Page 78 of Deadly Vows

“Finish off the semester, then fuck off to college would be a good start,” I say.

I watch disappointment form on his features as he looks at me.

“But I did as you said. I proved myself—”

“Yes, you did. So now you can live a full life without worrying about a bullet in your skull like your cousin,” I say.

But Enzo isn’t satisfied. I know exactly what he’s feeling. He’s had a taste of blood and doesn’t want it to end. Going back to a normal life now would be a drastic change.

“The past few weeks have been hard on your sister. Why don’t you try being there for her?” I ask.

“I was. I did what I needed to make sure she was safe. And that I can be here to protect her. I can’t do that if I’m sent away to college—”

“It’s what she wants,” I say.

“But it’s not whatIwant,” he says.

“Is this how it is now? She dictates my life?” he asks.

I take a deep breath, studying him. I don’t usually take to being questioned.

“Well, if not for her, you wouldn’t have a life to be dictated,” I say.

Silence passes between us as he takes in the meaning of my words. I would have gladly killed him a long time ago had Elise not pleaded for his life. Personally, I think he is old enough to make his own decisions. But my decision-making has shifted drastically since I woke up in the hospital with Elise by my side. The relief on her face to see me alive has been burned into my skull.

I release a deep breath.

“The only reason I let you back into this was to let you get closure for your mother. And in doing so, you were almost killed. This life isn’t something you can just step into. You have to be trained for it. And all of us have been trained from the moment we could walk. You, however, failed the little training we did give you,” I say.

“But I can be trained, Mr. Pasquino, I can!” he shouts.

I scoff, shifting my attention to Nicolai. He has an indifferent expression, but shrugs slightly.

“Then start by doing as I say. Finish school, then fuck off to college. I have no use for you if I can’t use you on both sides,” I say.

Enzo looks like he wants to fight me, but decides against it. He lowers his head.

“Okay,” he grumbles.

“Good. You can start by checking in on your sister,” I say.

He quietly stands, leaving the room, and Nicolai waits until he is gone to speak.

“How are you?” he asks.

I shrug.

“Well enough to get this done. Have you heard from Romelo?” I ask.

“He’s still in interrogation,” he says.

I chuckle as I think of the poor bastard Romelo has been torturing for weeks. For now, it’s going to be a long stretch to figure out how high up this situation goes. And while we have to continue business as usual to not alert anyone of our knowledge, caution is the first step.

“I want everyone on high alert and security increased. Make sure everyone is aware of their surroundings. Wouldn’t want anyone getting picked off because of an accident,” I say.

Elise

Something is happening. Luca has not only intensified security around our home since leaving the hospital, but he’s also resorted to having meetings on the premises. I’m sure it means that they know who infiltrated the party and tried to end the Pasquino legacy. And it’s only a matter of time before Luca gets his revenge.

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