Page 94 of Of Oaths and Secrets

His eyes search mine, and I can see the impact of what I’ve said settling over him. There’s a flicker of pride there, mixed with something else—something uncertain and a great amount of guilt. My brother has never been skilled at masking his feelings, or perhaps I just know him too well.

“But… you don’t need me, Rafa. You’ve done just fine on your own,” he says, almost like he’s trying to convince himself more than me.

“Maybe I don’t need you,” I reply, my gaze unwavering. “But I want you. And that’s what matters.”

He opens his mouth, then shuts it again, shaking his head. “You don’t understand. I’ve done a lot of things wrong. Made a lot of mistakes—things I wish I could take back.” His voice trembles, and I’m taken aback to see tears welling in his eyes. The last time I saw him cry was the day I left for Sicily with Paolo; I came back to find a boy who had changed in ways I hadn’t fully understood until now.

“I know.”

A bitter laugh escapes him. “No, you don’t.”

“Leo—Iknow.”

His eyes widen, the surprise evident. “You do?”

I nod, watching as the tension in his shoulders eases slightly. He exhales shakily, sinking into the chair as though a great weight has been lifted.

“I had to,” he admits, his voice barely above a whisper. “You’ll be a far better capo than he ever could have been.”

I knew. Deep down, I always knew. But hearing it, even in half-spoken words, strikes a chord that resonates deeply. The old Rafaele, the one I was before Nora, might have seriously considered killing him for his crime. But now? I know I can’t. I can’t kill my brother.

I sigh, letting the tension release just a fraction. “You never say that again, understand? Never speak a word of this to anyone, not even on your dying bed. This is a sin you’ll carry silently.”

“It’s not a sin,” he insists stubbornly, his jaw clenched.

I wave a hand, dismissing his argument. “So—sottocapo?”

His eyes meet mine, earnest and conflicted. “I want to be by your side, Rafaele. I always did.”

“Why do I hear a ‘but’ coming my way?” I ask, arching an eyebrow.

A sad smile tugs at his lips. “ButI need to clean up some of my own mess first. And before you ask—no, I don’t want your help. This is something I need to do on my own. I need to grow up.”

I expected a lot of things from Leo, but not this. And yet, in this moment, I couldn’t be prouder of him.

“Fine,” I say, a touch of admiration slipping into my voice. “Whenever you’re ready.”

A smile breaks through his serious expression. “She changed you.”

I nod. No point denying it. “Yes, she did.”

“I like this version of you,” he says, the sincerity clear in his tone.

I smirk. “Because I’m more lenient?”

“No.” He shakes his head. “Because you’re happy.”

I hold his gaze, the faint smile slipping as the gravity of what I need him to understand takes over. “She’s kind, Leo. She cares too much, forgives too easily. And maybe I’ve softened because of it, but make no mistake—I would burn the world to ashes if anything happened to her.” My voice drops lower, each word carrying the significance of a vow. “She’s the thread of humanity I have left. She’s the reason my heart beats, and I would skin alive anyone who threatens even an inch of her life.”

Leo nods, a serious understanding in his eyes, but I press on, my tone unyielding. “I know you understand that, but this needs to be abundantly clear to everyone. Nora is off-limits.”

He nods again, this time with a firmer resolve, a flicker of loyalty—and perhaps a hint of fear—in his eyes. “Understood. I’d never let anything happen to her. You know that.”

“I do. But I want everyone to know it too.”

“They will,” he replies quietly.

I pause, rubbing my chin thoughtfully. “I’m glad we’re finding our way back, Leo. I missed this.”

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