Capo Dei Capi (Secrets of the Famiglia Part 1) novel Chapter 49

"Yes. Ren and I have been the ones doing your dirty work for years. While you played soldier, I have protected her father's spawn. Cleaned up her mess after the 5 of them decided to get fucking trigger happy. And the little temper tantrum she had a year back with that Spanish boy? Remember that fucking mess? All at your fuckin' bidding. So yes, I know her well, and she might look weak, but she is as made as the men we pay for their loyalty."

"I never asked you to encourage her behavior or get involved in their affairs, nor did I ask Ren to become her partner in crime. You taught her how to aim for the head, and the others encouraged the rest. So, don't blame me for that. I asked you to watch her and keep her safe. I told Ren to find out what her father was hiding that he put his daughter in danger on purpose. I said nothing about becoming BFFs with her. That was all you, and I'm not complaining. I needed five minutes in her presence, and I could understand why."

"If she ever finds out, Ren started hanging out with her because he had to, it will kill her. I happen to like the little she-devil."

I turn to face Deno, and I usually would twist his balls, getting wussy on me, but I don't.

"She won't, the only people who know anything is in this room."

"You told me Aliyana will be a last option. Now you are making out with her on the rooftop, dancing to sappy songs, having fucking dinner? Want to tell me what's really going on in that head of yours?"

Yes, she was the last option. Three girls were important in our world. Two of them were Camilla and Aliyana, both of who had a lot more than their virgin bodies to offer a man. Both protected by their family. The third one was protected by me.

I study my brother. He is watching me - waiting. I show him what I would never let many see as I say the words, I would never be able to take back. Something, not even Aliyana knows yet, and I only figured out a few days ago.

"She quietens the noise."

"Fuck. You should have said that in the first place. Now I feel like a puss. I'll come with you to talk to our hard-headed father." Yes, Fuck. We both remain still, staring at our city, drinking brandy, as the ring on our index fingers sits heavy on our hands.

My confession so short, but holds so much current, can never be taken back. My brother and I have always stood side by side. The bastard sons of Capo Marcello Catelli.

Even Villains fall in love.

"I will never be like you, Marco." His words are true and hang between us. It is the difference between Deno and I.

My choices are based on emotion, it is my strength. One day it will also be the reason for my early grave.

Maybe even Aliyana's too.

"Let's eat, I'll make some wraps, you can cut the veg," Deno declares. I put my arm around his shoulder and squeeze his arm before we head to the kitchen.

For a split second, I imagine my siblings and Mischa in this kitchen prepping lunch. One day.