I let out a bitter laugh, struggling against Bones. “You mean the stolen weapons? The ones that belong to the Delfino family? Yeah, we fucking got ’em. And four of our guys are six feet under for it!”
My father frowns. “Four? Jesus, were you guys fucking around? I told you that you’d have company. You weren’t better prepared?”
My eyes practically bug out of my head. “You told us they might try to poach our shit. Not that they’d be coming to collect theirs! Every one of those men’s lives is on your head!”
He gives me a doubtful look. “Be pissed all you want, but you were the man in charge out there. So every life lost is on you,” he says, pointing his cigarette at me.
“Now get the fuck outta my face,” he continues. “Take your bitch ass home.”
I look to Bones, surprised to see a pinched expression on his face. He always knows what my father is up to, yet he looks just as blindsided as I feel. Of course, he doesn’t speak, but his concern is heavy in his eyes, which unnerves me. We’ve never provoked the mafia like this, just as they’ve never provoked us. We have our fights, our territorial disputes, but we know an intentional war is a death sentence for all.
I guess Snakes doesn’t give a shit, though.
Chapter Twenty Five
Naomi
It’s been nearly three weeks since I went to the club with Kolter. Since then, he’s been avoiding me—or that’s the way it feels anyway. Last night was the first time he picked me up, took me out then brought me back to his place. I was starting to feel like he didn’t want to be with me or something. Which I know sounds ridiculous and insecure since we literally text all day long. It’s not the same, though. Something feels different, and I have this gut feeling it has everything to do with his dad.
I haven’t been able to shake the things he said about my mom. Every syllable Matthew utters feels intentional, strategic. I’m just trying to figure out what he has to gain by giving those pieces away, even if I think they’re bullshit. I’ve wanted to bring it up to my mom, but we’ve talked about Kolter’s dad a lot throughout the years. She and my dad went to school with him—he was always in trouble, always looking for a fight and was never good news. And that’s where I thought it ended. Something about Matthew’s version makes me feel like there’s more to it, though.
Kolter had to go do something for the club this morning, and I need to get all these thoughts out of my head, so I’m heading home to talk with her.
Another person pops into my head. Nick. I haven’t heard from him since he blew up at dinner. It’s not like we’re the type of siblings to stay in contact all day, every day, but it’s been a while, and this radio silence needs to end.
I glance back and forth between the road and my phone before I hit call on Nick’s contact. The phone rings through my car speakers once, twice, three times.
“Seriously, you’re going to be that big of a child about all this?” I mutter, not realizing the call has connected until he says, “That really how you want to start this conversation?”
I straighten up in my seat like he can see me and shake my head. “Sorry. I didn’t think you were going to answer.”
“So you settled for talking shit behind my back?” he scoffs.
“No, I just…” I pause and take a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry that Kolter and I being together upsets you. I’m sorry that it surprises you, and I’m sorry that you had to find out that way. I’m not going to apologize for the love we share or our relationship, though.”
I can practically see his sneer, along with his brisk pacing, given the uptick in his breathing.
“Relationship? Naomi, get a fucking grip. He’s using you. He groomed you to worship the ground he walked on, and when he’s finished, he’ll toss you to the side just like every woman that came before you.”
I’m stunned into silence at the anger in his words, then I shake my head again.
“You’re wrong.”
“Or maybe you’re gullible,” he throws back.
I let out a heavy exhale as I come to a red light. “When did it happen?”
“When did what happen?” Nick asks gruffly.
“When did you stop looking at Kolter like your best friend, like your brother, like the best man you knew, and start lookingat him like he’s some vile monster? You and I both know everything you’re saying isn’t only not in his character, it’s ridiculous.”
Nick is quiet for a moment. “When did it happen?” he repeats.
I wait for him to continue.
“It happened the moment I found out he was fuckingourlittle sister.”
The call goes dead, and I let out a scream of frustration as I slam my fist down on the wheel.