Page 43 of The Breaker
He took another puff on his cigar before he released the cloud of smoke. “And our deal?”
“You can’t be serious, Tommaso.”
“And our deal?” he repeated.
“I just told you I’m having a baby.”
“But you aren’t married.”
“But I’m getting married.”
“So, you’re engaged?”
I’d wanted to have our wedding this weekend, but Aurelia denied me. I wanted to be husband and wife and start our lives together, but she wanted to slow everything down. I had been frustrated at the time but conceded that she was right. If she weren’t pregnant, I wouldn’t have suggested rushing into a marriage. “No, not yet.”
“Then you’re fair game as far as I’m concerned.”
“I’m having a baby,” I repeated like he hadn’t heard me before. “And I just told you I’m not interested in Cosa Nostra.”
“I understand that.”
I fished my phone out of my pocket and opened the photo I’d taken. “This is sitting in my nightstand as we speak.” I turned the screen toward him to reveal the enormous engagement ring I’d already bought for Aurelia. I didn’t have a plan for how I’d propose, but I wanted to be ready when the moment was right, when I thought she would say yes to me.
“But she’s not wearing it.”
I released a frustrated sigh and returned the phone to my pocket. “I’ve always considered us good friends, Tommaso. I came here under the assumption you would be happy for me. That we’d have a drink together and you would tell me about all the joys of fatherhood and the wonderful years ahead. My father was never around, and you somehow filled that void when I first came to Palermo.”
“You know that affection is reciprocated, Con. I’ve always loved you like a son.”
“Really? Because it doesn’t feel like it.”
“Why else would I want you to marry my daughter?”
“Forceis the word I would use.”
He released a quiet chuckle. “You know how I force people, Con. I’m definitely not forcing you.”
There wasn’t the barrel of a gun against the back of my neck or in the center of my spine. There wasn’t a promise that he’d kill my entire family if I didn’t comply with his demands. So, yes, I had free will.
“I’m asking you to have a meal with her. How about now?”
“Now?” I asked blankly.
“I was just about to have lunch with her on the terrace, but you can take my place.”
Fuck me.“Tommaso—”
“It’s a meal, Con.”
“I’m in a loving and committed relationship.”
“Then don’t fuck her on the table, all right?”
Who the fuck talks about their daughter like that?
He rose to his feet. “Let’s go. Come with me.”
I rose to my feet. “I told you I’m unavailable.”
