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“No, he won’t. He thinks you do it for Bella. A doting grandfather who understands the importance of his grandchild’s mother.”
I snort. “You keep underestimating that boy—”
“Mr. Esposito, this is Brian from the Mercedes Finance office. I understand you will be providing the funding for Mrs. Di Lorenzo’s vehicle.”
I grit my teeth. It’s a wonder Dante hasn’t snapped and strangled her by now. It’s not like the boy doesn’t have it in him.
I make arrangements to purchase the car while fuming. My father has been glaring at me the entire time. I snare at him as I hang up.
“That is a problem,” I seethe.
“Which you’ve handled nicely.”
“Are you not seeing that family’s greed and how they’re taking a mile for every inch you give?” I run a hand through my hair. “How did I even get involved in all of this?”
“Because you couldn’t do what I asked like a man. That’s how. You could have kept your goomar on the side and saved me all this bullshit.”
“You need me more than I need you, Dad. Don’t burn your last bridge.”
“Are you threatening me? One word to Giuseppe and this all goes away like that.” He snaps his fingers.
“I’m the only reason you still have any access to the Di Lorenzo name and family. You have no more chips on the table. That’s why you’re here.
“Dario is shutting you out and it’s all falling apart. That little crew of yours is shit and you know it. Get outta here and stay away from what’s mine. We’re not sinking with this ship. I’m done.”
He snorts. “You’re done when I say you’re done. I still have a full stack of chips and I’m running this table. You should follow your own advice and not underestimate me.”
With that, he storms out. I crack my knuckles as I question my loyalty. I once was loyal to a fault, but I had to be. I created this and I was trusted to make it right. Now, I’ve betrayed everyone and it’s coming back for me.
What takes Riccardo Esposito’s head will take mine too. However, it’s my boys I’m most worried about. My father has no regard for his grandsons. They are just pawns in his play for power.
Chapter 16
How’d this Happen
Carleen
Things have been going so well with me and Dario, until now. I can’t believe my luck. My stomach roils as I prep this seafood line for service. My head hurts and I haven’t been able to keep my thoughts together all day.
“You okay?” Dario asks as he comes over and places a hand on my hip as he kisses the side of my head.
Coos and cheers fill the kitchen. They’ve been doing that since Dario started openly showing me affection. Our staff seems to be happier about our relationship than we are.
“Yes, I’m fine,” I reply even as my mouth waters and my stomach turns.
Dario talks about our future all the time, but something has been holding him back, causing a distance I can feel. I haven’t pressed him about it, but it’s nagging at me now. I don’t know if this new news will bring us together or pull us apart. Which is why I’m struggling with whether I should keep it to myself, at least for now.
He’s leaving in six weeks, no matter what. I only confirmed my suspicions this morning. Maybe it’s not the best idea to place this on his shoulders before he goes. He seems to be getting more stressed the closer the trip gets.
“You sure?” He cups the side of my face and rubs his thumb back and forth over my lower lip.
“Yeah, it’s been a long day.”
“I told you I would handle going to your place. You should have let me take care of it.”
“You had things of your own to handle. Nonno wanted to go shopping with you for Bella’s Christmas and it’s your week for inventory.”
“And? I could have fit in a ride to your place.”
With a frown, he tugs me in with a hand on the back of my head and places his cheek against my forehead before pulling away and pressing his lips to the same spot. It’s such a sweet gesture, tears almost come to my eyes. I have to fight them back with a cleansing breath.
“You’re a little warm,” he murmurs. “Anthony, come cover for Carleen. Get this prep done. Apollo, can you work her station for the night?”
“I got you, boss.”
“Dario,” I drag out. “I’m fine. Apollo, stay where you are. I’ve got it.”
“Apollo, if you don’t take over her station, you’re fired.”
I gasp. “No, you’re not.”
When I look in Apollo’s direction, he’s headed my way behind Anthony, who takes over my prep wordlessly. I groan and wipe my hands on a towel.
This man, I don’t know why I bother. I look up into his eyes and for the millionth time today I get ready to tell him the truth. I’m pregnant by my best friend. It wasn’t a part of my wish, but it has happened.
