Page 51 of Family Secrets

“Giovanni,” Ian called with a smile, causing Gino to break his resolve. Dipping his head in silent laughter at the poke from Ian, several of his men behind him joined in the laugh. He’d give Ian his fun this one time.

Sully scrutinized the pieces of paper lying on the table with his name on them, trying to figure out who would receive a thank you gift in the form of a night or two in a room full of strippers, and their pockets a little heavier. His mind drifted to Elizabeth and how his win over his brother would certainly send him into Lisa’s arms, opening the door for him to follow through on his promise.

“Giovanni,” Stavros called, making Gino bounce on the balls of his shoes, and Sully give an internal pep talk about the number of remaining votes to be counted.

The brothers listened as the names continued, each internally rejoicing when their name was called. Gino’s mind drifted to how different this would have been had his father not been murdered. Those thoughts brought about the anger of knowing the individual responsible was standing in this room, most likely planning the death of the winner of this vote.

Niko took his time as he lined up the votes on their respective sides. He’d nominated Sully, not because he felt he would be a good leader, but to give Gino something to focus on. It would be a first step in removing the chip on his shoulder from all the bad shit Giovanni senior put him through. But with the race so close, his decision may have backfired.

Sully could feel victory, the image of having the Vitale ring being placed on his finger vivid in his mind. He knew just how he would celebrate, naked as the day he was born with every girl in the office, some dancing around him while the others took turns sucking his dick.

“Sully,” Stavros boasted, tossing the paper toward Niko, his fear of the youngerVitale brother winning a real possibility. Stavros tolerated Sully because of his relationship with Gino, and the astronomical amount of money he made him.

Ian reached in, his fingers wrapping around the last remaining vote. Shifting his gaze to Stavros, he slowly unfolded the piece of paper, keeping his face void of emotion as he read the name silently before showing the paper to Stavros, who nodded his head. Taking in a deep breath, “Giovanni.”

Sully turned to his left, holding his hand out to his brother in congratulations. “You deserve this, Gino.” Pulling him in a tight hug, Sully could feel the emotion beginning to clog his throat.

“Thanks, man.” Gino slapped his younger brother’s back, a line of men waiting to pledge their allegiance forming behind Sully.

Emilio stood from his seat at the table, the relief of hearing Gino’s name called instead of Sully’s leaving him with the desire for a stiff drink. “You had me worried for a moment there,” Emilio held out his hand. “Although pawning Felicia off on your brother is something to consider.”

“True, at least she would get her wish of having the Vitale name.”

Emilio’s suggestion may have been a joke but left both men with the idea to explore it further. “Let me get out of your way, so your men can meet their new Don.”

Gino shook the hand of every man who stood in line, accepting their vow to follow him and honor any changes he deemed fit to hand out.

Gino stood beside his friend Stavros as Tony brought the Vitale ring forward, placing it in Emilio’s hand.

The room quieted as the Family leaders circled around Gino, Emilio coming to stand in front of him. “I was there when your Nono gave this ring to your father.” Men around the room raised their hands, drawing the sign of the cross over their chests. “He and I spoke not a month ago of how he couldn’t wait to give this to you.”

With the ring pinched between his index and thumb, Emilio handed the ring to Gino, the metal feeling foreign in the new leader’s hand.

“Don Giovanni Vitale, I pledge my loyalty to you.” The six leaders said in unison, Gino stared at the ring choosing his next words carefully.

“Thank you, everyone.” Gino began, fisting the ring as he turned to the men behind him. “Tonight, I ask each of you to remember my father, the good times and the bad. Tomorrow…” he paused, looking around at each face. “Tomorrow will be a new beginning for the Vitale Family.”

Sully felt as if he was about to crumble. He’d wanted that ring more than his next breath, and he’d foolishly listened to his mother and sister, Antonia, as they assured him the men wanted a man they could trust leading them. He needed to get out of there, tucking himself away in one of his warehouses so he could be alone to mourn, not only his father’s death, but the death of a dream.

“My first order of business, since the other leaders are present.” Sully held his tongue as Gino commanded the room. “This is a monumental time, and all of you have reshaped the way we, as syndicate Families, do business.”

Opening his hand, Gino moved his open palm to Sully. “Kissing this ring was our father’s legacy, not mine. I much prefer the kiss of a beautiful woman.” Agreeable laughter sounded around Gino. “You’ve had your eye on this ring since you knew what it was, Sully. Take it, that god-awful trinket will mean more to you than me.”

Sully looked at the ring resting in the center of Gino’s palm, the Family crest on the right and Jonathan’s initials on the left, a huge emerald in the center. “Thank you, brother. I’ll keep it safe in case you ever want it back.” Unable to look Gino in the eye, Sully gave him a quick hug before disappearing out the side door, a number of men following him.

“I’m not sure if I should congratulate you or offer my sympathy.” Declan Malloy laughed, nodding in the direction of the door Sully used to leave.

“I’ll take a rain check for both,” Gino smiled, glancing around at his surroundings. “For now, let’s get everyone together, I have something to share, something which will impact us all.”

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