Chapter 27
Two days ago, Barry had texted and asked for an update.
At the time, I hadn’t had anything worth mentioning, so I’d just thrown the phone into my bag.
Now, as I sat down at my desk, Barry was texting nonstop and pissed I hadn’t given him anything in a few months.
He was begging for any scrap of information.
When my phone lit up, I could almost see him on his knees, begging for confirmation of one of Azzaro’s movements.
Barry: Tomorrow night. The shipment of weapons is to arrive at seven.
Barry: I know you said you were having a change of heart. I just need confirmation.
Don Azzaro was pissed about the lost shipments, which I actually had nothing to do with, and while I knew there was one coming in tomorrow, my stomach clenched, a cold knot of dread tightening with each passing second.
My thumbs hovered over the keyboard. Guilt, a physical weight, pressed down on my chest, all a tangible manifestation of the choices I’d made.
This phone felt like I was holding a grenade, the hum of its potential to inflict damage vibrating in my hand.
My gaze drifted toward Gavriel’s office. A hard-line realization hit me, one that had been slowly creeping in over the last few months of me denying Barry any information. I couldn’t betray Gavriel anymore. He was my pretty boy, and I had to protect him. That was part of my job.
Elin: I’m out. Don’t contact me again.
Barry: Ahhh, come on, sweetheart.
Elin: No.
Elin: I’m done.
This was for Gavriel. His father had told him that under no circumstances would he give him another chance.
If he messed this up, then it was his life.
Up until a few months ago, I had fed enough to Barry that the hierarchy of the Azzaro family was finally shredding. His father was paranoid, skittish even.
So, why did it hurt so fucking much? When had Gavriel’s presence shifted from a nuisance to someone I needed? How had that happened when I had been actively working to destroy his family business?
I looked down at the rug that had replaced the one saturated with my father’s blood. My breath hitched in my throat as a choked sob escaped my lips. “I’m sorry, Daddy.”
I couldn't keep playing this game. I couldn't continue to participate in the slow, methodical destruction of Gavriel's life, whatever the consequences. I had to find another way, even if it was shrouded in uncertainty.
It was time to choose something else. Some way to keep my pretty boy safe and at my feet while destroying the Azzaro business.