Page 25 of Bitter Poetry

Carmela. I wish I could forget her, but that is easier said than done when navigating downtown traffic, my destination, her home and a meeting Ettore has called with me there.

It’s his home now, too. It’s an early wedding gift from Cedro, so I’ve learned. He’s already ordered parts of the garden to be ripped out and replaced with a new garage for his cars.

The thought of her being under the same roof as him at night is driving me insane. I keep hoping some random will take the asshole out. At least her sister is still with her for now. That will change after the wedding, being arranged with unsavory haste.

As I pull into the broad, circular driveway, I can already see changes. Different men are at the gate, and a digger is working on the foundations for the new garage.

Is this him rubbing my face in what I’ve lost? Or merely a future don settling into his new home and calling me to meet him there like his predecessor did many times?

I wish I could believe the latter, but the changes leave a bad taste in my mouth, one I’m having great difficulty washing out.Her father is planning to give a speech at their wedding in which he will welcome Ettore as his son and officially announce his replacement as the don. Everyone important already knows, but changes of this magnitude require a little pomp and ceremony.

It’s her birthday today. The date I finally allow myself to see her for what she is: a woman. Only she’s not my woman, is she? Nor will she ever be. I’ve been fucked over by Cedro, and Carmela is paying the price.

My father would turn in his grave to see how his plans for an empire are crumbling.

I slow to a stop and put the car in park, taking a moment. I’ve tried telling myself she’s nothing to me, just a woman I was supposed to marry. I should move on.

Only, she’s eighteen now. Ettore will get to put his hands on her one month from now.

Maybe sooner. I’m not sure I could keep my hands to myself were the circumstances reversed.

My fingers tighten over the steering wheel. I imagine it’s Ettore’s neck. Then I force it from my mind and channel my inner cold bastard before exiting the car.

Brigida greets me with a smile. She seems surprised to see me. Maybe confused…

Am I missing something? Why is there an itch between my shoulder blades?

“Ettore asked me over for a meeting.”

“Of course. Good to see you, Mr. Barone. I’ll show you to his study. Would you like a drink?”

His study…

“No drink, thank you.”

The study is just off the hall and looks exactly the same. It’s also missing a vital occupant. Where is Ettore?

Brigida shuts the door on me. Has he set up hidden cameras and this is a test to see if I touch his things?

That brings a fleeting smile to my lips.

I send a message to Christian.

Dante: Has Ettore put hidden cameras in his study?

The dots come almost immediately.

Chris: Study? You mean his office at the strip club? No, he’s fucking paranoid.

Dante: I mean his study in his new home… the one that used to be Cedro’s.

Chris: Nope. Still a paranoid asshole.

That makes me smile again.

I go to slip my cell in my pocket, but the dots are still coming.

Chris: He has me on Carmela watching duties, just in case she accidentally speaks to someone or has fun. I’ve been very popular with the girls at the club since I had the piercing, so I’m sure he’s only doing this to fuck with me.