Page 37 of I Would Die For You

It’s strange to hear him speaking in such rapid English on the phone with Luciano. Him being here, I’d almost convinced myself he’s a local, the way he’s fluent with Italian. He’s spoken English a few times with Kaya when she’s with me, yet it still hits differently to hear him speak his native tongue now, his natural charisma and the innate strength in him coming to the fore so easily. Yeah, as American as boxed mac and cheese he is, my cousin.

“Franco’s nabbed a spot on a plane leaving in an hour.”

It’d be pointless to tell him to wait for us—we’d only lose precious hours this way.

“Victor?”

“Francesca’s still trying to get hold of him.”

“You want me to help you pack?”Mammaasks as she runs a hand along Val’s arm.

He clasps her hand and hugs her to him. “Thank you,ZiaRosa. I’ve got this.”

As the Don’s enforcer, I have a go-to bag ready at my place—never know when my missions will require a sleepover or a stakeout. I just need to roll up home and grab it along with my passport on the way. My ESTA which allows me to enter the US without a visa isn’t expired yet, so there’s no need to apply again and wait twenty-four hours for approval.

“Rosa,” the Don starts. “Before we leave, the boys could do with some coffee, no?”

We don’t, but my mother knows this is her cue to leave so the men can discuss Mafia business. It’s nothing personal against women; it’s just the way it’s always been done and will continue being done, too.

“What do you know about what happened?” the Don asks Valentino.

“It happened at the gym. Somecoglioneapproached, and before our men could do anything, my dad had been shanked. They think it’s internal bleeding that got him more than actual blood loss.”

“So it’s not one of yours.”

“No, Don Ros— Don Giacomo.”

“Good. I don’t need to tell you things would’ve been very different for you had that been the case.”

Val nods. “My father’s men are loyal to him.”

“Loyalty is a hard thing to find, these days.” The Don stands up, which prompts us to follow suit. “I have another matter to attend to, but I plan to say my farewells at the airport before you leave. However, Valentino—” He places a big hand on Val’s shoulder, head slightly lowered as he addresses him now. “You are going back to your territory as the head of yourBorgatanow. As much as it hurts that yourpadreis gone, that will be the least of your concerns. What’s harder to find than loyalty is respect, and you will have to earn it from your family first, then your father’s men who are now yours, and after that, the wider world you’ll be playing in.” That massive hand tightens on Valentino’s shoulder. “You are a strong man. I have seen you all this time, from the boy you were when you arrived to the man you have become, right alongside Stefano here. Do not let your father down, or his legacy, or worse of all, yourself. Find thetesta di cazzowho did this and send a strong message that you are not to be fucked with. Do you hear me,figlio?”

“Si, Don Giacomo.”

“Va bene.” The Don sighs. “It will never stop hurting, but you can get justice, and that will make it hurt a little less, for a time. Find a purpose, give your life meaning, Valentino. Otherwise, this life will consume you.”

On these wise words, the Don leaves the apartment.Mammadoes indeed bring us coffee, and we each down a strong ristretto before heading out first to my place to get my bag—I’d texted Gianluca in the meantime—then Val’s so he can pack his things. It’s fair to assume we won’t be seeing him in Torino again, at least not anytime soon.

It takes us about thirty minutes afterward to reach Caselle Torinese and the Turin Airport there. Valentino hardly piped a word throughout the whole trip, and I respect his silence. He has so much on his mind, and the words Don Giacomo left him with must be giving him food for thought. Hell, they’ve given me plenty to think about.

I’m not the head of aBorgata, but this Mafia life is consuming me nevertheless. I’d always thought working for my Don, doing what he needed done, would be enough to sustain me. It isn’t as simple as that. I’m lacking purpose, meaning, which is why I’m so adrift right now. Kaya is my only anchor when I’m able to find her.

Thinking of her, it comforts me to know I have her, at least. Who does Val have? His family, sure, but it’s not the same as a woman slowly becoming your person. Maybe the girl with the flaxen hair will waltz into his life once he’s back home, and she can make a difference?

We’d been expecting a small plane waiting for us—well, not so small since we’re about to embark for a long-haul transatlantic flight. But the almost regular-plane-sized Bombardier Global 7500 makes both our jaws drop when we alight from the car on the tarmac. Don Giacomo didn’t spare a penny here. Must remember to thank him before we leave.

Speaking of, we can see his black, bullet-proof Range Rover approaching. He did say he’d come bid Valentino farewell.

Except, my jaw actually drops when he gets out of the car then holds his hand out for a passenger with him, and who else but a leggy Kaya Norton dressed in skinny jeans and a cashmere sweater baring one shoulder steps out with his help.

Our gazes catch, my eyes only flicking to the side where Dino pulls a few bags and cases from the boot to hand to the crew.

The Don can’t be travelling with us. Which can only mean…

“Stefano, Valentino,” the Don is saying. “I hope you don’t mind an extra companion. Seeing as how Kaya would’ve been leaving this week anyway, I thought she could travel with you.”

Valentino exchanges a glance with me. Or he tries to—I can feel his heavy gaze on me, my eyes still glued to Kaya.

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