NICO
After Serenity thanked me for the flowers in a text message, I asked her why she was sad upon leaving the private suite.
Unfinished business was her words.
I assigned one of my men to hack the security cameras inside the school building where her graduation was held.
What he uncovered was disturbing. After Miff handed the floral arrangement to the attendant, he walked away. Then another man stepped forward, slipping a card into the bouquet. The attendant, unaware, carried the flowers into the suite.
Whatever was written on that card cut Serenity deep.
I sent a text to Fitz the following day. He’s now my spy from within her camp.
He and I had a little chat. I told Fitz I’m going after the people who hurt Serenity. That’s the only reason he’s working with me.
Me: Hey, I need you to search Serenity’s purse for a small card. I need to know what was written on it.
Fitz: Yeah, I’ll get back to you.
Twenty minutes later, he responds.
I click on the picture of the card he sent.
It says:
Congratulations, Serenity,
I couldn’t find you until you showed up in New York.
Don’t worry, I’m not planning to strike now. Just want you to know I can get to you. You took everything from me. You will pay.
EV
Anger surges through me like wildfire. Those Russian bodyguards watching over Chris, are they loyal to Aleksandr or some other Bratva faction? Chris doesn’t even know who Serenity is, but he’s aware I’m tied to the mafia.
Aleksandr and Ettore are aware the Cichellos are protected by the New Jersey five families.
Shit, have I put a target on my woman’s back? If I hadn’t stepped between Serenity and Chris, he never would have dug into my identity. Fuck that. Protecting Serenity is non-negotiable. Doesn’t matter how Ettore found her. I won’t let him touch her. I’ll move heaven and earth to keep her safe.
I run a hand over my chin. His threat explains why she’s staying in a safe house.
Fitz: This must be the real reason we’re at the safe house.
He says what I’m thinking. Can’t believe she didn’t tell her team what’s going on.
“Serenity, what are you up to?” I mutter.
Me: It is. I will work to bring down each part of his business until there’s nothing left. Keep your head on a swivel.
Fitz: I’ll ensure the entire team is on high alert.
I was happy to see Serenity at my graduation. Her unease was evident. I hated seeing Serenity move like a wounded bird. If I could’ve persuaded her to stay at my house, I would feel better about leaving the country.
I plan to meet with my grandfather, then I’ll return home for war.
I straighten my tie as I stare at my reflection in the mirror.
“I haven’t been able to get a hold of Sergio. I’ll talk to Vino Romano. He’ll supply extra men to protect Serenity while I’m away.
“Miff, since you have firsthand knowledge of the situation, you’ll be in charge of Vino’s bodyguards.”
“Understood, boss.”
My burner phone rings in my pocket. I pull it out and hit the green button. “Hey Nick.”
“There was a family meeting with the old dons and the new bosses.”
I listen intently.
“Dillon and Tony are back from the dead.”
My eyes widen. “What?”
I mouth to Miff, “That will be all.”
Miff exits the room.
“Yeah,” Nick gives me the cliff notes version of their return. And that the Bertozzis are being dismantled.
“Dillon is the new don of the Magarellis and the head of the five families. I mean four families.”
I plop on the bed and run a hand through my hair.
If Dillon hadn’t supposedly died, he would’ve been the head Don. Now he’s returned from the dead and taken his rightful place.
“When you return, I want you to meet with Dillon.”
I sit there for a moment in a state of shock. Tony and Dillon faked their deaths and had been living secret lives for fourteen years.
“I’ll be ready,” I tell my brother.
“See you when you return,” Nick says. “Love you.”
“Love you too, big brother.”
I disconnect the call.
Shit, now there will be two wars going on. Mine in my grandfather’s name and the four families against the Bertozzis.
I call Serenity from the burner.
She answers on the second ring. “Hello?”
“It’s Nico. Call me back on this phone from a secure line.”
Serenity calls right back. “What’s wrong?”
I tell her what happened.
“Due to our war with the Bertozzis, you could be in danger. I’m sending additional soldiers to secure the perimeter around your New Jersey home.”
“All right, Nico. Thanks.” She pauses briefly. “So Sergio’s no longer in charge?”
I catch the subtle fear in her voice. Rubbing the bridge of my nose, I close my eyes tightly. This is exactly why I hate that she shut me out. Still, I’m glad Sergio filled me in.
“No, he isn’t.”
Serenity’s fear isn’t about my enemies—it’s about hers.
“I won’t let any of my enemies harm you.”
“Nico, I understand the life we were born into. Have a safe trip.”
“Goodbye, Serenity.”
I end the call.
No matter what, I will keep Serenity safe.