28. Allesandro
G roaning, I sit down next to Cristian. “That was…quite the revelation. I do not like the sound of this, my friend. This appears to be more than the LEOs. If someone can command the feds…”
Cristian grunts in acknowledgment. “This situation is fucked up. Even throwing Hollis at it, and your Ghost, I worry we aren’t going to find who is behind it soon enough.”
Sighing, I can’t dismiss the worry, especially when it’s the same thought that keeps me up. “The most we can do is continue as we have been. Investigate and, unfortunately, react to whatever we can’t find early enough to stop.”
“This does not fill me with confidence, Amico Mio.” Cristian turns more toward me, pouring us another glass of amber liquid. I take it gratefully, needing something to take the edge off. “You have something else to tell me, don’t you?”
I shake my head in amusement, giving him a half smile. “We never can get anything over each other, can we?”
“It’s why we make such strong allies. E amici ancora più forti.” Cristian shrugs one shoulder as he stares at me.
“You are correct. I’ve spoken with Dr. Ranlen. While she is very…unhappy with me, she agrees we can move our Family back home. It’ll be difficult on Emilio, and she’d like to borrow a ride in an ambulance, but I think he’ll feel more comfortable at home.”
I stare down at my glass as I silently add and then I don’t have to think about Benjamin’s words .
The thought of my Caro with another Dom? One I don’t even know if I can trust? My stomach churns at the idea, even if I am slightly curious about what would happen if Hollis and I were both working Emilio over.
Cristian is silent, and I wait it out. There’s so much going on that moving could be difficult, but it’s the only way he and I can reassert our commands—even if he doesn’t want to acknowledge it.
Finally, he breaks the silence. “I’m not sure if this is a good idea or not,” he says slowly. “Our families…”
“I know. They’ve merged. Or at least I assume they have. Do you really want that?” I press, dropping my gaze to my hands. The scarring and lack of finger reinforces the exhaustion of being a Boss.
“No,” he responds quietly. “But I am not sure we have a choice. Even Carter…”
I scowl, knowing he prioritizes his husband and son’s happiness. And I partially control that with Cole and Ignacio. Fuck knows, he probably has the same thoughts toward Tennant, Hollis, and Jude’s well-being. But fuck. Merging? We’re allies. Nothing more, nothing less.
“Do you want to lose the Amato name? Because if we merge, I refuse to give up the Martelli name.”
Muttering curses under his breath, he shakes his head. “Fine. You’ve convinced me. I still do not see this going well, but you’re right. We need to at least try.”
“If nothing else, I need to get my Boys back under control. And if things need to be addressed afterward, well, then we will. But my Boys need reminders.”
Cristian grimaces, likely knowing what my choice of punishments will be, but says nothing. “I’ll talk with Doc and have the ambulance at your disposal. When are you thinking of leaving?”
“Tomorrow, first thing. We should have another family dinner tonight. I don’t want to break the alliance, and if I force them to leave immediately, it could create fissures.”
“I agree. Well, Padrone, it appears we both have plenty to do before dinner.” I swallow the last of the alcohol before setting it aside. “This will be interesting.”
I tilt my head in confirmation of that. I know exactly what he’s saying. Neither of us are giving this plan high chances of success, but if anything, it’ll give me time to remind my Boys that even if they have Amatos, they are still Martellis. And their loyalty is to me.
Loyalty. Courage. Victory. That is the way it has always been done, and fuck knows I won’t be the one to break it.