Page 16 of Destruction

Whoever decided to fuck with us is either brave or really fucking stupid. Either way, there’s nothing anyone in this room wouldn’t do to get back what’s ours.

“And the matter I asked Hollis about earlier?” Emilio asks.

I can’t decide if the boy really does have a death wish, or if he’s just trying to establish his rule. Whichever it may be, I hope his Second reminds him to tread lightly.Imay be the one officially diagnosed with anti-social personality disorder here, but my lover is a whole different beast. Just because he doesn’t often get his hands dirty, doesn’t mean he won’t if pushed too far. And not even Roman’s fledgling reputation as a Boss will stand in his way.

“I need time. As good as I am, I cannot be in two places at once, even with help. I have programs running to do a deep dive for anything that even hints at either of our Families. As I said before, there’s been chatter, but nothing concrete.

“The one possible culprit has been more careful than anyone else. I’m hesitant to say they’re the one targeting us, only because there’s no proof. Hiding your tracks is the smart thing to do, as you never know who you’ll run into on those sites. Beinggood enough that not even I have been able to trace them isn’t an admission of guilt… If you wanted to be sure, I could ask my brother to take a stab at it.”

“No,” Emilio says vehemently. “No outsiders. We’ve already found one traitor amongst us, who’s to say there isn’t more? Have you started to clear your people yet?”

Tension coils inside me at the thought of someone on the inside betraying us. After everything we’ve been through, the last thing this Family needs is another traitor.

“We have,” Carter says. “I have people I trust on it, and Leandro will start running his own checks once he’s finished with the tasks Hollis set him. Unlike you, though, we don’t have any outsiders on our payroll.”

“You sure about that?” Emilio’s attention flicks to Jude for a moment, before focusing back on Carter. “Your father is still alive, isn’t he?”

Carter flips his knife over in his hand. The silent threat is clear, but I know him well enough to know he respects the new Boss’s spirit. “I’ll be having a conversation with him in the next few days. While I’ll never trust him, Georgio has never done anything to make me doubt his loyalty. Even when we killed his lover. He knows his place.”

Jude shifts a little and I watch him carefully. The way he carefully shifts his weight, and the slight grimace on his face, tells me it’s his leg that’s giving him trouble.

I know better than to draw attention to it, though. Roman told me about their conversation when he named Jude as his Second. Our Agnellino doesn’t want to look weak. He doesn’t want Roman to have a disadvantage because Jude dares to need accommodations, not only for his deafness, but the injury he sustained while dealing with his family that’ll follow him for the rest of his life.

Voicing my concern over his discomfort won’t win me any favors, not after I already rode to his rescue when that bastard insulted him. Taking care of those under my protection is first nature, and Jude has already been through enough with his family. Anyone daring to come into his home and disrespect him will only ever make that mistake once.

Luca is lucky he’s a Martelli…or maybe unlucky. Just because Il Padrone isn’t here, doesn’t mean the rules still don’t apply, and I’m curious to watch as Emilio steps up to the plate.

The conversation shifts from De Luca’s loyalty to more practical things, such as how to pool our resources. “Hollis and Leandro have all the virtual stuff down,” Roman says before pausing for a moment, as if to give Emilio a chance to once again challenge Hol. When nobody says anything, he continues. “Carter and Tennant are in charge of our men, so I’d suggest coordinating with them on how best to utilize both forces.”

“That’s Marcus’s area of expertise; he’s the strategist here,” Emilio responds.

We already knew that, of course, but it’s nice to know that Emilio trusts those around him to do their jobs.

“I’ll be happy to have you join me,” I tell Marcus, meeting his eyes briefly. “I have people in place to coordinate the men on the ground, but I would appreciate your insight. You can bring Benjamin to me so I can start his training.”

Ignacio doesn’t hide his dislike of his lover being under me, but I ignore him. If he doesn’t trust Benjamin and his abilities, their relationship won’t survive under the pressure of Benjamin's new responsibilities.

I meet Benjamin’s gaze, once more impressed by the determination I see in them. “Come prepared,” I tell him. “I’m going to break you.” I look to Jude. “Both of you.” With my attention back on Benjamin, I smile at him. “And remember, first impressions are important, so impress me.”

Thankfully, the meeting disperses shortly afterward with no more drama. I have enough of a headache. I do stay back a moment as I want to talk with Roman alone. I wave Benjamin away as Roman and I stand. I lightly touch Roman’s arm, hoping I’m not going to piss anyone else off.

“I’m here. If you need to talk. We may be the Bosses, but we’re not alone. You’re still my friend, and we’re both going to need each other to get through this.” He doesn’t respond, aside from giving a sharp nod of understanding. I lean a little closer and drop my voice, “Oh, and by the way, I love what you’re wearing.”

I don’t stick around to see his response, but catch up to Benjamin, who looks like he’s ready to panic. His tension lessens when I’m within reach, but it doesn’t fully leave until we’re in the limo heading back to our territory. I stare at Luca beforeglancing at Marcus. I incline my head toward Luca and receive a nod from Marcus.

“I think that went well.” Luca pipes up and I grip my hands together to keep from doing—or saying—something that will result in an issue right now. “Of course, I still believe Benjamin should be taking lessons from me, instead of that psychopath, but at least this will help strengthen the ties between us. And he can keep an eye on those Amatos. I don’t know if I trust them…”

I growl, unable to let that pass. “Luca, Tennant is very good at what he does. Even Master acknowledged that. They’re giving us an honor. And I don’t care if you don’t trust them. We’re on the same side. Wehaveto work together. That won’t happen if you keep putting your head up your ass!”

“Look, I am not thrilled about Tennant training Benjamin,” Ignacio cuts in. “But he is well known for what he does. And both Families have their own strengths. Combining them together makes the most sense. We have a mutual goal. For now, let’s focus on that.”

We all lapse into silence as the drive continues. There’s a thick feeling of anticipation, and it’s only when we reach the mansion that I can breathe. I bite my lip as I wait for them all to exit before me. That shit is going to take some time to get used to. Once we are in the entryway, Marcus grabs Luca, locking his arms behind him before he starts marching him upstairs.

“What the fuck are you doing?!” Luca fights against Marcus, which is foolish considering Marcus is far stronger. None of us bother to address his shouting. He’ll find out soon enough.

I turn toward Benjamin, frowning. “I do think that Tennant will be a good teacher, but be careful. He’s not to be fucked with.”

“I can do this.” Benjamin’s steely voice almost takes me by surprise. It’s not what I’m used to with my best friend, but he’s certainly embracing his role as my Second. It pains me slightlyas I still remember when he was innocent of this world, but there’s nobody I’d rather have standing behind me than him.

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