enzo, but that could wait. For now, I would do my job. It was easier walking into Sofia’s home this time. The bittersweet aftertaste of old memories was still present, but I was prepared for the assault this time. The far end of the hallway was dark—Sofia was doubtless getting ready for her graduation party, but a part of me had hoped to see that pale light signaling her nearness. I shook off the childish longing and focused on what Enzo might need to discuss with me as I followed him into his office. He gave a tight smile and gestured for me to sit opposite him at the desk. “I thought perhaps you and Sofia were well on your way to working out your differences, but whatever happened last night did not go well. She’s hardly spoken today, and if I didn’t know better, I’d say she spent the night crying. I don’t know exactly what happened when you two broke up, but she isn’t going to let it go easily.” The implication of wrongdoing was clear in Enzo’s words, and I felt a compelling urge to defend myself. “I did what I had to do to protect her, sir. I wasn’t exactly given a choice when I entered this life. Once it was done, I decided not to drag her with me. I did what I believed was best for her.” I was relieved to speak up for myself. I just hoped I wasn’t opening a door that would get me in trouble. Enzo steepled his hands, resting the tips of his index fingers against his lips. “You were one of Sal’s recruits, if I recall correctly. Am I to understand you didn’t want to become a part of this outfit?” His features were totally impassive, giving me zero clue if I was being asked a simple question or providing evidence at my own trial. “Sal wanted me on board, so he used what leverage he had to coerce me into working for him—to demand my allegiance and become a made man.” “I’ll admit I was surprised when I found out you had joined the family. When you were young, and Sofia took such a strong liking to you, I spoke with your father about ensuring you weren’t allowed to know about our activities. I didn’t want that information getting back to Sofia. I would have preferred she had friends outside the family just to make life easier, but she was so affected after her brother died, I couldn’t stop her from befriending you. As you two grew up, I wondered how it would all play out. Last I had heard, you didn’t know anything about the family until you were suddenly among our ranks. Then you two broke up, and it was no longer an issue.” “I didn’t know anything about the family until Sal and my father gave me a crash course. I happened to see you that night outside the warehouse I’d been taken to. I thought maybe you had been a part of recruiting me— that you had ordered my initiation.” He shook his head, lips pursed. “Unfortunately, no. It was yet another poor decision made by Sal. No one wants a man who doesn’t want to be made, but there’s no going back. I trust that isn’t an issue now?” he asked with a slight lift of his brows. “That was a lifetime ago. I’ve made my peace with where I am and made the outfit my family.” I infused my gaze with every ounce of confidence and certainty I possessed. I didn’t want to give Enzo the slightest shadow of a doubt as to my loyalties. After an eternal second, he lowered his hands. “You’ll need to fix this business with Sofia. She’ll be moving out of our house soon, and I want someone guarding her.” “I’m working on it.” Not for the reasons you think. He wanted me to protect her, and I wanted to get her naked beneath me. The brief kiss we’d shared wouldn’t stop replaying in my head, no matter how messed up the situation had been. I wanted more. A hell of a lot more. If I accomplished my mission, did it matter how I did it? A small voice inside me cleared its throat and insisted this would be the perfect time to tell Enzo that his daughter knew about the family. I’d sworn an oath to the outfit, so I owed this man my absolute loyalty. So why did my lips refuse to budge? The family was supposed to outrank our own blood relations. Outrank any and all other obligations. But at the sight of Sofia destroyed in my arms, all other promises shriveled into dust. Nothing came before my Ladybug. Even my own life. Enzo drew me back to the present when he continued to speak. “We have a meet with the Russians tomorrow morning to sort out whatever mess Sal has created. I want you there. Once we get the Russians settled, hopefully we can smooth things over with the Gallos and get our hands on Sal.” “Not a problem. Let me know when and where, and I’ll be there.” He gave a nod, then stood and extended his hand. “This may not have been the life you envisioned, but I’m glad to have you with us. You’re a good man, Antonico.” I shook his hand firmly. “Thank you, Don Genovese.” “We still have a few hours until things get underway, but you’re welcome to stick around. I wasn’t sure if I’d get a chance to visit with you once Carlotta put me to work,” he said good-naturedly. “No problem at all. I have a couple of errands to run, but I’ll be back in plenty of time.”