Page 62 of Bittersweet Endings
“So, we’re agreed then,” she said, tapping her pen against her notebook. “Two in-person signings. One in New York, one in Chicago, and a virtual event on release day?”
“Exactly,” I confirmed, jotting down a note for myself. “And we’ll have the announcement ready to go by Friday. The marketing department is finalizing the graphics now.”
Sybil nodded. “This all sounds fantastic, Octavia. I really appreciate how smooth this transition has been. I know signing with a new publisher can be a risk, but you and Library Mouse Publishing have made it feel effortless.”
I smiled at the name. Call itcheesy, but I loved it. It actually sounded prettier in Italian.Topo Di Biblioteca.With everythinghappening around me, I’d already started to research an Italian sector, to give me a chance to escape this place.
I opened my mouth to respond, but a sharp voice in the background cut through my focus.
“No, that’s not what we agreed to,” Rocco snapped from across the apartment. “You’re not going to screw me over on this. She’s going to be pissed. Al, what makes you think I can’t handle this?”
I clenched my jaw, willing myself to tune it out. I could hear him pacing, the agitation crackling through his words.
“Octavia?” Sybil’s voice pulled me back to the computer screen.
I blinked and forced another smile. “Sorry, what was that?”
“I was just saying thank you. For everything,” she said warmly. “I feel really good about this launch.”
“Me too,” I replied, hoping my voice didn’t betray the tension winding through my shoulders. “I am so excited to be a part of your journey. And thank you for trusting me. What you’ve sent over on this new series, I am in love.”
That got an honest smile out of her. “Me too.” We discussed a few more logistical items before she said, “All right, I’ll let you go. Talk soon.”
The screen blinked to black as the call ended, and I let out a slow breath as Rocco’s voice cut through the silence again. I stood just inside my office door, my fingers curled around the frame.
“I told you, Al, I’ve got it handled… She’s fine. No one’s getting near her.”
My stomach tightened. This was about me. I stayed still, my breath shallow, as I strained to hear. Why couldn’t anyone callmeto talk aboutme?
“No,” Rocco snapped. “I don’t care what he thinks. I knowwhat I’m doing.” A pause. “Lucky needs to back off. I don’t answer to him. Not yet.”
Yet.The word settled in my chest like a stone.
I wanted to believe Rocco was on my side—my gut told me that he was. He’d been at my side for years, a steady force, my shadow in moments when I felt alone. This wasn’t about blood. This was about loyalty. It was about power. Rank. Obligation.
If my brother forced his hand, Rocco would listen. You didn’t betray your future boss.
And no matter how much respect Rocco had for me, no matter how long he’d known Lucky, that respect was rooted with something else. Something stronger. Something undeniable.
Fear. Even if he wouldn’t admit it. My brother was smart, ruthless, and deadly. Add that to his position of power and never-ending banking account, and you’d be dumb to try to go toe-to-toe with him.
I swallowed hard, stepping back before Rocco could see me standing there. I had no intention of asking him about it. Because I already knew the answer.
I didn’t move.
Rocco’s voice dropped lower, but the sharpness didn’t leave. If anything, it cut deeper.
“You think I don’t know that?” he bit out. “That I haven’t thought about every angle? Jesus, Al, give me some credit.” He punched something. “I. Was. Fucking. There. In fucking California. I saw them. Saw him with her.”
I couldn’t hear what was being said on the other end of the line, but I could tell from the way Rocco’s grip tightened on his phone that Al wasn’t just pushing back. He was questioning him. Questioning his judgment. His sanity.
Rocco let out a rough, humorless laugh. “You think I’m losing it? You really think that?” A pause. Then a softer, deadlier, “Because I’m telling you right now. I’m the only one thinking straight.” I could almost cry as he battled againstil famigliafor me. “She will run. If we do this, we might all lose her for good.”
I exhaled slowly, my fingers curling tighter. I knew what they were worried about. Me. Carmine. But what would make me run?
Rocco had been through hell. Dark, ugly places that left scars. Some visible, some buried so deep you’d never see them. Not unless you knew where to look. And Al, Lucky, the whole family… they thought those ghosts still had a hold on him.
Maybe they did. But I also knew this: Rocco wouldn’t lose control. Not unless it was to protect me. Even standing up for me told me he was a lot more focused than the rest of them.
