Page 52 of His to Break

“He’s older than you, right?” Leo’s tone is casual, but I get the distinct impression he’s interrogating me.

“Three years older.”

“I’m surprised he’s not married yet.”

Picking up my drink, I gulp down some of the ice-cold soda. “Why? He’s the same age as you.”

“Yeah, but he’s Carlo’s only son. Surely your old man wants him to produce heirs?”

I think about Daniele’s impending marriage to Serena Gallo. She’s already got at least two children and she’s going to be expected to bear more to satisfy my brother’s need for an heir. The unfairness of it makes my blood boil.

“Who cares what my father wants?” I snap.

Leo’s expression darkens. “Watch your tone.”

“Sorry.” I apologize quickly because I don’t want to spoil a nice day. “I just don’t like talking about my family.”

“Okay, we won’t talk about your family.” He doesn’t sound happy, but I’m grateful he’s agreed to change the subject. “Now, eat up and we’ll go look at the otters again.”

Leo

It pisses me off that I still can’t tell if my wife is hiding things from me. I gave her the ideal opportunity to tell me about Daniele’s plans to marry the Gallo woman, but she said nothing. It’s possible she doesn’t know, but I can’t believe her brother wouldn’t share such major news. Usually, I can sniff out deceit, but I can’t tell if Vinnie’s concealing secrets. I’m dangerously blinded by my attraction to this woman. If she chooses to betray me, I may not see it coming.

As we walk to the car, Vinnie clutches the stuffed otter I bought her like it’s the most precious thing in the world. I should be pleased that such an insignificant gesture has made her so happy, but I can’t help wondering if she’s faking it. Is she trying to get me to lower my guard so she can use my trust against me?

I put aside those thoughts when I notice Nico standing up ahead. He’s leaning casually against the side of his black Maserati talking to Dino and Marc, who’re parked next to him.

“Hey, Leo,” my right-hand man greets me as I get closer. He nods to my wife. “Mrs. Volante.”

I wrap my arm around her waist. It’s a reflexive gesture whenever another man is close by. There’s a primal need in me to make sure everyone knows who she belongs to.

“Hi, Nico. It’s nice to see you again.”

He gives Vinnie a half-smile, half-grimace. “You might not think so in a minute. I need Leo for an hour or two if you don’t mind.”

He doesn’t give a shit if she cares or not, but he’s programmed the same way as my brother Matteo, to try to charm every woman he meets.

“Oh.” Vinnie seems genuinely disappointed, but she gets over it quickly. “Of course.”

“What do you want, Nico?” If I sound irritated, it’s because I am. I made it clear to everyone that I was taking today off. It’s a rare occurrence. You’d think people would honor my request this one time.

“You’re needed at the… uh…” He rubs the back of his neck. “At the office.”

Vinnie barks out a laugh. “How naïve do you think I am? You mean some back room in a strip club or a dark, dank basement somewhere, right?”

Nico shakes his head. “Not today.”

“Oh, well, I guess I’ll see you later.” Vinnie kisses my cheek and then turns her attention back to Nico. “Will you be at the party on Friday?”

“Yeah, my girl’s looking forward to meeting the woman brave enough to take on Leo Volante.”

It’s the sort of remark that would usually provoke some sassy comment from Vinnie, but she remembers my rule about not disrespecting me in public. She smiles politely. “I look forward to meeting her, too.”

I open the back door of the SUV and Vinnie walks past me, head held high. Pride swells in me as she hops into the car and settles on the seat without losing that regal demeanor. Carlo Bianchi is a complete pig of a man, but he did the right thing in sending his daughter away. The people who brought her up have raised a woman who knows how to carry herself in public. In private, it’s a different matter, but that’s what I love about her.

Nico casts an appreciative glance at her but quickly shifts his gaze when he catches me watching him. Friend or not, I will cut his balls off if he looks at my wife that way again.

Closing Vinnie’s door, I go to the driver’s window and hold out my hand. Knowing exactly what I want, Dino reaches under his seat and discreetly passes me a Heckler and Koch VP40. It’s not my weapon of choice. I prefer how the HK45 feels in my hand, but this will do the job. After checking the safety, I tuck the gun in the back of my pants.

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