Ruthless Games

LILY

There’sa heavy moment of silence as Nero just stares as me. I have a feeling that he’s choosing his words very carefully.

“We’re here for a fun getaway,” he finally says.

I laugh, but there’s no humor in it. “Oh right. Our delayed honeymoon.”

He doesn’t even crack a smile.

“Yes. And… I’m taking care of some business while we’re here in town.”

“I knew it,” I snap. I turn away from him, finding that I suddenly don’t even want the details anymore. I’m too hurt to listen to another word.

I head around the side of the building, making for the main exit with tears stinging in the corner of my eyes. But Nero’s hot on my heels. He grabs my arm, spinning me around to face him.

“Let’s talk about this.”

“No.” I shake my head. “There’s nothing to say. You lied to me, made me believe that we could have something normal. Just one little weekend for us, it shouldn’t be asking too much. But surprise, surprise, it is.”

Nero looks stubborn. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t important.”

“You mean, spending time with me isn’t?” I throw back at him.

He winces. “You know what I mean.”

“I know that Barretti business always comes first.”

“Can you blame me?” Nero explodes. “That Barretti business could get you killed or locked up for life. So yes, right now it is more important than our honeymoon. I don’t care about a weekend together, when what matters is the rest of our lives!”

I sigh, hating the fact he’s making sense. No matter how much I want to pretend the real world isn’t waiting for us, that would be naïve.

“So tell me then,” I say, still mad, despite everything. “Who was that guy?”

Nero exhales. “I’m trying to organize a meeting with the head of the Kovak gang. Man-to-man, no bullshit. We can’t go on like this, losing men, sabotaging each other. It has to end.”

“How?” I ask, feeling a chill.

“I don’t know yet. It’s not going to be easy, but I’m going to negotiate a cease-fire.”

“Alone?” my voice rises again. “How can you be sure you can trust them? They could come for you, right here in San Francisco. You don’t have any muscle backing you up.”

I look around, fearful. In New York, we had Barretti men guarding our every move. But here?

We’re exposed.

“It’s a parlay,” Nero says. “They’ll honor the terms.”

“Honor. From organized crime. Sure.” My sarcasm is thick, hiding my fear.

Nero scowls. “I’ll do what it takes,” he says, and my anger bubbles up again.

“So when’s this sit-down happening?” I demand.

“Soon.” Nero checks his phone. “You should head back to the hotel. And stay there.”

“And what, I’m supposed to just wait for you?”

“Yes.” Nero takes my hand. “Trust me on this, Lily. I’m sorry I lied to you,” he says, gazing into my eyes. “But I had to take the chance to meet, away from the city, where nobody can know. It might be my only shot to secure our future.”