Page 126 of Thin Lines (Donati Bloodlines 2)

Calisto didn’t want it.

He hated the very idea of it.

It was going to effectively put him in a place wherethe men of la famiglia could move him into a permanent position as theirboss if they chose to do so. He wouldn’t be able to refuse.

Affonso would have everything he wanted.

It made Calisto sick.

“Have you decided what you’re going to do about theIrish?” Ray asked.

Calisto stared beyond the man to the decorative brassclock on the wall. “I’m working on it.”

“I’m willing to help, boss.”

Jesus.

There it was.

Boss.

“I’ll handle it alone,” Calisto settled on saying,ignoring the nagging feeling in his chest.

“If you’re sure?”

“Positive.”

Ray dropped it.

Calisto supposed that was the only good thing aboutbeing the boss. What he said went, no matter what.

Too bad it wouldn’t apply to Emma.

He still couldn’t have her.

It was a volcano of irritation overflowing from alldirections around Calisto. He listened as Capos bickered amongst one another,demanding and spoiled. He waited out their many issues, listening with fakeattention and interest.

He didn’t want to be here.

He didn’t want to do this.

Sighing, he stared at the wall of his club and let histhoughts drift away from the tribute meeting with the Donati Capos. Usually,the meeting would be held at the hotel Affonso preferred, but Calsito didn’twant to drive all the way across town for that.

It was too far from Emma.

“What do you think, boss?”

Calisto’s head jerked up at the question. He almostdespised himself at how automatic his reaction was. Like he’d been waiting foryears to be called that title, and answering it was second nature.

In a way, he knew Affonso had groomed him for this.

It still shouldn’t have happened.

“Think about what?” Calisto asked.

He wasn’t even sure who had asked the question.

A dozen or more pairs of eyes watched him curiously.Calisto felt unnerved by all the attention. He hadn’t even bothered toacknowledge the elephant in the room—Affonso’s missing presence.