Page 50 of Secret Baby of the Don

“I’m going to kill him,” I said tersely, and Romeo didn’t answer, not agreeing or disagreeing.

As we arrived at the secluded, huge mansion, guarded by tall gates and imposing security, my heart pounded with anticipation, determination, and pure terror for Allegra and Matteo. Romeo allowed me to lead the way and I walked with purpose up to the mansion’s entrance. The guards recognized me and allowed us to pass without hesitation. We entered the grand foyer, the opulence of the surroundings contracting sharply with the heaviness in the air.

Enzo awaited us in his study. His expression was grave as he looked at us, his piercing eyes looking right at me. “Rocco?” He looked past me to Romeo. “Romeo?” His voice was full of shock, seeing the two of us here together. “What’s happened?”

“Your son happened,” Romeo snapped, but then he closed his mouth as if he wasn’t going to continue. He had said he would let me handle it, but I knew his fear for his daughter and grandson was immense.

Enzo sighed and turned toward his safe. “How much does he owe you, Romeo?” he asked, as if this would be a simple conversation. As if he could pay us off and everything would be okay. Anger rose inside me.

“This isn’t about money, Enzo.”

Enzo frowned, turning back toward us. Romeo and I both stood at attention, stiff and ready. We needed to make him understand, and I was frustrated to have to tell him the whole story.

“I figured that was why you’ve been gone for two weeks,” Enzo said. “Something Ricardo had done. But how does Romeo fit in?”

“He took my daughter,” Romeo growled.

Enzo’s eyes widened. “Allegra? Why would he—”

“He’s going behind your back, Enzo. He wants to take over, marry Allegra, and unite the families.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Enzo asked, looking pale.

“He betrayed you, Enzo,” Romeo said finally. “And I need you to accept it and tell me how the hell we fix this.”

Enzo groaned, rubbing a hand across his face. “So he took Allegra. She’s resourceful,” he started.

I growled, slamming my fist down on his desk. “It’s not just Allegra,” I said, and Romeo took in a sharp breath. I knew he didn’t want people to know about Matteo, but I didn’t care. “He took my son.”

Enzo gaped at me. “You have a son?”

“With Allegra,” I said firmly. “And so your asshole son has taken everything from me. You’ve got to make a decision, Enzo. Either let me stop him or make an enemy out of me.”

“And me,” Romeo added, and I was grateful for the backup.

I stared at Enzo and he stared back. The room went silent as Enzo absorbed the weight of what we’d told him. His gaze shifted between me and Romeo, his face contorted. I knew he was having an internal struggle, torn between love for his son and the knowledge that Ricardo had betrayed us all. He slowly rose from his seat and started to pace back and forth in the study. His voice was strained. “My own flesh and blood,” he mumbled, shaking his head in disbelief. “I know he’s an asshole, Rocco. You know I know that. But I never thought he’d betray me.”

I stepped forward, determined. “Enzo, we need your support. We need to take him down, stop all of this.”

Enzo paused. “Might as well say what you really mean, Rocco. You always have before. You want my permission to kill my son.” I remained silent, not knowing how to respond. “Fuck, I should have seen the signs,” he continued. “I should have known he was going to do this, stab me in the back.” He looked at me. “Rocco, I’m so sorry. I should have protected you. I won’t let this stand any longer.”

“So we have permission,” I said, not really a question.

Enzo sighed. “I hate this,” he admitted. “I hate having to choose between two sons.”

My heart thudded against my chest plate. “What do you mean?”

“You’ve always been like a son to me, Rocco. You know that. You were like my first-born son, before Ricardo was ever born.” He clapped a hand on my shoulder. “I’ll always be on your side. Always.”

Tears burned at the backs of my eyes, emotions swirling through me. I was still terrified for Allegra and Matteo, still determined to kill Ricardo, but now I was feeling all the pent-up emotions I’d pushed down for Enzo. I’d always craved his approval, his love, and now I was getting it.

Enzo took a deep breath, his voice firm. “Romeo, Rocco, you have my blessing. Do what you have to do.” Relief washed over me. Enzo pulled a key out of his suit jacket. “This is the key to the armory. Take what you need. Spare no expense.” He paused. “Spare no mercy.”Thank God.I didn’t have to choose between Allegra and Enzo, because it would be my child and his mother every time.

Romeo nodded, thanking Enzo with his eyes, and then we rushed off to the armory, picking out guns and knives to take with us to the fight. Rocco would have all his druggie thug friends involved, and many of them were dangerous. “What about your men?” I asked Romeo.

Romeo scowled. “I can’t trust any of my men. Not anymore. Not after Alberto. It’s just you and me, Rocco.” He looked over at me. “Can I trust you to take Ricardo down?”

I scoffed. “There’s no love lost between me and Ricardo. Trust me. But I know one guy I trust to help us.”

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