Leo’s eyes slide back to me and he snorts. “I heard you ran into some trouble downtown. Just can’t get the staff these days, can you? In this economy, nearly everyone’s working two jobs.”
Anger surges through me like rising steam. I want to rip that smirk off his face and pulverize him for what he put Maeve and Scott through. I want to tell him I know those fake Wolf tattoos were to cover up the shitty Serpents underneath and that his plan to infiltrate us isn’t as smooth as he thinks.
It nearly surges up through me until Maeve turns into me and places her calming hand against my chest. “Sorry to interrupt, darling,” she says sweetly, “but I really need to talk to your mom.”
The anger, still simmering beneath my skin, depletes faintly and I force a smile. “If you’ll excuse me, Leo. I must escort this beautiful woman.”
“Of course.” Leo mock bows and his eyes narrow as we walk past. “Better keep an eye on her,” he hisses just as I depart.
It takes every ounce of my restraint not to lash out at him, choosing instead to keep Maeve close to me. As we reach the bar, I send a text to Chip asking him to bring Scott over.
“Maeve!” My mother, Marcella, clutches at Maeve and brings her closer. “I’ve been looking for you. Come, there’s someone I want you to meet who would be more than happy to cater your wedding, but they’re only available next month, and I think a November wedding would be beautiful!”
Before Maeve can reply and before I can react, Marcella has whisked Maeve away to a group of people further down the bar, leaving me with my father.
“Best leave her to it.” Elio chuckles. “You’ll learn soon enough.”
I rest on the bar next to him with one eye on Maeve and grunt.
“What’s wrong?” Elio’s eyes narrow. “What’s happened?”
“Fucking Pesci is here.”
“A threat?”
“No, just an arrogant prick. But he’s made it clear he’s got his eyes on Maeve.”
“And her son?”
I jerk my head to the side where Chip is heading toward us with Scott in tow. “Safe.”
“Pesci is young. Stupid. He chooses extravagance over real effort,” Elio says as he slides a glass of bourbon toward me. “He’ll be gone soon enough.”
“You said the same thing five years ago and here we are.”
“But look at what has changed.” Elio casts an arm wide. “I’m proud of you, Levi.”
Wait, what?
My heart stutters in my chest as I face him, and Elio’s smile seems genuine.
“I don’t say it enough, I know. But a few weeks ago, we were facing the end of the Gallo empire with Antony sweeping to the top spot and now, in one glance, I see several families we’re allied with, including the Baudinos. A feat I never dreamed of. You have a beautiful woman on your arm and your future is secured. Our future is secured. Because of you.”
“Not yet,” I say, still in quiet shock. “Maeve isn’t pregnant.”
“Ah.” Elio raises one brow and turns to watch Scott rush into Maeve’s arms. “Her son is rather striking, isn’t he?”
When he turns back to me, there’s a strange look in his eyes as if he suddenly knows everything after one glance. My chest tightens, and I’m about to ask him when he continues to speak.
“All I’m saying is that Pesci is not the threat he thinks he is. He’s a dog. He’s young and stupid. But you? You’re about to embark on the best part of life with a woman on your arm. You have friends. You’ve built the Gallos back to glory. You know, for years people used to say that crossing a Gallo was tying your ownnoose, and that threat slipped after… Well, we all know why. But this?”
My father claps me on my shoulder and for the first time in my life, I’m struck with the feeling that he really sees me and it’s a little overwhelming. “Dad…”
“Enjoy it, Son. We’re in the victory lap now.”
The victory lap. My attention drifts to Maeve as she tips her head back and laughs. Maybe this is a victory. My family is safe, my father is proud, and business is strong. And Antony will soon be nothing but a forgotten speck.
So why do I still feel oddly unfulfilled?
