Page 49 of Broken Innocence

“The FBI raided the place. Fabian is alive and in custody,” I say. “You’re lucky to be alive and out of surgery. The feds are focused on Fabian’s operation, soThe Familyis safe for now. I contacted your underboss, Vinny, about shoring up security.”

“Good, good.” Enzo’s eyes close for a moment before opening to pierce me with a proud stare. It’s unsettling to notice how similar our coloring is. I’ve avoided our similarities for so long, wanting nothing of his, yet here’s the proof that I’m his son.

“I always knew you’d make an excellent successor. Your no-good brother recognized it, too. I should have dealt with Fabian’s reckless ways years ago, but I let misplaced fatherly love blind me to the level of hatred he harbored for the both of us.”

“It doesn’t matter now.” I pat his shoulder, the frail bones beneath his hospital gown causing a wave of protectiveness to crash forward.What the hell?I may not want Enzo dead anymore, but it’s difficult experiencing a complete one-eighty in my heart and mind.

This fucking night.

It’s turned my entire world upside down.

“Excuse me.” A nurse briskly enters the room to check his vitals. Her light blue scrubs swish matter-of-factly with every efficient step as Eden and I give her room to work. “Your father needs to rest now. You can visit again later.”

Murmuring our goodbyes, we return to the hall and walk to the waiting room. My brothers and Allie sit in the uncomfortable plastic chairs, sharing matching curious expressions once they spot us. They’re here to support me however I need, even if that means Enzo won’t face the wrath of the Blackchapel Bastards.

I haven’t mentioned it outright yet, but the fact that I’m in the hospital checking on Enzo’s health is sign enough that the plans have changed.

“How is he? How are you doing?” Allie asks, the fondness in her eyes magnified by her glasses. She and Mathias stood to greet us the moment we entered the room.

Glancing around at my support system, a small smile of gratitude tugs at my mouth. “Enzo is tired but okay, and I’m good. I’ve got my family and the love of my life.”

“And the entirety of the Boston mafia on your shoulders, I’m guessing,” Mathias interjects as he gives me a hug. The rest of the guys follow.

“We might need to promote someone else to COO of Blackchapel Incorporated with my new responsibilities,” I joke. Months ago, when Eden asked, I told her we’d disband my father’s legacy, yet now I’m choosing to run the organization in his place until he recovers. Already barking orders to his underboss.

And after that? Who knows?

Maybe Iwillbecome the next D’Amora don.

I already have a queen fit to rule.

***