He eased back against the pillows, taking several labored deep breaths. “I already told you that your mother was a beautiful actress that I fell in love with.”
“I’ve seen the pictures.”
“I… I didn’t tell you everything. I should have years ago.”
Every muscle in my body tensed, but I knew the instant he began to talk where this was going.
“Your mother’s acting name was Daphne Phillips. That’s all I knew for the first few months. She had no knowledge of who I was until a reporter pictured us together and a scathing article was written in the Times the next day. I think she had suspicions given a mutual friend we had. After the article, I told her everything about me and my life, the responsibilities I had while I was preparing to take over from my father. I figured I’d lost her. There were no tears, no exclamations. Just silence from her. She walked out and I thought I’d never see her again.”
“But you did.”
“One week to the day she called me, asking me out for a drink. We went to our favorite little bar and she did all the talking.”
He faltered, his eyes closing.
“Who was she, Father? What was my mother’s real name?”
“Her name was… Sophia Massimo.”
All the light seemed to rush out of the room, the words echoing. “What. Did. You. Say?”
“She was Dante’s only daughter. The bullet that took your mother’s life was intended for me. Dante killed his own daughter in an effort to take her away from me. From that day, he planned revenge, including murdering my only child, his grandchild. You.” He allowed the understanding to settle in. “And his vendetta has never stopped.”
I jerked up from the chair, almost toppling it over, shaken to the core. I fisted my hands, blood rushing to my head. “All these years you could have told me. You could have fucking told me.”
“What good would that have done, Michael? She was your mother and didn’t want that life, just like she didn’t want the life for you. She loved you so much. You were the light in her eyes, her heart child. That’s what she called you. When we learned she could never have another child, she was devastated but doted on you. I was such a fool not to share in those joyous moments. Yes, I wanted another child.”
“That much I know, Father. You never gave a shit about me!” I sucked in my breath.
“That’s not true. I wasn’t trying to replace you. I adored you more than I can say. I simply wanted to have a huge family because of your beautiful, loving and giving mother. She reminded me about love and humanity. She gave me reason not to turn into a monster. I don’t want to lose you like I did your mother. Please know that in your heart. You are my son, the only reason I fought to remain alive. You are my everything.”
Words. I’d always condemned my father for the brusque words he said, the harshness in which he said them, but this was entirely different. I looked away, fighting the single tear that threatened to roll down my cheek. “Dante is dead.” The man would never be my grandfather, either dead or alive.
“Are you certain of that?” he whispered, his chest heaving. “You can’t put anything past him. He is ruthless.”
“That’s what I’m going to find out.” I headed for the door, stopping long enough to take another deep breath. “This is my family. You are my family, but I need some time. I just…” I couldn’t even finish the statement. Everything I’d known had been a lie.
“I do understand. Know that the Borgata belongs to you now, Michael. If you want your legacy. I’m an old man and it’s time I step down.”
The words wouldn’t come easily.
“Or, if you want your life as Kelan, I’ll support you,” he continued.
“I realized who I am, Father, and nothing is going to change that. I will honor the legacy of my family and continue to make money for this family, but on my terms. Sadly, I have to go. I still have work to do.”
“Francesca.”
I slammed my hand against the wall, wanting to feel a slice of pain, my laugh bitter. “Yes. I have to set her free.”
“Think before you do that. I may not be the best father or a man you can ever trust again, but love is truly all that matters. Follow your heart, son. That’s what your mother would say and that’s exactly what she did.”
“Yeah, Pops. I understand.” I walked out of the room, barely holding my shit together.
And that’s exactly what got her killed.
Almost two days had passed, filled with arduous hours of cleaning up shit caused by Franco’s attacks. I made good on my promise to my father, bringing in Louis Saltori and explaining his new duties. Second chances were unheard of. However, I had a feeling the man would never cross me again. He seemed pleased with being in charge of the development end of the business. His master’s in business would come in useful.
Francesca and I were set to leave for Italy in the morning. We’d moved back into my father’s house, at least on a temporary basis. I wanted everything to appear the same as when my father had been the Don. I couldn’t afford to have anyone question my authority.
She’d remained quiet, processing the various tragedies in her own way. Much like I had to do.
I stood by the back door, watching her swimming laps. She was by far the most beautiful woman in the world. For a short time, I’d been the luckiest man alive.
“I have that information you were looking for, but you’re not going to like it.”
I’d grown used to hearing Grinder’s voice and had certainly learned to appreciate his expertise as well as his loyalty. “What have I liked up to this point?”
“That’s a good point, boss.”
I swirled my drink, staring down into the amber liquid. At least the scotch no longer tasted bitter. “You can actually call me Michael, you know. I run a different ship.”
“No can do, boss. You are the top dog and you earned that respect.”
Shaking my head, I moved toward him, studying the folder in his hand. “Difficult to find?”
“Not really. The asshole didn’t hide his tracks very well.”
“Hmmm… Interesting.” I took another sip before easing the glass down on the desk and taking the file. “I appreciate you doing this behind the scenes.”