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THE GODFATHER'S SIBLINGS Chapter 79 I’m Here To Rule
Zandra Russo POV “And where do you think you’re sneaking off to?” Jovito asks me as I make my way down the stairs. He’s lounging on the living room couch, phone up to his face with his feet crisscrossed on top of the far armrest. He looks cozy, bundled up in one of the sweaters Aunt Angelina knitted for him for his twentieth birthday this year. “I’m not sneaking off anywhere,” I say. “I’ve just got work to do.”“Do you need any help?”I give my little brother a sweet smile. He’s not as involved with the Mafia as I am by choice, much preferring his books and a quiet existence. Jovito’s always been this way. Too kind and frankly too soft-spoken for this world, which is probably why Mom and Dad never felt the need to push him too hard. They trained him in the basics—self-defense, firearm handling, everything a Mafia prince might need to know—but overall, he’s pretty much hands-off unless he wants to be involved. It must be nice, I think, to live however he wants without the burden of f
THE GODFATHER'S SIBLINGS Chapter 80 The New Beautiful Mafia Boss
Thorton Gallardo POV I checked in early. I stare at the text message for far longer than necessary, admittedly puzzled to know that Zandra has somehow managed to get a hold of my cell phone number. I’d heard through the grapevine that, in another life, her father and uncles once owned a cyber security company—now defunct—so I wouldn’t at all be surprised if Zandra had the basic know-how to get my information. Are you that eager to see me? Don’t flatter yourself. I finished my work earlier, that’s all. Don’t keep me waiting. Give me an hour. I’m stuck in a meeting.“What’s got you in such a good mood?” Roman asks me from across my office.I set my phone screen-side down on my desk, swallowing the warm sensation blooming in my chest. I’ll admit the thought of Zandra lying in bed, ready and wet and waiting for me is certainly amusing. Will she undress herself before I get there out of spite? Surely she knows by now how much I enjoy ripping her clothes off. Maybe she’ll tease herself to
THE GODFATHER'S SIBLINGS Chapter 81 I Love My Father's Enemy?
Zandra Russo POV I didn’t realize how tired I was until I sat down on the bed, and since Thor was going to be another hour, I figured a quick snooze would help me pass the time. My mind is refreshed and alert which is why I instantly notice the strong arms wrapped around me and the rich scent of Thorton’s cologne filling my nose. Tilting my chin up, I peer at his sleeping face and quietly marvel. Thorton is strikingly handsome. I already knew this, of course, but especially so now that his ever-present scowl has smoothed out. Where once I thought he was made of stone, now I see he’s just like me—human and fallible. I study the sharp line of his nose and dare to run my fingers over his jaw, savoring the roughness of his stubble on my skin. A warm, fuzzy sensation ripples through my body. I know I should go, but I can’t find the strength to leave the comfort of his arms.For the life of me, I can’t remember when someone last held me this tenderly. The realization in and of itself shoul
THE GODFATHER'S SIBLINGS Chapter 82 An Emergency Call
Thorton Gallardo POV The golden light of sunrise filters in through the crack in the curtains, filling the hotel room with warmth and the promise of a new day. Beside me, Zandra’s red locks have curled slightly in her sleep, spilling out like tendrils of copper. I spend a little too long drinking in the sight, her beauty unmatched in all things worldly or otherwise. I silently pray for time to stop. I want to capture this moment for all eternity and bask in it, breathing in the scent of vanilla and admiring her pretty face. But my phone goes off, vibrating angrily on the bedside table. She stirs, eyes fluttering open. When she realizes where she is, Zandra sits up quickly with a gasp. “Oh my God, I need to go,” she says, hurriedly throwing the covers off to climb out of bed. There’s no time to appreciate the love bites I’ve left all over her body. There’s no doubt in my mind my own back looks like a warzone.“What’s the hurry?” I ask her, reaching for my phone. “My guards are waitin
THE GODFATHER'S SIBLINGS Chapter 83 Failed Transaction
Thorton Gallardo POV Rome, Italy The city is built on a river, a mosaic of the old and the new. The centuries-old cobblestone streets are lined with modern lamp posts, and the exterior walls of buildings are painted in an array of muted beiges and pastels. On the surface, it’s a quaint riverside city. A perfect vacation spot for those who don’t mind the year-round cold. But I know the truth. Just below the surface, the capital city of Rome has a swarming, thriving criminal underbelly. It’s simply a matter of knowing where to look.“They’re late,” Samuel grumbles. He cracks his knuckles, then his neck, then his back, the loud popping similar to squeezing a fistful of bubble wrap. It’s one of his biggest tells when he’s nervous. If there’s a joint he can crack, he will. “Have a little patience,” I remind him as I fiddle with my lighter. “They’ll be here.” “What if it’s some kind of trap?” The possibility this meeting might be a set-up did dawn on me, but we’re not in a good enough p
THE GODFATHER'S SIBLINGS Chapter 84 A Trap
Zandra Russo POV I need to see you. It’s urgent. I stare at my phone, mildly confused. Isn’t Thor out of town? Is something wrong? Can’t tell you over text, our usual spot at the Crown Hotel. Tomorrow morning by nine. A strange, sinking feeling grows in the pit of my stomach. Call it intuition. A sixth sense. If this is Thorton, then whatever he has to tell me is clearly something big and sensitive in nature. I’ll be there. “Sweetie?” I look up to find my mother stepping into the kitchen. She wears a soft smile, bundled up in one of Dad’s sweaters. It’s surprisingly drafty in the house today, and I frankly don’t blame her for stealing one of Dad’s comfiest cashmere knits.“Is something wrong? You look troubled.”I shove my phone into the back pocket of my jeans. “It’s nothing. Just… work.”Mom joins me by the counter, reaching for a mug to make herself a cup of tea.“How are you handling things? I know it must be such a huge responsibility.” “Nothing I can’t handle. I’m getting used
THE GODFATHER'S SIBLINGS Chapter 85 Misunderstanding
Thorton Gallardo POV “What the fuck is going on?” Samuel roars after me as we rush into the taxi depot. It’s a lot closer than driving all the way to my place for an emergency meeting. Besides, if the Russo decide to come after us in retaliation, we have no shortage of taxis to use as escape vehicles. “You drove us right into the middle of an ambush!” Leo grumbles. “What the hell were you thinking?”Damien remains calm and collected. “Let’s just take a minute to breathe, okay? Is anyone hurt?” “No,” Samuel growls as he cracks his knuckles. “But someone’s about to be if I don’t get some fucking answers!”“They’re going to come down on us after that,” Roman points out.“We managed to strike a balance with them. A temporary truce. Now that’s gone out the window!”My brothers shout at each other. At me. It’s damn near impossible to think.“What the hell happened out there, Thorton?” Damien asks. “You should have told us if you were planning to go to war with the Russo Mafia. Now we have
THE GODFATHER'S SIBLINGS Chapter 86 It's Detective Rossi
Cassandra Russo POV “What were you thinking?” Dad asks me. He doesn’t shout, doesn’t raise his voice. In fact, his tone is perfectly calm and level, like this is just any other run-of-the-mill conversation. And that’s how I know he’s pissed. I sit across from him on the living room couch, rubbing my hands together. They’re stained red with my brother’s blood. Somewhere upstairs, I can hear him groaning and wailing in pain. Aunt Natalya is with him, tending to his injuries. Nothing too serious, she told us. All he needs is a couple of stitches, some antibiotics, and some rest. The bullets had gone through and had hit nothing vital. But her prognosis does little to settle my fried nerves.“Did you see the shooter?” Uncle Craig asks me. “Can you give us a description?”I nod numbly. “He was an older guy. Thinning white hair. A mustache, very bushy brows. His eyes were blue, I think.”“Did he say anything?” Uncle Montero presses on.My response sits on the tip of my tongue, but I hesitat
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THE GODFATHER'S SIBLINGS Chapter 102 The Fire Of Loving You Forever
Cassandra Russo Gallardo POV I never wanted a big wedding. Growing up, I wasn’t the type of girl who dreamed about flowing white dresses, enough flowers to open a florist shop, or exorbitantly expensive multi-tier cakes. I’m perfectly content with what I have—my family in attendance and my man standing proudly at the altar. We’re in a small chapel, tucked away in one of the quieter, more peaceful corners of the city. I’m dressed in the same wedding dress Mom wore when she married Dad, the very same veil on my head. There are no words to describe how honored I am to wear it. I hope one day, I get to pass it on to my own daughter to wear at her wedding, and perhaps even my granddaughter after her. Little things like these, full of sentiment and love, are how traditions are born. Dad and I stand just in front of the main entrance to the chapel. Everyone’s taken their seats, and the music is beginning to swell. I know he had his reservations when I first agreed to marry Thorton, but inst
THE GODFATHER'S SIBLINGS Chapter 101 Triplets Pregnancy
Thorton Gallardo POV One Month Later Separately, the Russo and Gallardo Mafias are capable of incredible things. They both rule with iron fists and awe-inspiring efficiency. Where the Russo commands the respect of their peers, my brothers and I are tenaciously ambitious. Combined—we’re a force to be reckoned with. We’re only a month into our merger, but all of Italy works like a well-oiled machine. With the Russos’ connections and my transportation network, we’re virtually unstoppable. I don’t think the criminal underworld has ever seen a more impressive organization. With Leo running the numbers, Samuel enforcing our laws, Roman negotiating our deals, and Damien keeping his ear to the ground for any whispers of dissent, we have the entire city under our thumbs.But right now, the last thing I want to think about is work. Zandra, unfortunately, has other plans. “Remind me to ask Samuel to pay the Southern Administrative District a visit. A couple of businesses haven’t been paying ki
THE GODFATHER'S SIBLINGS Chapter 100 I Can't Believe You're Alive!
Zandra Russo POV I only have so much time. Before long, my baby bump will begin to show, and then the jig is up. I need to figure out how to break the news to Dad without sending him into full-on cardiac arrest. My decision is final, though, no matter what he or the rest of my family has to say. I’m keeping this baby, and I’m going to protect him or her with every fiber of my being. Do I think Dad might disown me when he learns the truth? Probably not. He’s always been a level-headed guy. I doubt he’d do anything so drastic… But that doesn’t stop me from coming up with a Plan B, C, and D—just in case. I’m just about to pull out my phone to look up some rudimentary information on what mothers should expect when I hear a strange sound coming from outside. The screech of car tires, angry shouting. My heart automatically leaps into my throat and lodges there. Oh, God. Are we under attack? All this excitement and paranoia can’t possibly be good for the baby. My little brother comes hobbli
THE GODFATHER'S SIBLINGS Chapter 99 Take Me To Zandra Russo
Thorton Gallardo POV Half of Italy belongs to the Gallardo Mafia. I should be over the moon. I’m anything but. “We’re seeing staggering profits,” Leo tells me from the other side of my desk. One of his detailed spreadsheets is pulled up on his tablet.“We’ve had next to no resistance from the remaining Russo in the area. They’ve all but fled to the north of the city. The raid left them scrambled, but I don’t think now is the time to keep pushing. There’s still a heavy police presence in the area.” “Sure,” I mumble. I’m only half listening, partially because I know Leo’s got everything under control, and partially because I can’t bring myself to care. It’s almost cruel how we have everything we want, yet I have nothing I need. “The taxi business practically runs itself at this point,” Leo goes on. “Since Detective Rossi, uh, passed, there’s been no reason for the police to keep sniffing around. He was the only one who could link us to our criminal interests, and it doesn’t look like
THE GODFATHER'S SIBLINGS Chapter 98 I'm Pregnant
Zandra Russo POV I’m bedridden for what feels like an eternity. Aunt Natalya keeps telling me it’s frankly a miracle I survived. Very few can take a bullet through the chest and live to tell the tale. It’s nothing short of divine intervention. But even if I did have the energy to get out of bed, I wouldn’t. A heavy fog clouds my mind, and it has nothing to do with the pain meds I’m on. I can’t stop thinking about Thorton. I can barely even think of his name without pins and needles stinging my eyes. No matter what I do, no matter how much time has passed, I can’t bring myself to accept he’s dead. The lives we lead are dangerous ones. Death and injury is an accepted workplace hazard. I just didn’t think it would actually happen.“Come on, Zandy,” Alessandra whispers at my bedside. There’s a bowl of chicken noodle soup on her lap. It’s all I’ve been able to stomach lately. Everything else makes me feel barfy. “You should eat something,” Mom adds softly. She’s seated on the other side o
THE GODFATHER'S SIBLINGS Chapter 97 Now I Have Nothing
Thorton Gallardo POV If obsession is a disease, then I’m sick and suffering. My waking thoughts bounce back and forth between Zandra and Rossi, trapping me in a never-ending cycle of cause and effect. I can’t stop thinking about her, about how cold and small she was in my arms as the lights faded from her eyes. My chest tightens at the realization that I’ll never get to kiss her again or speak to her again. Rossi has to pay—he has to. Tracking the man down this time is a whole lot easier. He’s paraded around like a damn war hero, showing up for interviews and public award ceremonies. I lie in wait, watching from the back of the crowd, dressed in an unassuming pair of jeans, a black sweatshirt, and a baseball cap. The hood’s drawn over to obscure my face. A whole line of TV cameras is here, along with nosy reporters and a handful of uniformed cops. I can’t just approach him. I may want vengeance, but I’m not suicidal. This place is too public, too many witnesses. I need to bide my tim
THE GODFATHER'S SIBLINGS Chapter 96 Face-to-Face With Manfred Russo
Thorton Gallardo POV Pulling up to the Russo’s private residence is practically begging for immediate execution, but I have no other options. I need to see Zandra, need to know she’s okay—even if it kills me. The place is swarming with armed guards, all of them training their weapons on us as the car screeches to a halt in front of the house.The moment I jump out, at least four of them barrel toward me. I came fully prepared for the beating of my life, but what happens next is so much worse.“Stand down!” Manfred Russo shouts at his men. They do so, snapping to attention as he trudges down the front path, his fists clenched so hard his knuckles are white. I see so much of Zandra in him. And that’s why I don’t react when he winds back and punches me in the jaw. I stumble to the ground, my ear ringing and my face throbbing. I deserved it. I deserve all of it. I will accept it. I see no point in fighting back. Even if I wanted to, Manfred Russo is almost three times my age. There’s no
THE GODFATHER'S SIBLINGS Chapter 95 The Man I Loved Is Dead?
Zandra Russo POV I awake with a start. There’s a blinding, throbbing pain in my chest, just below my left shoulder. I can’t make sense of my surroundings. Everything’s too loud, too bright. Confusion makes the room spin and fear makes my blood run cold. What just happened? How did I get here?“Easy, Zandy,” Aunt Natalya says as she hooks me up to a blood bag. O-positive, according to the sticker slapped on the front. “It was a high caliber round, so the bullet went right through you. You lost a lot of blood, but you’re lucky it missed all your important organs. Four inches lower and it would have pierced your heart.” Aunt Natalya is speaking perfectly clearly, but I don’t understand a word coming out of her mouth. Is it because of the shock? The pain? Probably both. I groan.“What happened?” “Relax, sweetheart,” Dad says. He’s at my bedside, his brows steepled together in grave concern. My uncles are here. So are Mom Amara, Alessandra, and Jovito. It’s a miracle my room is big enoug
THE GODFATHER'S SIBLINGS Chapter 94 My Heart In Pain For Zandra
Thorton Gallardo POV I don’t need to be an expert in reading body language to know tensions are running high. This is a public meeting—as is the tradition—hosted in a restaurant that’s been completely booked out. The lighting is dim. Armed men are everywhere. They don’t just belong to the Russo, but to the other families I’ve managed to piss off, as well. Why couldn’t we have done this in the back of some dingy room? Because this is a show of good faith, of honor, an unspoken code of conduct. There is nowhere to hide here, no secrets to be kept…which is exactly how I know everyone in this room hates my guts and they’re itching to reach for their guns and show it. Zandra—gorgeous, beautiful, fierce Zandra—sits at the head of the table. Her father and her uncles stand behind her like silent stone sentries. Around the table, the other Mafia heads sit. Some faces are familiar. Others are not. They all have one thing in common, though, and it’s the way they all stare daggers at me and my
