Page 180 of The One
The car door opens, and I pry my eyes apart, my muscles tensing as Romeo slips in. He’s been handling most of the business while I’ve been at Tiero’s side.
“What are you doing here?” My voice comes out rougher than I intend.
“Driving from A to B seems to be the only way I get to talk to you these days.”
“Yeah, sorry.”
“Don’t be. But you need an update.”
“You could have called me.”
“Nah. I wanted to check in on you too.” He studies me, but his expression gives nothing away.
“I’m fine.” I force a smile. “So what’s happening?”
“Nothing good,” Rom sighs, rubbing a hand over his face. He looks just as wrecked as I’m sure I do. “Shipments are missing, and some of the Bertucci soldiers are stirring up trouble on the streets.”
“What kind of trouble?”
“They’re rallying support to use your brother’s absence to take back power.”
I’m exhausted, worried, and angry, but not surprised.
“Fucking Molinaro loyals. Tiero isn’t dead. He’s going to make it.”
Rom’s sharp gaze dissects me, like he’s weighing whether that’s reality or just hope. It’s reality.
“How is your brother?” he asks quietly.
I exhale hard. “Nothing’s changed. How fucking hard can it be to find a lung donor?” Frustration burns in my throat.
I rub my face, my stomach twisting.
“Until he’s recovered and back in charge, you’re calling the shots.” As if I needed the reminder. “I’m handling the missing shipments, but what do you want to do about the Bertucci?”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. I fucking hate being the acting Don.
Tiero is perfect for the role. I was never supposed to lead. I am his second, his shadow. Together, we are unstoppable. Without him, everything is heavier.
“Mateo? The Bertucci?” Rom presses when I don’t answer fast enough.
“Fuck.” My chest tightens. “Just take them out. I’m done with every single person spreading rumors about Tiero’s demise. We will—”
Ring, ring. Ring, ring.
I stop.
The sound isn’t coming from my phone. Mine is on the seat beside me.
The ringing is coming from the inside pocket of my suit jacket.
That’s… Tiero’s phone.
I pull it out.
Why I carry it all day, I don’t really know.
Ring, ring. Ring, ring.
