44. Nico
Chapter 44
Nico
T hat woman is so fucking infuriating. I try being nice, but she always fucks it up with her smart mouth. Leave … as if I’m ever going to let her do that.
The water was a nice touch, but she will be punished for that later.
I text Marco quickly and tell him to take her up to the room and ensure she stays locked in there. I will be following, but I need to see my brother first. He needs to know about O’Connor while I can be certain that il mio tesoro will stay where she is in the meantime.
Stepping into the lounge room, I look over the décor and remember all the times we played in this room, my brother and I, when our parents were alive, now it’s just the two of us left. Maybe it’s time for a change. You can’t live in the past forever, and now I have him back, we need to move forward.
“Did you take care of it?” I ask Marco as I enter the hallway.
“Yep, she sure is feisty.” He chuckles.
“You need to head back to the club and make sure everything is running smoothly. Have your PA take over your basic tasks at the office for now.”
“But—”
“But nothing. She is more than qualified, you know this. Right now, you are needed in the club and the office, and she is the only way you can keep on top of both.” I look at him. “That is why I hired her.”
He inhales deeply and nods . “You’ll tell me if anything happens with Tony, won’t you?” he asks.
“He’ll be fine,” I say as I turn away and go to the makeshift hospital room where my brother is sitting up in bed with Rosie at his side. I just stand at the door and smile at them both.
It’s strange they’re not saying anything, just sitting with each other comfortable in each other’s silence … not at all like the woman I have brewing upstairs, I’m sure.
“Gabe,” I say, breaking the silence. “How are you feeling?” I ask as I go and stand at the bottom of his bed.
“Good, fratello .” He smiles and looks back at Rosie. “We’re both great.”
“I’m happy to hear it. I need to speak to you, it’s important.” I cast my eyes toward Rosie, hoping he knows what I’m saying.
“Hey, would you mind seeing if you could grab me some water,” he asks her.
“Sure, did you need anything else?” she asks.
“No, I’m good.” We both watch her leave and he clears his throat. “What is it?”
“There’s some things you need to know.” I look down, and I’m not sure how to tell him about our father, but he has to know.
“It’s father …” I begin.
“Nico, I know. O’Connor told me.” He shakes his head, then lowers it. “I know it all, he liked to rub it in, and with being chained up, there wasn’t much I could do.” His jaw clenches.
“I’m so fucking sorry, man,” I tell him as I walk over to the side of the bed, placing my hand on his shoulder, sucking in my bottom lip. “He’s in the container,” I say, and his eyes catch mine.
“He’s still alive?” He looks confused.
“ Fratello ”—I lean forward and kiss his forehead—“O’Connor is yours to do with as you please. Leave the fucker in there to rot for all I care.” I huff out a laugh. “I always said that when I found the people responsible, I would paint this city red, but finding you alive changed that, this is your call, brother.”
“He will pay, but not yet. I need time to think,” he answers quickly, looking over to the door as his breathing picks up. “Rosie … she doesn’t know anything about who I am.”
“And who are you?” I ask.
“What the fuck’s that supposed to mean?” He raises his voice.
“What I said, brother.” I’m curious if he’s pieced it together who he is now and what responsibilities he has.
“I’m part of the Romano Mafia,” he says.
“You’re the underboss , brother,” I tell him and place my hand on his shoulder.
“What, why didn’t you use Tommy?” he asks.
“Because that place is yours, nobody else’s.” Closing my eyes I inhale and step back when I hear the door open.
“Sorry, it took me a while to find the kitchen.” Her voice is soft as she places the glass gently on the side.
“It’s okay,” he tells her as he reaches out his hand to hold hers.
“Let me know when you’re ready and we can go through all the details, but for now, you both just need time to rest,” I tell him and leave them both, looking over my shoulder at my brother who is watching me leave.
His eyes are glassy, and he smiles at me. I can’t believe he thought I’d give up on him like that, give his job to someone else … not a fucking chance.
Closing the door quietly, I text Marco.
Me: How’s the club?
Marco: All good.
Me: The rest of the businesses?
Marco: All under control. NIC is being taken care of by her, and I’ve spoken to one of the guys at the gym, he’s gonna run that for a bit until Tony gets on his feet. I’m based between the club and NIC for now.
I chuckle at the mention of his PA. I may have to do something about that … the poor woman can’t seem to catch a break, and that’s coming from me.
I type out a quick response.
Me: Perfect.
Then I message Tommy.
Me: How’s the yard?
Tommy: Nothing to report, all good.
Me: Perfect
Seems like everything is under control. I pocket my mobile and head upstairs to the master bedroom. I lick my lips as I put the key in the lock. I think about what I’m going to be faced with when I open this door.
Turning the key, I press the handle down and push forward. Hearing nothing, I move further into the room, pushing the door shut behind me, and look around the room. That’s when I see her, sitting in the corner of the room with her knees pulled to her chest, arms wrapped around her legs.
“Come here, il mio tesoro , it’s time,” I tell her as she looks up at me, her bright blue eyes looking at me like they’re seeing through my soul.
I hold out my hand, and she places her soft hand in mine. I pull her up, and we walk hand in hand over to the bed.