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“Thankfully, Gage drove separately and was a couple of cars behind me, so they didn’t know I had backup. Gage rear-ended Vincent and almost pushed him over the bridge wall. Vincent called off his men, but he was heading this way.”
“How did you get the bruises?” I ask, bluntly.
“That’s not Rossi related.”
Rhett sighs. “When did Gage become part of the team?”
Joseph clenches his jaw for a few moments. “The other night. I knew we needed more manpower with everything that’s been going on, so I made the executive decision.”
Francesca scoffs. “Without consulting with Dad or me?”
“Dad is letting me make decisions. He knew Gage was coming on board. It was his idea in the first place, but he was leaving the when up to me.”
Francesca stands and pulls away from Rhett’s outstretched hand. “I’ve tried to be included in the family’s affairs. Begged, even. But it’s clear that I don’t belong here. Congratulations. From now on, I’m done. I’m joining Uncle Tony and AJ. At least they respect me enough to consider my thoughts, concerns, and opinions.”
Francesca gives me an apologetic glance before grabbing her food and leaving. Rhett stands and follows her, but Joseph stops him.
“Before you decide to jump ship and join my sister, uncle, and cousin, I’d think back to the oath you took. I’d hate to make you an enemy, but I won’t let my family’s reputation take a hit.”
“First off, fuck you. Francesca is almost my wife. I’ll choose her over everything else, and your father knows this. Second, calm down. Once the adrenaline from today wears off, come find me. You’re my best friend and I’ll always have your back, but you’re way out of line right now.”
Without another word, he leaves my apartment, leaving me and Joseph alone.
I should tell him now. I should just rip the bandage off.
“Thanks for the food.” Joseph places the chick on the coffee table and stands.
“You don’t have to go. Especially after everything you’ve just been through. I can listen if you need to bitch and get things off your chest.”
His eyes darken with lust, making my pussy clench with need. His gaze roams over my body, lingering on my stomach for a few seconds before moving back up to my face.
Letting out a long sigh, he says, “I wish I could, but I need to get my car towed and meet with Dad about this. Rossi isn’t backing down. I’m just surprised he’s taking his time in between attacks.”
“He wants us to be scared and looking over our shoulders.”
He wants to control when and where he attacks us. He wants to control when and where we die.
“Yeah, be careful, and lock your damn door.”
I don’t know what propels me to open my mouth, but I whisper, “I will, but only because I don’t want you to be worried about me.”
He heads to the front door and turns around. “You look good, Alexandra.”
I’m left speechless as he closes the door behind him.
I should run after him and tell him about the baby. I should confess to everything and beg for another chance with him.
But I can’t.
If I learned only one thing from tonight, it’s that Giuseppe Rossi is coming for blood, and I’m already on his radar.
Chapter Fourteen
JOSEPH
Just as I’mwalking out the door to head to the arena for my morning workout, my phone rings. It’s the private detective.
I answer his call as I get into the rental car. “Hello?”