Page 102 of Reaper & Ruin
“Me.” I said. “I’ll cook.”
Both men had matching faces of horror as they shook their heads. As much as I would have enjoyed winding them up and claiming they insulted me, I was too tired to do it. I would leave them to play trad-wife, and I would be the man of the house. Doing nothing but sit around drinking beers, slapping their asses when they walked past me, and asking when dinner was done.
Atlas plopped down beside us, wrapping an arm around each of our shoulders and pulling us closer. “Things didn’t go according to plan, but we still have to stay on track. Your uncles are coming, Gio, which means the threat has gone from one to five,” he yawned. “But all the dirt I had on Giorgio is still useful. And even if it’s not, the Red Diamonds will back us. There’s just one slight issue we need to solve.”
“What?” I asked.
“Gio is dead.” He said. “That’s what Danika was hired to do. What we need to pretend actually happened.” He looked at Gio. “You need to speak to your family and get things sorted. The next few months are going to be harder, and you’re not going to have much chance to help.”
“I’m not going to lead my branch of the family, am I?” Gio said slowly. “I have to leave them to sort out everything on their own.”
“Not on their own. You just can’t openly help. Until your uncles are dealt with, you need to be dead. Otherwise you’re in danger, so is Heaven.”
Gio glanced at me, then at Atlas, and for the first time in what felt like days, he let out a quiet laugh. “At least I’m a handsome corpse.”
“The most handsome.” I agreed as the three of us sat there, the weight of the world pressing just a little less heavily against us as we planned out our next steps.
As we tried to work out how to win a war that none of us wanted.
Chapter Thirty Three, Home Sweet Home
Iheld Heather’s hand tightly as we walked up the gravel drive to my family’s home. The long, sloping driveway was bordered by towering cypress trees, their shadows stretching across the stone path as the afternoon sun dipped lower in the sky. The mansion stood as it always had—pristine, imposing, far too ostentatious. But as I approached, it felt different.
Softer. Less intimidating.
Like something wicked that roamed the halls had been vanquished, letting in all the light once more.
Atlas walked behind us, silent as a mouse, like usual. Heather, sensing my tension, gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. I looked down at her, her big brown eyes full of quiet strength. She didn’t have to say anything; her presence was enough. It made me feel a little calmer about the reunion that was about to happen.
Made me feel a little calmer knowing that I was not Reaper anymore.
I was Giovanni. Just Giovanni.
When we reached the wide stone steps leading up to the front door, I hesitated. Only for a moment, but long enough for Heather to tilt her head and study me.
“Gio,” she said softly, “you okay?”
“Yeah,” I replied, forcing a small smile. “Just weird. Being here, I mean.”
Before she could respond, the door opened. It was practically yanked off its hinges, the person on the other side clearly eager to get it wide.
My mama stood there, regal as ever, in a black pantsuit and heels. She looked exactly as I remembered: her dark red hair swept into a neat bun, her gold earrings catching the sunlight, her expression equal parts joy and expectation. Her green eyes lit up when she saw me, and without hesitation, she stepped forward and wrapped me in a tight embrace.
“Gio!” She squealed. “You’re here!”
“Hi, mama,” my voice was rough as I held her tight.
Her arms lingered around me a moment longer before she pulled back, her hands resting lightly on my shoulders. Her gaze flicked behind me to Heather and Atlas, curiosity blooming on her face. I could see the questions forming in her mind, but she didn’t ask them—at least, not yet.
I gestured toward Heather first. “This is Heather,” I said, my voice steady. “My girlfriend. You met her once or twice at my nightclub, I think.”
Heather smiled and stepped forward, extending her hand. “It’s so nice to meet you, Mrs De Luca.”
My mother ignored the hand entirely, pulling Heather into a hug instead as she insisted my girl call her Chesca. Heather froze for a split second, caught off guard, before relaxing into the embrace.
“Oh, she’s beautiful!” Mama exclaimed, stepping back and holding my girl by the shoulders to look at her. “Look at you! Gio, you didn’t tell me she was so sweet!” She grinned harder. “Oh, we are going to have so much fun together,cara. I always wanted more daughters; I don’t think I could ever have enough.”
Heather laughed nervously, her cheeks flushing. “Thank you. I’m happy to be here too. And do stuff. Whatever you want,” she blurted out as I hurried to get introductions over so we could get to the business that was gnawing at my gut.
