Page 52 of Doll's Eye
“You sound excited,” Armando says through his teeth and stomps towards me. Santino turns to stand in his way. “Like this is somehow all one big romantic gesture for you.”
This gesture is the epitome of romance.
“This wouldn’t have happened if you guys didn’t take away my fucking phone! I could’ve talked to him and prevented it!” I yell.
“You’re right,” Tullio says when Armando opens his mouth to argue.
“What do you mean I’m right?” I look at him with apprehension.
“Massimo is here…with Angelo.”
I narrow my eyes and stare at him in confusion. “Okay…?” As in joined forces? Because if that’s the case, then—
“As a contribution,” Santino fills in.
“He has Paolo!” Armando roars.
“He has Paolo?” I ask, still trying to get my brain to play catchup.
“He’s okay. He took him as collateral,” Tullio says with a sigh, no malice in his tone. Tullio can be stubborn, but he isn’t bullheaded, and he can see when someone is shedding light on something. He’s fair, just likeBabbowas.
“And we’re just going to let that go?!” Armando yells, Santino still holding him at a safe distance. I know my brother would never hurt me, but he may cross a line in a moment of passion. He and I definitely compete for the shortest fuse.
Tullio ignores him as he talks directly to me. “Angelo and Paolo for you in exchange.”
“Fine. Then let’s go make the exchange,” I say, trying to mask the excitement.
“You’re not leaving with that psycho!” Armando yells.
“I’m not being held here prisoner anymore!” I yell back.
“You don’t have to marry him, Alessia. WithBabbogone and Angelo calling the hit on him, the truce is automatically broken,” Tullio speaks gently.
If the truce is broken but Massimo still demands me back, does that mean he still wants to marry me, alliance aside? Well, I won’t know until I get to talk to him.
“Let’s make the exchange, Tullio.” He studies me as we both tune out Armando and his hysterics. He’s silently asking me if this is what I want, and I’m telling him it is. I want to be with Massimo. He unleashed a wrath on the city for me because he wants me back. Truce or no truce. And I want to be back with him. Truce or no truce.
Santino makes Armando hand over his piece before we go out there, and Tullio finally gives me my phone back. Walking down the long driveway with armed men surrounding us, Massimo comes into view, and every fiber of my being screams to close the distance between us.
I’m so fixated on him that I almost didn’t notice the gagged and beaten Angelo De Luca on one side and a bruised and gagged Paolo on his other. He has a firm grip on his father, but I don’t see him holding back Paolo.
His hazel eyes bore into mine as we get closer. The pull between us becoming too overwhelming to function. He inspects my body from head to toe as if making sure I’m unharmed. My eyes clash with Paolo’s as he starts screaming around the gag and struggling against his restraints, making Massimo place a firm hand on him.
I look up at Tullio, and he looks back at me. “He would never hurt me, Tullio.”
“I’m only doing this because I feel as if I don’t have any other choice. I can’t keep you locked up forever.” He pauses and glances at the other side of the gate, then focuses on me again. “I’ve already talked with Massimo, and the fact that he’s handinghis father over to us not only to exonerate himself but to get you back, shows he cares for you. This isn’t about proprietorship.” He glances over there again. “He’s doing it out of despair. He may have been enraged and on a warpath, but I know a man in agony over a woman when I see one.” He gives me a sad look. “I’m sorry for—”
I shake my head. “No. Don’t. You were doing what you thought you needed to do. We just lostBabbo,and we’re worried aboutMamma, and emotions were high. I’m sorry for being so rebellious.”
He snorts and gives my chin a playful pinch. We have an audience, so he won’t go over the top with his apology and affection. “No, you’re not.” I crack a smile, knowing he’s right. I’m only apologizing to get this thing moving along. “I love you,piccolina.”
“Stop sounding like this is goodbye,” I murmur.
“Life is uncertain.”
Weallknow that now more than ever.
The gates open, and I give each brother a subtle smile, reassuring them that I’m okay. Massimo tells his guys to lower their weapons, and without reservation, he shoves his father into the arms of my brothers.
