Twisted Bonds (The Camorra Chronicles 4)

The kitchen door swung open, and glancing over my shoulder I saw Remo stepping inside. I closed the fridge, considering what to say that wouldn’t lead to a fight, so I said the first thing that crossed my mind. “We need to go grocery shopping. We have nothing for lunch.”

Remo raised his eyebrows, amused that I thought that was his business. “Then order something.”

“How’s Serafina doing?” I asked pointedly.

Remo smiled twistedly and came toward me. “I didn’t know Nino had turned into such a gossip.”

“I hope you treated her right.”

Remo leaned down so we were eye-level. “If you want to know details about my fucking then you’ll have to share too. I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.” His smile widened at the look on my face. “No? Then what I do with Serafina is none of your business.”

He stalked toward the door. “If you order food, order something for me as well.”

I grabbed a flyer for a new sushi restaurant and ordered enough to feed everyone in the house. Then I headed into the communal space. Nino sat on the couch, talking to someone on the phone.

“We have it under control. A truce doesn’t entitle you to meddle in our matters. Mind your own business, and rest assured Cavallaro won’t bother attacking your territory in the near future.” Nino paused. “Why?”

I stopped at the underlying warning in his voice. His eyes settled on me. “I’ll ask her.” He lowered the phone. “Luca wants a word with you.”

I was surprised. Luca and I had never been close. He was Capo and a scary man, not to mention that we had plenty of cousins. Swallowing, I nodded and took the phone from Nino. “Hello Luca?”

“Kiara, how are you?”

“Didn’t Cassio keep you updated? I assumed he reported whenever I talked to Giulia on the phone.” My cousin’s husband was Luca’s trusted Underboss, so it was highly unlikely that parts of our conversations, at least, wouldn’t reach Luca’s ear.

Silence. My words had been on the verge of insolent, nothing a man like Luca usually tolerated, but I resisted the urge to apologize. Nino and Remo wouldn’t approve of me submitting to the Famiglia Capo.

“I’m aware that you seem to be doing fine in Camorra territory,” Luca said tightly. “Of course, I asked for updates. The Falcones are…difficult.”

“Did you only want to ask for my wellbeing? I’m doing fine.”

“The recent development with Dante’s niece has been unsettling. It raised new worries.”

“I’m not going to tell you any details about Serafina. Remo and Nino know what they’re doing.”

“Loyal,” Luca said with a dry laugh. “That’s not why I wanted a word with you. I want you to know that the Famiglia will always take you in, if you need protection. I failed you once, but this time you should come to me if something’s the matter. Call Giulia and she’ll inform me in case you need to be discreet.”

“Thank you, but that won’t be necessary.”

“Maybe you’re right, but you should know.”

“Do you want to talk to Nino again?”

“No, everything’s said. Goodbye, Kiara.” He hung up and I lowered the phone, still surprised. It had almost sounded as if Luca felt guilty for what had happened to me, which wasn’t his fault. He couldn’t have known.

Nino took his cell from me, frowning with suspicion. “What did Luca want? He tends to forget the borders of his territory.”

“He told me I could return to the Famiglia if I needed to escape the Camorra. He told me the Famiglia would protect me.”

“You are part of the Camorra now,” Nino said tightly.

“I am, and this is my home.”

Nino relaxed slightly. Did he really think I’d ever consider returning to the Famiglia?

The bell rang.

“I ordered sushi for us,” I explained.

Nino glanced down at his phone to check the camera at the gate then nodded and headed for the door. “I’ll get it.”

He returned, carrying three bags and raised a curious eyebrow.

“I ordered for all of us. Our fridge is empty.”

Nino set everything down in the center of the gaming room table. “I’ll see if I can find Remo, will you look for Adamo and Savio?”

With a nod and smile, I headed toward Adamo’s part of the house. I hadn’t been there before, but it was slightly smaller than the other three and all except for one door were open and empty. I headed for that one and knocked. Nothing happened for several moments until finally Adamo opened the door. A plume of smoke wafted toward me and I coughed. Adamo was only in sweatpants, his hair tousled. I took in the mess behind him. Bottles and dirty clothes on the floor. Only a narrow path led from the bed to the desk and to the door. “Oh, Kiara, hey,” he mumbled.

“If you want, I can clean your room for you,” I said without thinking.