Page 102 of Hearts Held

“The fact you think you’re in control. It’s adorable. I’ve always been two steps ahead bellend.” I bend my head back to awkwardly and sinisterly look up at Michael as I simultaneously reach back, grabbing the barrel of the gun. “Do it,” I boldly state. “Do it. I have tunnels that reach all the way under this house. Mines are rigged to blow and it will kill every single one of us.”

“You’re fucking bluffing,” Michael states as I stare coldly at him.

“Marcus. Give the signal for small area, say grid B2. It is far enough,” I order as Marcus grunts angrily, then waves the signal within the window.

Mr. Sabini’s face turns red. “You dirty bastard. This is neutral ground!” I lift my head back to glare at him. His hands outstretched, his blood pressure visibly rising behind his facial features.

“Your son has a gun to the back of my head.” As I state that, an area in the far corner of the woods explodes, shaking the floor of the old home.

“Put the fucking gun away, Michael!” Mr. Sabini shouts.

Michael grunts, looking around at everyone in the room. “You’d kill all of us, including your own men!?”

I don’t have to say a word.

My men speak up in unison: “Death before dishonor.” Panic flashes over Michael’s face as the gun shakes in his hand. As he looks around at everyone, Mr. Sabini makes a hand gesture, causing one of his henchmen to tackle Michael.

The pistol fires and a bullet hole appears in the far wall.

Right next to Mr. Sabini’s head. He exhales. “All right. We stay in our territory and only share dealings regarding liquor and cocaine distribution. How does that sound?”

I glare at him. “We can start with liquor, then reconvene next month and see how relations are going. After that we can ease back into normal business dealings,” I state.

Mr. Sabini grimaces as he shakes his head. “Understandable. Next month.”

We stand to shake hands, the chairs scratching across the old wooden floorboards.

It feels like a boulder has been lifted from myshoulders.

As the Italian mob exits the house Mr. Sabini turns back one last time and asks, “What are you going to do about your Kraut of a wife? Kill her?” he asks with a sardonic smile and upturned eyebrow.

Showing he is still a pompous ass.

I give him no answer and watch them leave.

Pondering how I am going to deal with Brielle.

Chapter 37: Brielle

Under Your Scars, Godsmack

One month.

One whole month has passed and I haven’t heard from my husband.

I continue working at the hospital and visiting with Tilly and Baba.

Though Baba’s actions were cruel, sending Bobby into insanity at the thought of having lost Tilly, I’m thankful Tilly is still with us.

She has been my rock since Everett has gone missing.

No one has seen him.

Though the only Aftons who speak to me are Bobby and Baba, so I am unsure if Kenneth or his other brothers have communicated with him or not.

I continue saving up my money, in hopes of leaving my toxic family and starting anew in America. Though that dream may die whenever Everett decides to enact his vengeance on me.

A black pit of guilt grows within my soul for not coming forth and explaining the situation my family forced me into.