AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Edo grins. “I may be on the quiet side, but I’ve got a few inches and a lot of muscle on him. Damian’s never really liked that I’m bigger and stronger.” He shakes his head fondly. “When the Boss… died, it was a no-brainer for him to appoint me as his consigliere. I’ve been by his side ever since.”
I’m amazed at the depth of their friendship. I never would've guessed. “I had no idea you two were so close.”
He nods, leaning back so that his shirt strains against his broad chest. “Damian and his family, they gave me a chance when I needed it most. I’ll always be grateful for that.” His expression grows serious. “And that’s why I’m always going to have his back, no matter what.”
“Damian’s a piece of work,” I tell Edo, wanting to be honest since he gave me honesty.
Edo shrugs. “He may be,” he says, “but he also uses his position to do a lot of good for the community.”
“What do you mean?” I ask, intrigued.
“He donates regularly to the local church, the one where his parents married and all three Iacopelli children were baptized. He’s also the reason the low-income public elementary schools in the area have free meals for students.”
My eyes widen. “Free meals? How so?”
“He pays off every outstanding balance so those kids can eat,” he explains. “He doesn’t want a single child to go hungry. He does it in memory of Alessandra.”
A swell of admiration rises up in me. For all Damian’s flaws, deep down, he’s a good person. “That's… actually really impressive. I had no idea he did all that.”
Edo nods. “Damian even volunteers at the local UAW hall, making homemade spaghetti and meatballs or lasagna once a month for the workers.”
Stunned, I sit back, processing this new information. Damian, the feared Mafia Don, is also a pillar of the community, using his resources to help those in need. It makes me wonder how he will be as a father.
My hand unconsciously drifts to my abdomen, where our child grows. Despite my initial fears, I have decided to keep the baby. Damian’s impending return suddenly feels more urgent. I need to tell him the news, to see how he reacts.
“Thank you, Edo,” I say sincerely. “Knowing all this about Damian… it means a lot to me.”
He smiles warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I’m glad I could provide some perspective. Damian may be a complicated man, but he has a good heart.”
He winks at me slyly. “You know, Damian’s really been a different man since you came into his life, Alexis.”
I feel my cheeks grow warm at his implication. “Oh? How so?”
Edo chuckles, his eyes gleaming with mirth. “Well, let’s just say that Damian regularly getting laid makes him a lot more tolerable to be around.”
Oh, God. If I could melt into the floor right now, I would. “Edo!” I scold, my face flaming.
He holds up his hands in mock surrender. “What? It’s the truth! You’ve been a very good influence on him, Alexis.” His expression softens. “Like I said, he’s a good guy, deep down. And I think you’ve really brought out the best in him.”
I feel a surge of affection for both Edo and Damian. “Thank you, Edo. That… means a lot to hear.”
At that moment, I make a vow to myself. I will go to the doctor, get the proper prenatal care, and do everything in my power to ensure the health and well-being of our child. My baby’s needs have to come before my own fears. Even if Damian wants nothing to do with me or our child, I will face this challenge head on.
Suddenly, a blaring alarm cuts through the air, causing Edo to snap to attention. His entire demeanor shifts as he transitions into his role as Damian’s consigliere.
“Alexis, we’re under attack,” Edo says, his voice urgent. “I need you to go to your room, lock the door, and hide. Understand?”
I feel a surge of fear, my heart pounding. “What’s happening?” I ask, my voice trembling.
“No time to explain,” he says firmly. “A guard will take you to your room. Stay there until I come get you. Do you hear me?”
Before I can respond, a burly guard appears at my side. “Come with me, Miss,” he says, gently but firmly guiding me toward the door.
As I hurry down the hallway, Biscotti comes scurrying after us. Despite the chaos, I can’t help but feel a sense of relief at the dog’s presence. Somehow, her familiar, stubborn energy makes me feel a little safer.
The guard ushers me to my room, and Biscotti scurries in as well, immediately making herself comfortable on the bed.
“What’s going on?” I ask the grim-faced guard as he stands by the door.
