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“Why would the guy lie to me? It wasn’t about our Don.” Marco truly believed what he’d done hadn’t been wrong on any level.

If men owned up to their actions, I usually allowed them a quick death. When stupidity was involved, I usually lost my cool.

I gave my two men a quick glance before glancing at the barrel. “I’m sorry, Marco, but the reason for what you did pisses me off. And my men can tell you it’s not good for me to be pissed off. Ever.”

“I’ll make it up to you guys. I’ll find the source myself.” Marco’s pleas were falling on deaf ears.

I was already weary of hearing him beg. “I think it’s time for you to make a long trip overseas. What do you think? New scenery?”

“You mean exile.” Marco was now sweating.

“Yes, something like that.”

“Can I eventually come back?”

Was he really that stupid? I guess he was. “Sure. At some point.” And in some manner. Little did he know it would be as fish food.

“I need to tell you something else, Mr. Banderas,” Marco breathed. His entire body was swaying, sweat dripping off him.

He knew his actual fate. I could tell by the look in his eyes. He was executing his last will and testament. Only in the method as done by a fellow criminal.

“Go ahead. I’m listening.”

“Be careful. Getting married I mean. Somebody doesn’t want that to happen.”

I didn’t waste my time asking who that someone was. There really was no need. What he did confirm was exactly what I’d come to believe.

The alliance and wedding were nothing more than a massive self-built target. Maybe my lovely bride to be was correct in that we were nothing but pawns. Well, in that case, it was time to handle the situation and the future my way. “Thank you, Marco. I appreciate that.”

Gio grinned. “Nice job.”

Bronco held him easily while Gio followed my nod. “Store him away for shipment tomorrow.”

He noticed where I was glancing and grinned. “Excellent idea, boss. Excellent.”

I was usually the one who was forced to get his hands dirty. Tonight, I’d let my Capos do the filthy work. I grabbed my weapon and moved toward Marco. “A pleasure working with you, Marco. I hope where you’re going, you’ll find a new life.”

Straight to hell.

With that, I left the building. Some fresh air would do me some good.

* * *

Carmella

“You’re what?” Zoe had her mouth open, her body language indicating shock.

“Yep. You heard what I said. I’m getting married.”

“Do I even want to know how that happened? And please don’t tell me you’re getting married to Gabriel’s deadbeat father because I’ll have you committed.”

“Oh, no. It’s not Derek.”

I’d asked her to head to my favorite coffee shop so I could give her the news. Since I’d yet to succumb to hearing all the new ‘rules’ that would be laid out, I was running out of time. I wanted to continue working at the clinic, but at this point, everything was up in the air.

All I knew was that Gabriel and I were expected to move back closer to New York. Since Alejandro lived in a condo, he was actively looking for a more suitable place for us to live. When he’d mentioned me selling my house, I’d laughed in his face.

No man was going to tell me what to do even if I had a ring on my finger.

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