Page 95 of Isabella

I rub a hand down my face, not knowing if I want to know the answer to my next question.

“Did you set me up, Dad?”

“Of course I did. Consider it a test that you passed with flying colors.”

“A test,” I say deadpan.

“Yes. I had a feeling Alessandro would make a move to steal from me while I was out of town, so I sent you in to handle it. I wanted to see how you would react in a situation like that, and it seems you reacted far and above my expectations.”

“Did I now,” I say, keeping my tone neutral.

“Yes. I’m very proud of you, son,” he says, and while those words are something any child should be happy to hear from their parent, when it comes to my dad, I just don’t give a fuck. But as much as I would love to tell him to fuck off and do his own dirty work, I know I can’t. Not yet at least.

“Yeah, well, I just wanted to call and let you know what was going on. Leo’s got the cleaners already on their way. Everything will be back to normal in no time over there, and we’ll get the body sent back to his family. As for his replacement?—”

“I have a replacement for that territory. He’ll start as soon as he’s back.”

“Who ishe?”

“Mauricio. Since he was my underboss before I sent him over to be Angelo Mancini’s underboss, I figured making him a capo would be good now that he’s back with our family.”

Of course.

“Sounds good,” I say. “We’ll send the word out.” I’m about to hang up, but my dad stops me before I’m able to.

“Good job, son. I was worried about you taking over, but you proved to me tonight that you’re ready and able to do it once the time comes.”

Again, another sentiment that should make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, but it doesn’t. It has the opposite effect, pushing me to tie up these loose ends with the last capo I need before implementing my takeover. But I don’t let him know that. I can’t. I have to play this smart, so I say, “Thanks, Dad. I’ll see you when you get home.”

54

ISABELLA

Nicco: Hey, babe. Just got home. How’re you feeling after everything that happened with your brother today?

Me: Good, but also anxious. I’m trying to de-stress in the bath right now.

Nicco: De-stress… how?

Me: OMG, not like that. Besides, I was already de-stressed in that sense very thoroughly earlier.

Nicco: Well, if we can meet up, I can help you de-stress even more.

Me: Ugh. Don’t tempt me. Teo’s been hanging out at the house a lot more today, so I need to just stay put the rest of the night. Did I tell you he was questioning me earlier?

My phone rings, and I nearly drop it in the bath water before putting it on speaker phone. “Hi.”

“What was he asking you?” Nicco asks.

“He was asking about the work I’ve been doing at Liana’s.”

“That’s pretty normal. You’ve been there a lot lately.”

“I know, but Teo’s busy. Extra busy these days between work and Lux. He doesn’t usually ask me about the stuff I’m doing.”

“You don’t think he was genuinely curious about it?”

“Not really. I mean, it’s fashion. He’s always known I’ve been into fashion. Why would he care now?”

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