Page 317 of Rosetti Family New York
The reminder of my failure fills me with anger. All that planning, all those security measures, and I couldn't keep her safe when it was crucial. "That won't happen again."
I go through my contacts, my thumb pausing over a name I haven't called on for help in months. Years maybe. Asking for help goes against everything I've learned about being self-reliant, but keeping Mara safe is more important than my pride.
"I have family," I finally say. "Resources beyond what the Callahans can reach."
Her face goes pale. "You want to involve your family? After what I've done?"
"Matteo might help." The words feel empty, but I'm desperate enough to say them. "If I explain the situation."
Before I can doubt myself, I press the call button. It rings four times before my twin's voice breaks the silence, sounding sleepy and annoyed.
"Emilio? It's three in the fucking morning. This better be life or death."
"It might be." I keep my voice calm, knowing Mara is listening to every word. "I need a favor."
A pause. "What kind of favor?"
"The kind that requires discretion."
I hear movement on the other end—he's probably getting out of whatever woman's bed he's in to take this call seriously.
"Jesus, Milo. What have you gotten yourself into?"
That's the first time he's used my childhood nickname without it sounding sarcastic in months. When did we stop being brothers and become just... coworkers? When did the gap between us grow so wide that asking for help feels like losing?
"I can't explain over the phone," I say softly. "But I need a safe place. Somewhere the Callahans can't reach."
Another pause, longer this time. "The Callahans. This is about her, isn't it? Mara. Your fuck bunny."
The crude comment makes me see red. "Yes."
"Fuck me." His laugh is empty. "You found her, and now what? You're playing house while there's a war?"
His dismissive tone stirs anger in me. "It's not like that."
"Bullshit. Because from here, it looks like you've let your dick override your brain. Again."
"Matteo..."
"No, listen to me." His voice turns sharp with authority he rarely uses. "The family is under attack. Leo's laid up with bullet holes, Dom's ready to burn half of Manhattan, and you're asking me to hide your woman? Some girl who vanished on you years ago?"
"She's not..." I start, then stop. How do I explain what Mara means to me? How do I put into words the obsession that's taken over my life?
"She's not what, Emilio? Not the reason you've been distracted and useless for weeks? Not the ghost you've been chasing instead of focusing on family business?"
Each word cuts deep, and I feel years of unspoken resentment rising between us. All the times I've put my obsessions before family duties. All the secrets I've kept, the distance I've created.
"I understand perfectly,” he continues. “You've compromised yourself for a piece of ass who's playing both sides. And now you want me to compromise the family too."
Red edges my vision. "Watch your fucking mouth."
"Or what? You'll choose her over your own blood?" Matteo's laugh is bitter, cutting. "News flash, brother, you already have."
I clench my fists and try to regain control over this conversation.
"I'm trying to protect her," I say quietly.
"From who? The Callahans? Or from us?"
