Page 85 of Of Oaths and Secrets

Paolo sighs, shaking his head. “She’s always been trouble.”

I roll my eyes. “I know. The worst part is that I’ll need my father’s approval first. Sofia’s his favorite for reasons I’ll never understand.”

Paolo raises an eyebrow. “And what about Yuri?”

“I’ll call Alexei on the way to my father’s. He needs to confirm who this Yuri is—if he’s even real.” I shrug off my jacket. “But first, help me get these two into the incinerator.”

“Fine, but I’ll take the big one. Your ego is already heavy enough.”

Once the bodies are stowed and the incinerator roars to life, I check myself for any stray blood. Miraculously, despite the mess, not a single spot has landed on me. With a satisfied nod, I pull out my phone as Paolo and I head back to the car.

As we drive, I dial Alexei’s number. After a few rings, he picks up.

“Lucchese,” he greets, his tone all business.

“Alexei. I need you to confirm someone for me—a Yuri. Ring any bells?”

“Yuri?” Alexei pauses, considering. “There’s a low-life Albanian Yuri I know of, but he’s hardly a player. I can’t imagine any of my men betraying the bratva for someone like him.”

“Money changes loyalties,” I scoff.

He chuckles darkly. “Maybe among the Italians, but not with us Russians. I’ll look into this Yuri. And if he’s real, we’ll handle him together.”

“Good.” I hang up, already feeling the weight of this tangled mess pulling me back under. We continue driving until we arrive at my father’s estate. The conversation waiting inside will likely be as pleasant as the one we just left.

As we pull up, the heavy iron gates close behind us, and I step out of the car. I turn to Paolo, leaning in through the window.

“Wait here,” I say, my tone firm.

Paolo raises his hands in mock surrender. “Gladly. You’re the one who enjoys those chats, not me.”

I let out a dry laugh, heading toward the house. I make my way to his office, finding him behind his desk, scribbling notes with that ever-calculating look in his eyes. He barely glances up as I enter.

“Oh, a surprise visit from the sottocapo. To what do I owe the honor?”

I ignore his backhanded comment and sit across from his desk. “I’m here to talk about rodent control.”

His smirk fades because this problem is as much his as it is mine.

“It’s taking you far longer than it used to, Rafaele. I’m disappointed.”

As if I care about his opinion of me. “If you think you would do better, then please take over. I have enough on my plate and?—”

“What did you find out?” He cuts me off, knowing full well he could never handle it the way I do.

“Sofia may be involved,” I say, watching him carefully.

He finally looks up, his expression one of smug amusement. “Oh, so they fooled you too? Who would’ve thought you were as gullible as your brother.”

“Women can be traitors too, Father,” I say, my voice low but steady.

“Yes, for cheating, maybe,” he sneers, “but they don’t have the brains for anything more sophisticated.”

I scoff, shaking my head. “Keep underestimating them, and it’ll be your loss.”

He narrows his eyes, his tone dripping with condescension. “And keep overestimating them, and you’ll always be a fool. Is this sudden confidence in women thanks to yourpregnant wife?” He practically spits the words, his gaze sharp and taunting.

My jaw tightens, but I keep my voice level. “Nora has nothing to do with this, nor does her condition change the fact that Sofia might be a problem.”

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