Page 32 of By Blade, I Love
“We almost die every day.”
The boss rolled his eyes, but he did it while releasing a quiet chuckle at the same time.
“Look, if Leo is telling the truth and we do nothing, we’ll definitely be dead. If he’s telling the truth and we take out Warren, we also get the vineyard back.”
“But you still owe us for Icarus,” Don Russo said quickly.
Wolfe didn’t say anything for a moment, but the pause was filled with unmistakable hostility. “You would be buried on that farm right now if it weren’t for me, so you have a lot of gall saying that.”
“I didn’t mean?—”
“Don’t forget who the fuck you’re talking to.” Wolfe didn’t raise his voice, but somehow this was scarier. “I’m the guy who stepped up so you didn’t have to. I’m the guy who got us out of the situation you foolishly got us into in the first place. I don’t need to be reminded of my oath. My memory is pretty damn good.”
“That came out wrong?—”
“Really fucking wrong. Now apologize so we can move on.”
Don Russo cocked his head for a moment as he looked at Wolfe. “I apologize, Wolfe. That was wrong of me to say.”
Watching this exchange only further convinced me that Wolfe should be in charge. My father should have trusted his word and his advice, and Don Russo should trust his lieutenant. It seemed like Wolfe was a better leader than a follower, but he didn’t see that himself.
After a heavy stretch of silence, Wolfe spoke again. “What’s your decision?”
Don Russo considered the question for a long time, his eyes drifting away. “We can’t allow those two to team up. It would be the end of Cosa Nostra.”
“I agree.”
“But I don’t trust a word of what Leo says.”
“I trust that he hates Warren for making a fool out of him.”
Don Russo stared for a while before he gave a nod. “If Leo is being truthful, we can’t afford to squander this opportunity. So let’s prepare the troops.”
Wolfe nodded. “We can use my old place out there for our rendezvous. That way, we’ll be close by when Leo gives me the information.”
The gardens were breathtaking and immaculate, a sprawling estate surrounded by walls made of limestone. I sat in one of the chairs at a round table and examined the water that splashed down onto the bricks of the fountain when Wolfe appeared on the path between the hedges, hot as fuck with his massive size chiseled and engraved with black-as-night ink. Even when my heart was heavy with our current circumstances, I couldn’t deny what a hunk he was. Every day, I couldn’t believe he was mine.
He sat in the chair beside me and propped his elbow on the armrest. “Once we’re ready, we’ll head to my old place to wait for Leo’s information. Caltanissetta is too far a drive to plan a hit with little notice.”
I nodded in agreement.
“Don Russo said you can stay on the top floor in one of the guest rooms until I get back.”
My heart dropped into my stomach in shock. “I’m sorry, what?”
He turned to look at me. “His wife and children live on the top floor.”
“I understand that. But I’m not coming with you?”
His eyebrows rose slightly as he stared at me. “Why would you?”
“Uh, because these assholes killed my family and took my vineyard. That’s why.”
He studied me for a while before he leaned slightly toward me in his chair.
“That vineyard is mine—and I’m going to take it back.”
He stared at me for a heavy pause, his eyes taking in my rage with a hint of respect. “And I’m going to get it for you.”
