GIO
I cast a sharp glance in her direction. Could she truly be oblivious to the reality that lay before her? Karsen’s allegiance was unwavering, but it was tethered to Alonzo Bianchi. My mind raced with questions, pondering the method by which Alonzo, that enigmatic and twisted young man of years gone by, had garnered such fierce and devoted followers. How had he orchestrated the union of all the influential Underbosses in the West? The once-diminished power of the De Fiore had resurged, and it posed a formidable predicament.
A hearty laugh erupted from Karsen’s lips, jarring me from my contemplation. “Are you insinuating that I might forsake the De Fiore to align with the Famiglia?”
“It’s a possibility.”
Yet, deep within me, I knew that it wasn’t a possibility at all. I wouldn’t extend that invitation, not anymore.
Karsen’s eyes held a challenge as they met mine. “Is she the Capo, or are you? I came here to converse with the individual at the helm of this operation, though I’m beginning to suspect it might be a woman in charge after all.”
Provocation was his chosen weapon, akin to Alonzo’s tactics of old. “She is your sister. She speaks on account of my consent. Rest assured, Karsen-if I had something to convey to you, I would articulate it myself.”
“We aren’t your adversaries, Karsen,” Millie intervened.
But in truth, we were. If not for Millie’s presence, I might have seized this moment to eliminate Karsen.
“I am a member of the De Fiore. Naturally, you are our adversaries. I bear a message from Alonzo for you.” He held my gaze, a twisted grin forming that ignited a seething fury within me. “You possess nothing of value for Alonzo or the De Fiore, unless perhaps you’d be inclined to send him your wife for a bit of amusement.”
The urge to lunge at him and crush his very windpipe surged through me, only to be thwarted as Millie positioned herself in my path, forcing me to halt my advance. “Keep your composure, Gio,” Millie implored, her eyes tinged with desperation.
I trembled, the rage within me barely contained, my gaze locked onto Karsen’s form. One day, I vowed to myself, I would snuff out his life.
With a mocking bow, Karsen conceded, “I believe that concludes our interaction.”
“Aren’t you curious about Sienna and Harper’s well-being?” Millie inquired with a glimmer of hope. The omission of Maria and Amo’s names spoke volumes-Millie understood that her brother posed a menace, not a kin.
“They hold no significance to me. From the moment you departed for your indulgent life in New York, you ceased to exist in my world.”
Turning on his heel, Karsen exited, and I allowed him to do so. My restraint was a tribute to Millie, and an acknowledgment that I couldn’t afford to ignite a war with the De Fiore at this juncture.
Sebastian gripped his knife, his expression hinting at an urge to pursue Karsen and slit his throat.
Millie shifted her attention to me, eyes wide with shock. “What happened to him?”
“The De Fiore,” Growl growled. “And that damn Alonzo Bianchi. I encountered him only a handful of times, but even as a youngster, my half-brother was…” He shook his head, struggling for words. “There’s no precise term.”
“Indeed,” Sebastian chimed in.
Millie walked past me, collapsing onto the sofa with her back turned to us.
I gestured discreetly to my brother and Growl, signaling for them to give us some privacy. As they departed, leaving us alone, I reached out and gently placed my hand on Millie’s shoulder. She looked up at me, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, and she leaned her cheek into the warmth of my hand, finding solace in the simple touch.
Her gaze remained locked with mine as she held up a folded piece of paper. My brows furrowed in curiosity as I took in the sight of it. Millie’s voice trembled slightly as she spoke, revealing the contents of the note.
“Karsen slipped this into my pocket, asking for a meeting tonight,” she explained, her voice catching in her throat. “Alone.”
My concern deepened, and I found myself compelled to protect her from whatever danger might lie ahead. “You won’t go,” I asserted, the protective instinct within me surging forward.
However, Millie rose from her seat, her determination evident as she lifted her chin defiantly. “I will go,” she stated firmly. “I need to give him one last chance.”
My heart ached for her vulnerability, for her willingness to believe in the best even in the face of doubt. Stepping closer, I reached out to gently cup her cheek, my touch tender and reassuring. “Millie, he won’t take it,” I murmured softly, my voice carrying a mix of compassion and certainty. “You know why he wants you alone.”
She averted her gaze, her inner conflict playing out on her features. “You don’t know that,” she countered, a hint of doubt threading through her words. “He’s my brother. Maybe he needs to talk to me alone.” But I could see that her own doubts were casting shadows over her hope.
With a gentle sigh, I met her gaze again, my eyes conveying the depth of my concern and love for her. “Let’s go home,” I suggested, my voice imbued with a mix of reassurance and determination. “And tonight, we’ll face him together.”
Her nod was both an affirmation and an unspoken appreciation for my support.
Upon returning to our penthouse, a scene of domestic comfort greeted us. Sienna, her belly swollen with pregnancy, sat on the couch in the company of Amo and Maria. Millie’s attention shifted to our children, and she moved toward them, enfolding them in a tight hug and planting gentle kisses atop their heads. Sienna’s puzzled expression didn’t go unnoticed; however, revealing her brother’s ties to the De Fiore was a burden Millie wasn’t ready to share, and I respected her decision.
“Mom, watch me do a handstand!” Maria’s voice chimed proudly, diverting our attention to her achievement.
Encouraged by Amo’s enthusiastic nod, I too joined in. “Let’s see it, Maria.”
With youthful determination, Maria attempted the handstand but teetered dangerously. Swiftly, I caught her feet before she could tumble over. Millie clapped in support, and I responded by lifting Maria off the ground, swinging her playfully back and forth, eliciting joyous giggles.
Amo, never one to be left out, charged toward me. “I want a turn too!”
I gladly obliged, hoisting Amo upside down by his legs. Laughter filled the air as Millie joined in, shaking her head at our antics. “Amo, your face is turning so red!”
Amidst the playful atmosphere, I found myself indulging Amo’s request to go higher. His infectious grin persisted even as the rush of blood to his head painted his cheeks a rosy hue. With caution, I lowered him back to the ground when his complexion turned too flushed.
As Millie’s gaze met mine, I broached the topic that had brought us here. “Can you watch them tonight as well?” I inquired, the unspoken plea for her understanding lacing my words.
Sienna’s attention ping-ponged between Millie and me, sensing an underlying tension. “Did something happen?” she asked, her concern evident.
Millie shook her head, her expression a blend of reassurance and secrecy. “No, it’s nothing like that. Gio and I just need a little time to ourselves.”
Sienna’s acceptance was cautious but understanding. “Sure,” she replied slowly, her gaze lingering on both of us. “Dario will be here in thirty minutes. We can take Maria and Amo with us, and they’ll be back tomorrow around lunchtime.”
Gratitude shone in Millie’s eyes as she embraced her sister, a silent acknowledgment of the support that family could provide in times of uncertainty.