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Vespa snorted. “Don’t get too excited. It’s not you she wants; it’s your reputation. I went with Beatrice to a meeting, and Barone is sharp. She does need help, though.” Vespa frowned as her fork tapped against her plate absently. “Muscle maybe.”
“More a decent cleanup of the trash,” Antonio said, his eyes finding his uncle. “Let’s send Enzo. If we can shore her up and earn her gratitude, it’ll smooth things out for now.”
“You didn’t just offer me up.” Enzo lifted an eyebrow. “I’ve got plenty to do with you taking off for the Coronellas.”
“About that.” Vespa swiped at her mouth, pushing her plate away and reaching for her whiskey. She tossed it back before flicking her eyes toward Antonio. “I actually came here for a favor.”
Antonio’s smile fell as he waited, knowing what was to come. She was such an open book, and she’d been fighting his decision even harder recently.
Giovanni leaned forward. “Ask.”
“I want your help to convince him to remain a Di Salvo,” she admitted.
Antonio’s jaw tightened. Nothing he’d said to her yet had convinced her his choice was for the best.
Nera glanced at Antonio before turning back to Vespa and shaking her head. “We can’t do that. It’s Antonio’s decision.”
“One that was difficult for him to make.” Giovanni met Antonio’s eyes, his own soft and warm. “I’m not certain you realize just how difficult, Vespa.”
“Oh, I do. And I get what you’re saying. Him not putting Giovanni first; it looks like a huge step.” She reached for her water glass, chugging some before wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. “Only none of you asked me. I don’t want him to be a Coronella.”
Enzo tilted his head, studying her. “Do you want to be a Di Salvo instead, doll?”
Her eyes widened as her skin flushed. “What? No!”
“Because you already are,” Nera murmured, her smile returning. “You’ll always be welcome here, Vespa, with or without Antonio.”
Vespa’s skin turned a deeper red as she closed her eyes with a groan. “You’re all missing the point. This isn’t about me.”
“Isn’t it, though?” Antonio asked, leaning toward her and running a finger down her nose. “I have no doubts, and I won’t change my mind. You are more than worth it. You’re worth everything.”
Her eyes opened, but instead of looking flustered like he’d expected, she was glaring at him. “I know I’m fucking worth it. That’s not the damn point either.” Her hand slapped down on the table, making the utensils on her plate bounce. “This is just more of the same for you, Antonio.”
His next breath felt like razor blades as his nerves skittered. “I assure you, it’s not. I love you, Vespa.”
“Don’t do that!” she hissed, embarrassed like usual to hear the words. “But yes, I know you love me. And I want you to know that loving me doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice yourself. I don’t need you putting yourself last, Antonio!”
He stared at her, his heartbeat loud in his ears.
“That’s why I want their help. You’ve been putting yourself last for so long, you don’t even see that you’re doing it anymore.” She pushed up from the table, leaning across it to stare Giovanni down. “Tell me I’m wrong. You’re the one he’s loved the longest. If you say I’m wrong, I’ll back off.”
Giovanni studied her. Antonio’s heart pounded harder when his brother looked at him, his brow creased.
“This is fine, Gio,” Antonio said, but his voice sounded strained to his own ears. Ever since he’d made the decision, the thought of leaving had grown more and more difficult. That only proved it was necessary. “You’ll be okay now,” he heard himself saying, his hand closing into a fist. “Nera and Enzo and Tommaso are here to support you. You don’t need me.”
“I’ll always need you, Antonio. You’re my brother.” Giovanni’s eyes pierced him. “Will this decision make you happy?”
Antonio was surprised he had to force his nod. He’d analyzed every path forward, and this was the best one for everyone.
“Liar,” Vespa mumbled.
His eyes switched to her, and he didn’t see any happiness within her gaze. Just concern. For him.
Antonio forced a laugh. “Vespa—”
“Your grape smell is fucking potent lately, Antonio.” Enzo pushed his food away. “You’ve spent your life fooling everyone around you, but I always know the truth based on how much you suck down that damn poison.” He sighed. “The doll is right. This isn’t the right path for you.”
“Then what do you suggest? There will be a point in the future where the families disagree. I love Vespa, and I’m choosing her. Isn’t that what I’m supposed to do?”
