Page 131 of Dirty Mafia Sinner

“You don’t get it, do you? This has been years in the making. It’stime.”

“What if the Eleven don’t vote him in?”

“You ever hear of the French artist, Vincent Van Gogh?”

Renzo sighs. “Here we go with the anecdotes.”

“Never guess what he mailed to his brother.”

“The key to his ankle monitor?”

Renzo’s like being trapped inside a champagne glass, surrounded by his effervescent personality and drunk right along with him on life. Alessandro thrives on control and his twin on being out-of-control. I feel sorry for Renzo and for how the Beneventis aim to put a cork in his life. It could ruin a spirit to contain such passion.

His voice interrupts the thought. “I give in. What did he send him?”

“His ear.”

My smile drops.

“I swear to God, Sandro, if I get home to find a fucking ear—”

“I mailed each famiglia a piece of that stranzo along with a personalized note.”

I place my hand on the wall to steady myself. What?

“Now that’s fucked up.” Renzo’s reaction is so calm. Maybe he’s not quite as fragile as I believe. Because my stomach rolls at the savagery. I’m part of his world now, but that doesn’t mean I’m heartless. Like Renzo, I’ll adapt with time. I hope.

“You used a chain saw on Conti?”

“No,” Alessandro sarcastically replies. “I used a butter knife, asshole.”

“Chain saws will now be the Beneventi trademark. We’ll be feared for this.”

“Not if they vote Father in.”

There’s a long pause.

“You clever bastard.” The reverence in his twin’s reaction’s undeniable. “What did the note say?”

“Prima la famiglia.”

“Family first.”

I’ve always seen Alessandro as a lone wolf type. Independent. Proud. A powerful, driven man others flock to. Hearing the strength in his tone, the love and commitment he’s made to his family paints a broader picture. Yes, he’s driven to impress his father and secure his legacy. Yet there’s a bigger, much more complicated world out there, a mafioso world in which the Beneventis rule.

“I’m attending the funeral tomorrow.”

“You’re going nowhere, capisci? Enjoy the amenities, detox, and get your shit together.”

“And cast aside all the fun?”

“You want to ruin us?” Alessandro grinds out.

“You really willing to ruin your life by going through with this?”

I still, listening intently. Surprised by Renzo’s comment.

The deafening silence descends on the other side of the door.