Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 123153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 616(@200wpm)___ 493(@250wpm)___ 411(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 123153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 616(@200wpm)___ 493(@250wpm)___ 411(@300wpm)
“Listen to me, my son. My relationship with Emil and Beth failed because I knew the heirs I needed to have. Lucas had to father my children. I’ve been planning this from the time he arrived to pick me up from the airport.
“To Frances, I was some stupid girl he didn’t want to be bothered with. When I saw your father, I knew he had to be related to Don Ferrari. I’d seen pictures of the brothers from when they were younger, before his face was burned.
“I saw the opportunity and I did what was best for my family. Did I fall in love with your father? Yes, I did, but there’s so much you don’t understand. This goes so far back. This thing owes me so much.
“Listening to my father and godfather’s grief made me who I am. It made me plan for you. You’re the one, Gio. You’ve sacrificed, but for good reason. Don’t be angry with us, with me. All of this has come from a place of love.”
Her words sound sincere. I hear the pain behind them. I also hear the words hidden between the lines. I’m still missing a piece. Something that’s going to flip that switch inside that won’t turn off once it’s on.
The knowledge that’s going to make this about more than Nyla and me making my world accept her and our family.
“I need you to be straight with me. What don’t I understand? Spit it out, no more secrets. What does this thing really owe you?”
She’s silent for so long, I don’t think she’s going to answer me. I unbutton my shirt and sit back in my seat, rubbing my forehead. I’m mentally exhausted.
“The servant Riccardo used to poison my mother when I was born confessed on her deathbed out of guilt. She was in my life the entire time. She told me her son was in America and had fallen ill. Her family needed money for his operation, so when Riccardo offered them money to make my mother’s death look like my grandmother’s, they took it.
“I could see she had been festering in her guilt. It was the last look on her face before I smothered her with a pillow and ended her sorry life. I met your father the following summer.”
“Marone. Say less, you should have started there.”
“Gio, because of me, you’ve been living in three worlds. Your past, present, and future. It’s time you pull yourself together. Be the master of time and you will be the master of your future.”
I sit and think through her words. They make sense. I’ve been trying to right the past, always planning for the future, and drowning in my present because of all the rest. I need to master my present because that’s where I keep losing. I nod at my thoughts as if she can see me.
“I’m going to finish this, Ma, but I need you to do something for me.”
“What’s that, my son?”
“Ny will make her way to you. I know she will. She’ll be angry with me, with the situation. I need her to stay angry until I’m ready. I need that anger to fuel what I need from her next. You keep her with you while I finish setting up the board. And Ma…”
“Yes?”
“Make sure I don’t lose her. Keep her waiting for me because I’m coming, and I’ll have everything she wants this time.”
“She’ll be waiting and ready.”
So will I, so will I. It’s time to prepare the final board. This is for the championship and title.
Ava
I hang up and take a deep breath. I know my son. He has a big heart for those he loves. Gio only wants to see his family safe and happy.
I dial the next person I need to talk to. Don Barbieri’s death has put a ton of wheels in motion. The families are already buzzing with unrest.
“Hello,” Gwen answers.
“Ciao.”
“So you’ve heard?”
“He tried to bomb my baby’s car,” I choke out.
“I know. We know women have never been off-limits to him.”
“Which is the reason for my call. Carleen needs to wake, and Lizzy needs to stay ready. He’s going to come for us all once Gio makes his final move. I need to cover my sons. If any of the women in their lives are…”
“I understand. I know. Gio has promised to wake Carleen already. Lizzy is always training, Gio has also made sure of that. You don’t have to worry. We will all be ready. We’re here for whatever Gio needs. We’ll be ready for war.”
“Bene.”
I hang up and stare into space. This is what I’ve been counting on. Everyone is playing their part.
I knew Gio would be angry, much like I know Dante will be furious when he learns the truth about me and his father. I fear what my youngest will do if he has the knowledge of all that has been going on.