Twisted Obsession (Underworld Kings)

"I have nothing to do with that bastard," he spits, "Cavallone was nothing more than a means to an end."

"Oh?" Enzo says, his interest piqued. "I'd like to know what end you're talking about, because if it was the death of my mother and father, then you will pay the ultimate price for your disloyal actions."

"I-I had nothing to do with it." He pushes to his feet, but Mario is already behind him, his hand on Giuseppe's shoulder, shoving him back into the chair. "It's all a lie. I had nothing to do with the deal."

It feels as if Enzo is trying to bruise me with the way his fingers flex into my hip. "Oh? And what deal was that?" His tone like steel, cold and hard, and I pity the man before us. I know he'll die. And it will be by Enzo's hand. I don't blame Enzo because this is what is expected. If you're not loyal to your Familia, then you deserve to be taken out. The vow uttered when a Made Man is brought into the fold, is sacred. It's like a wedding vow. Once you promise your life to the clan, there is no getting out. It's not only that, but you also pledge your loyalty, and your support, no matter what.

Those who break the vow die.

Death before dishonor.

Giuseppe's face creases, guilt shining in his eyes as he looks at his Boss. He may be older than Enzo, but that means nothing in this situation. And he knows it. There will be no mercy.

"Tommaso contacted Valentino," he admits, his gaze flickers to mine before returning to Enzo's. "At first, I didn't want to do it. The De Rossi Familia was mine, I belonged here. I've been a Capo for years, and it's been rewarding."

"So, you decided to join forces with our mortal enemy and help murder my parents? Your Boss?" Enzo asks incredulously. "Is that how you belonged?"

"No. No. It wasn't like that. My payments were decreasing, I needed the money. You don't understand, Enzo. I was struggling." The plea in the older man's voice makes my chest ache, but what I don't understand is why he didn't go to Salvatore, surely Enzo's dad would have helped one of his own.

"Salvatore did everything for his Capos, I knew that because I watched him do it. He believed in family, in loyalty. My father was a man with integrity, even if he made deals which brought us some heat from the feds from time to time. We couldn't stop the fact that some things needed to be done under the table, but, he would never let his men fall for no reason."

My lungs hurt as I try to breathe. It seems Salvatore was just like my father. He loved his men, his family. He did bend over backwards for them, making sure they had everything they needed for the businesses to run smoothly.

The older man shakes his head profusely, but I know it will do nothing to afford him mercy. There is no way what he's done can be forgiven. "Enzo, you don't understand—"

I'm pushed to my feet gently, the movement causing Giuseppe to stop speaking. His eyes widen when he realizes what's about to happen. Enzo is at full height as his hand slowly releases me. He doesn't rush at Giuseppe. The slow, predatory way he takes his steps has ice racing through my veins. But I don't cower, I'm too enthralled by my fiancé to be scared. His hand reaches for the knife I know is hidden at his belt. He pulls it from the thick leather sheath.

"I wanted each of my Capos to know what happens to men who are untrustworthy, who double-cross me. I showed you that when I brought all of you to watch as I made a spectacle of Valentino. I don't feel an ounce of guilt for it." When Enzo speaks, his voice is devoid of emotion. Not even anger.

Mario's gaze flits to mine as he tips his head to the side. He regards me with interest, as if he's waiting for me to run. But I've watched Enzo do this before. I don't understand why he's so concerned for me.

"Tell me the truth," Enzo commands the man before him. "Tell me the real reason you went to Tommaso and not my father. Because there has to be more to the story."

When Giuseppe doesn't speak, the sleek, silver blade glints before it slices along his cheek, from his left eye down to the corner of his mouth. The older man does not dare move. A cry of pain bounces off the walls of the office as Enzo waits.

"I-I..." he shakes his head, blood dripping from his face as he looks up at Enzo. "Please, don't do this." I'm not sure why he even bothers asking because he knows there's no longer hope. "I-I can't."