Page 4 of Steal My Heart

“The theme of the evening,” I grumble.

“Swear to me you won’t kill Fabien,” she begs, grabbing my hands.

I sigh heavily. “I swear to you I won’t kill Fabien.Unlesshe gives me a reason.”

“Then I’ll pray he doesn’t give you a reason.” She makes the sign of the cross.

It’s a surreal scene: my father propped up in a hospital bed, surrounded by his capos.

Soon to bemycapos.

“There’s my son.” Papà motions me over, and I take my place beside him. “Gentlemen, we’re here this evening to induct a new member into the Calvani family.”

“Boss, I understand the urgency, but has this kid even earned his button?” One of the capos interjects.

“Are you questioning my integrity?” Papà demands, his weak voice cutting through the room by sheer willpower.

“Course not, boss.” The capo ducks his head.

It feels like a blur as Papà goes through the ceremony, and I find myself pricking the center of my palm and swearing my life to the family.

“Let’s welcome Angelo Calvani to the family,” Papà announces.

Instead of placing the ceremonial knife down, I move the blade to my old man’s throat. Like a knife moving through warm butter, I slice open his jugular—blood spraying my arm and shirt.

Papà’s eyes go wide for a split second before rolling back in his head.

“Anyone else want to question whether I’ve earned my button?” I announce to a sufficiently shocked room.

Silence.

“Good. Gentlemen, let me reintroduce myself. Angelo Calvani, thebossof this family.”

Chapter One

Angelo

“What are you watching?” I join Al in the family room.

“Documentary on the serial killer who was caught on that Louisiana campus last year. See, this is why I shouldn’t go to college. Too dangerous,” she solemnly announces.

“The only thing dangerous is your love of serial killer documentaries.” I grab the remote and turn off the television. “And we’re not finished with our discussion about your future.”

“Fi-ne.” My baby sister huffs. “Why are you all dressed up?”

“Charity gala with Laurie,” I say, straightening my bow tie. “You’re more than welcome to join us.”

Al crinkles her nose. “You’re still with that woman?”

“I’m notwithher. It’s…”Business. Laurie has connections with the soon-to-be mayor, and I need an inroad with the new administration, especially after all the campaign noise about being tough on crime. Not to mention me vocally supporting the dethroned incumbent.

“A situationship?” Al supplies for me.

“No idea what that means,” I admit.

“Definitely a situationship,” she decides. “Hard pass on any invite with Laurie.”

“You don’t like Laurie because she reminds you of Mama,” I say gently. Laurie was Mama’s oncologist. The Calvani curse strikes again; this time in the form of breast cancer.