Page 64 of War Within
“I don’t like cheating.” Luca growled.
“What are you talking about?” The man darted his eyes around the room.
“Let me see your cards.” Luca ordered. “Now.”
Eyes widened, the guy shook his head. “I-I didn’t ch—”
“Bullshit.” Luca snorted. “Let me see them.”
Reluctantly, the gentleman laid his hand on the table, covering his cards. Luca sprung forward with aMichrotec halo knife, stabbing it through the back of the man’s hand, pinning it to the wooden table.
“Ahhh!”
Luca stood, reaching his arm out. One of our associates sped over, handing him a bat, then backed away just as quickly. Closing his eyes, Luca inhaled then exhaled.
“Lie to me again, Isaiah.” With the bat resting on his shoulder, he circled the table. “I really, really, really want to
Fuck.
You.
Up.”
He lunged forward, swinging the club, stopping just before the sweating man’s face. A low laugh rippled through his throat.
“Okay! I had extra cards! Please take the knife out of my hand!” He panted in pain.
Cheating was a mistake. Asking Luca for compassion? God help his fucking soul.
Clutching the knife, Luca yanked it out of the table, holding it up.
“Thank you, I—”
Thrusting forward, Luca, pierced the knife through Isaiah’s eye. A blood curling screech erupted from the man’s mouth. The girls opened the door. I twisted around, hurling my arm out, pointing to the bedroom. Instantly, they slammed the door, jaws dropped.
Cursing and screaming echoed through the two-story room. Luca grabbed his rosary, squeezing, whispering peacefully to himself for a moment. He let it go then gripped the bat with both hands. Swinging with all his power, he struck the doomed man’s impaled eye, knocking him off the chair.
Brought him here like you said, sir.”
“Thank you, Emir. Excuse us a moment.”
Emir exited the study. Carmine stood in silence, arms folded over his chest, watching me pace the room. Finally, I came to a stop before him, stroking my jaw. A quiet standoff ensued for several moments. It had been a long time since we were face to face.
“Oh, for fucks sake.” Carmine ran his fingers through his tousled, long hair, rolling his eyes. “Listen, I'm sorry.”
Without a word, I slid my hands in my pockets, scowling.
“Marco’s a fucking dick. I want him dead. I never wanted to hurt any of you.” Sighing, he shook his head, relaxing his posture. “Giovanni, I miss the friendship we had. I know you couldn't control what your father handed you. I couldn’t control our family rival either. But…shit man. It’s been over twenty years now. I want to make up for it and help.”
Cocking my head, I gnawed the inside of my cheek. “I don’t trust you anymore, Carmine.” I shook my head. “But I know the Carmine I went to school with, grew up with, and once called my brother.
“What are you saying?” He lifted a finger to his chin.
Staring at him, I rolled my bottom lip between my fingertips, swallowing the past. “We're family. Despite whatever happened, we will always be family.” I slid my hands in my pockets, shrugging. “That being said, Marco is also family, and he’s trying to take me down. So, right now, that doesn’t mean much.”
He nodded. “I understand.”
“Tell me why I should trust you.” Reaching out, I pushed his chest. “Tell me why I should give you any sort of chance.”
