Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 62266 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 311(@200wpm)___ 249(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62266 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 311(@200wpm)___ 249(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
"Why don't we move to the dining room? Chef Marcello says dinner is ready," Tova announces over the room.
"Where is Ronan?" I ask War, lingering behind. I'm not leaving this room until Cosima does.
"Why? You want him to set up the red barn for you?"
"I would gladly do that on my own." We don't often use the barn. In fact, we haven't for years. War doesn't want to bring that kind of work home with him. We now use the dozens of warehouses we have, many of which are located right on the ocean.
"It would be like old times out there," War says with a hint of a smile.
I shake my head. "I know what Dario is doing. Did you?" I ask War as we follow everyone out of the room and toward the formal dining room that is only ever used for events such as this one.
"When I saw the list of people invited, I thought it could be the case, but he and I have had many conversations about Cosima, and I have made it clear I won't force her to marry."
War and Dario are still in a power struggle. Dario isn't letting the reins loose easily, but it doesn't matter. War, Ronan, and I have all been making plays behind the scenes.
I'm sure he would see that as dirty and underhanded, and maybe it is. But I get why War is doing it, and I know why I am. I won't be beholden to anyone except my wife at the end of the day.
Everything could go to shit, and I would still have solid grounding to keep my family safe. I understand more than anyone how swiftly your entire world can vanish, leaving you with nothing. I won't allow that to happen to me or Cosima. It's why I have always had my fingers in other projects outside of the Marino family.
We follow everyone into the dining room. I pause right outside, motioning for Mickey to come over to me.
"The server that dropped the tray." He nods. "Tip him well." Mickey nods again, and I am confident that he will handle it.
It was a dick thing to do to the guy only trying to do his job, but in war, there are often casualties, and this is without a doubt a war for me.
When I fully enter the dining room, I see Cosima is sitting between Sal and Tova. That’s not happening. I don’t give a shit if I make a scene.
“Sal.” I walk over to him. “That’s my seat.”
“Your seat?” He chuckles. I stare down at him, letting him know I’m not fucking laughing and he won’t be in a few seconds if he doesn’t move.
“He’s fine,” Dario tries to say. I pretend I don’t hear him.
“Move,” I order him.
“Damn, man.” He pushes back from his chair. “Didn’t know you were so protective of your sister.” Sal stands, and I know he’s made that jab on purpose.
“Watch it,” I say to him, warning that he doesn’t really want to go down this road with me.
“Right.” The fucker smirks. “You’re a Marino. Not sure how I forgot that.” That glint in his eye suggests that there is more to that statement than he means. This motherfucker really does want to end up in the river tonight. Maybe I should take War up on his offer to use the barn.
“Z,” Cosima says, drawing my attention. “I don’t need a bodyguard.”
“You do.” I drop down in the chair.
“Z has always been protective of our Cosima. He has been since she came home from the hospital,” Rochelle tells the table.
"He forgets she's all grown up," Dario adds.
"Doesn't matter how old she is." I turn my head toward my wife. "I'll always watch out for Cosima." A soft smile pulls at her lips.
"He can drive me crazy at times, but he means well."
"You'll never find a husband that way," Aldo Gallo says, picking up his wine glass to take a sip. I'm letting that one slide.
"I don't think Cosima will have a problem finding a husband if she wants one," Tova chimes in.
Aldo’s son is the only one I don't need to worry about. He hasn't glanced toward Cosima except in passing. The man already has a lover he keeps hidden away. It doesn't matter what decade it is. Some of the old fucks from previous generations are firmly entrenched in their beliefs and remain intolerant of same-sex relationships.
Yes, I know all the Gallo family secrets. It's difficult to keep them from me. This is particularly challenging in today's world. Especially when it's me searching for them.
I keep thinking the old man is going to end up dead any day now. I have no doubt Aldo would kill his son's lover. I don't understand why he doesn't kill his own father. I would.