Page 132 of Ruthless Redemption

Neither of my brothers acknowledge my request.

“Give me a fucking gun.” I lunge for Remy, grabbing his shirt. I shove my hand beneath his jacket, find his holster, and take the weapon.

Lorenzo strides across the yard and storms inside, his displeasure at my arrival adamant in his condemning eyes. “I told you this wasn’t a good time.”

“And it seems, for once, I should’ve listened.” I load the magazine from my pocket into the Glock. “Why is he here?”

“He hasn’t made that clear… but I assume it has something to do with the three of you reuniting, no?” His attention lowers to the weapon. “That gun is to remain unused,figlio. Are we understood?”

He knows I can’t commit to that promise. I won’t.

“Matthew,” he warns. “Don’t forget my rules.”

“Your rules are why I’m here.”

His jaw clenches, the wrinkles of an ageing man growing deeper with his annoyance. “We will discuss this later.” He treks his gaze to Layla and pastes on a welcoming smile. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.” He steps forward to take her hands, kissing both knuckles.

“I wish I felt the same.” Her eyes shimmer with unease. “But it seems we’ve been blindsided by your guests.”

“Consider this Switzerland,bella. There is nothing to fear.” He releases her, turning his attention to Remy and Salvatore. “I miei nipoti,it’s been a lifetime. You were young boys the last time I laid eyes on you. Now you’re strong men.”

Remy doesn’t respond as Lorenzo approaches, grabbing him by the shoulders to drag him close, planting a kiss on both his cheeks.

“I wish it were under better circumstances,” Salvatore grates.

Lorenzo waves him away and gives him the same affectionate greeting. “We will discuss circumstances later. For now, we will join your parents in the garden.”

“No.” I shake my head. “That’s not—”

“You have already defied me once by your unscheduled visit.” He raises his voice. “Don’t do it again.”

I grind my teeth, my blood searing through my veins.

“Youwilljoin us,figlio. And youwillmind your manners.”

“That’s not an option. Layla’s not safe around them.”

“You dare to insult me?” His expression fills with contempt. “While on my property, she is under my protection. Since when have you questioned me?”

Since her safety became more valuable than the air I breathe.

“There’s nothing to fear,bella,” he reiterates. “I will look after you.”

Her smile is fragile. “It’s not me I’m worried about.”

He raises a brow, giving a faint chuckle. “Don’t worry about Matthew. He’s stubborn. But he also understands the etiquette we live by.” He starts for the door. “Now come join us. Maybe we can put past differences behind us.”

“I’m sorry, Lorenzo.” She remains in place by my side. “I understand the etiquette, and none of us are here to be disrespectful. It’s the opposite actually. We wanted to offer you a solution to your problem. We only need a few moments of your time.”

He pauses, shifts, then rakes us all with a narrowed stare, his attention finally coming to rest on me. “And what problem do I have,figlio?”

He’s annoyed. Disappointed. He thinks I’ve fallen into old habits with my hatred for Emmanuel, but he’ll understand once he learns the truth. “We’re here about your retirement.”

His brows raise. “You’ve decided to take over?”

“No.” I clutch tighter to the gun, prepared to fight this with words but extremely tempted to use bullets. “But I’ve found someone who will.”

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