Page 152 of The Best of Us

Constantine

Sorrento, Italy

“We can stand here as longas you need to.” Enzo lowered his shades down his nose. “We have all the time in the world.”

I kept my back to the black Mercedes van parked outside the safe house, continuing to shield my eyes with my Ray-Bans, from both the sun’s glare and my brother’s. “Short on time, I know, I know,” I remarked dryly, translating his sarcasm.

A chill darted up my body and bullseyed the back of my neck. I chased it away with my hand, gripping at the throbbing discomfort now pushing up the rest of my spine and into my temples.

Glasses concealing his eyes again, Enzo folded his arms and shifted around to my three o’clock, surveying the house with me. Based on the number of parked vehicles on the driveway, we had plenty of reinforcements for our mission.

“Had I known we’d be rolling up on a mafia compound during tanning hours, I’d have packed sunscreen. Or, you know, maybe stayed back home with my wife and kids.”

I slowly turned my head, unamused. “Your attempt at humor is going to get you killed in a second.”

“I gotta do something to snap you out of this mood and get your ass moving inside. Juliette will put together a search party and come looking for you if you stay out here much longer.” He nudged my side with his elbow. “And the reason you don’t want to go inside will probably head up that party himself.”

I rolled my eyes, grateful my shades hid my immature reaction. “Carter’s not why I’m still standing on the driveway.”

He laughed. The fucker. “Easton, then?”

“No, not him, either.” Realizing I might fatigue my shooting hand if I kept massaging the base of my skull, I relaxed my arm at my side. “My son. I don’t want to go in there because of Colin.”

Enzo, being a serious pain in my ass, came around to stand in front of me, blocking my view of the countryside villa. “What are you talking about?” He removed his sunglasses to scrutinize me. “Are you feeling guilty about Lennon again? You had no way of anticipating she’d been taken from that hotel in the first place, and we will get her back. She’s alive. She has to be.” His brows tightened. “We will win.”

“Yeah, and at what cost? There’s always one. A life for a life, I can feel it.” I shook my head. “One of us is going to die.” I’d never said words like that before, but a dark-somethinghad come over me on our way here. “I can’t let it be one of you. Or Juliette’s brother.”

Enzo abruptly fisted my shirt and brought his face closer to mine, his jaw straining as he snarled, “I don’t know what weird voodoo shit got into your head on our way here, but that’s not happening.”

“I already got a lecture from Alessandro back home. The last thing I need is one from you, too.”

“You’re afraid. That’s what this is.” Enzo took his scolding up a notch. “You’re afraid this is all too good to be true. To have a woman and son who love you. That it’s impossible for you to be this happy.” He released my shirt so he could open his arms wide, his glasses dangling from one hand. “You think it’ll be taken from you. You’ve come so close to peace, so it’ll be stolen at the last minute.” He brought his free hand to the side of his head and pointed at his temple. “Whatever fear demons you’ve got inside you, kick them the fuck out. Because you’re not dying today. I know that’s what you think will happen, but it’s not. Do. You. Hear. Me?” His dark eyes tightened on me.

I looked up at the cloudless sky, taking a moment to recalibrate. We’d truly be rolling in with daylight kissing our asses for all of thosemafiosito see us. No choice. That didn’t make me feel any better.

Carmello had received a video message about his son being held hostage two hours ago. The ransom demand was the cyber wallet in exchange for his freedom. The drop was supposed to occur tonight—the location yet to be provided. We had to hit the Rizzos’ compound this afternoon before they knew we were onto them or had a chance to prepare for the trade.

So, there we were, five kilometers away from the Rizzos’ stronghold, about to prepare for infil, and I was getting laid into by my youngest brother.

ButEnzo was right. Partially, at least. It wasn’t myself I was worried about. It was what my death would do to my son and Juliette. To just get me back in their lives, only to be taken from them . . .

I had no doubt we’d rescue Lennon, but something told me I’d be sacrificing my life for hers. I had a decision to make. Of course, I’d choose hers over mine.“Because that’s just the kind of man you are.”Colin’s words from yesterday echoed through my mind.

“Everything okay out here?” At Juliette’s voice, Enzo returned his shades in place, then stepped aside so I could put eyes on her.

She wasn’t alone. She had her brother with her as backup.

“I’m Lorenzo Costa. Easton, right?” Enzo made the first move, offering Easton his hand as Juliette maneuvered around their greeting to get to me.

“Are you all right?” She set her hand on my chest, where she’d find my battle-hardened heart raging beat for anxious beat.

I wrapped my hand around her wrist but couldn’t bring myself to remove her touch. “I need you to promise me something.”

She shook her head as if already knowing the question. “Absolutely not.”

“Juliette.” My shoulders fell, frustrated she was prepared to be as stubborn as Enzo.

“Nope, not happening.” She pulled her hand away, forcing me to let go of her, then faced her brother. “Easton, meet Constantine.”

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