10. Angelo

10

ANGELO

S hit. Shit. Shit. Someone’s followed us here.

Goddammit. Marco is going to fucking kill me. He didn’t want me to go off by myself with Fee, offering to drive us himself, but I had refused and had pulled rank on him when he tried to argue with me.

The bastard will never let me out of his sight again.

“Fuck,” I curse as I stuff my dick back into my underwear and pull up my pants. “Stay in the car,” I order, my voice low and urgent.

Before she can protest, I’m out of the vehicle, scanning the area. My hand drifts to my concealed weapon, but before I can draw it, a figure lunges at me from the shadows.

The attacker’s fist connects with my jaw, sending a jolt of pain through my skull. I stagger back, regaining my balance just in time to dodge another blow. My training kicks in, and I counter with a quick jab to his solar plexus.

He grunts, momentarily winded, but recovers quickly. We trade blows, each of us looking for an opening. He’s good, but I'm better. I feint left, then sweep his legs out from under him when he falls for it.

As he hits the ground, I’m on him in an instant, pinning him down, my hands on his thick throat. Jesus Christ, did this guy play football or something? That’s when I hear the car door open. Dammit, Fee!

“Stay back!” I shout, not taking my eyes off my subdued attacker—he’s blonde haired with ice blue eyes that are staring at me hatefully.

Who the fuck is this guy?

But it’s too late. Fee’s scream pierces the night air. “Jonah?!”

I freeze for a split second, the name registering. This is Jonah? Lou’s father? The man who haunts Fee’s nightmares?

Then, I can see the resemblance. Lou favors him.

My grip tightens on him instinctively, anger surging through me.

“You picked the wrong people to mess with,” I growl.

Jonah glares up at me, his eyes full of hatred. “This isn’t over,” he spits out.

I tighten my hold, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Oh, I think it is. You have no idea who you’re dealing with. Now, how the fuck did you find us?”

Fee, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and rage, echoes my question. “Jonah, how… why are you here?”

Jonah’s laugh is cold and bitter. “It wasn’t hard. The funeral home, Kings… you’re not exactly keeping a low profile, Sofia.”

I feel Fee stiffen beside me, and suddenly, I remember her unease at Kings, her eyes darting around as if she felt watched. The realization hits me like a freight train.

“You’ve been fucking stalking her,” I growl, slamming Jonah hard into the ground. He grunts in pain, but I don’t ease up.

Fee gasps, her face draining of color.

I turn to Fee, keeping Jonah pinned. “Call the police,” I order her.

“No!” Jonah shouts, desperation clear in his voice. “Please, just listen to me. I’m only trying to get into my daughter’s life. She’s my flesh and blood!”

I look at Fee, seeing the turmoil in her eyes. This situation is more complicated than I initially thought, and I know we need to handle it carefully.

“You don’t even know if she’s your daughter,” Fee snaps, her voice shaking with emotion.

Jonah scoffs, his eyes flashing. “It’s obvious, Sofia. She looks just like me and my sister.”

As much as I hate to admit it, I can see the resemblance. Lou’s blonde hair and blue eyes are unmistakably similar to Jonah’s. The shape of their faces, the set of their jaws—it’s like looking at before and after pictures.

“All I've ever wanted is to be a father,” Jonah pleads, his voice softer now. “For some reason, I’ve never been able to. I just want to be in my daughter’s life. Please, what’s her name?”

Fee hesitates, and I can see the internal struggle playing out on her face. Finally, she speaks, her voice barely above a whisper. “Lucille. But she goes by Lou.”

“Lou,” Jonah repeats reverently, as if tasting the name. “It suits her. Please, Sofia. All I want is to be in Lou’s life.”

I feel a surge of jealousy and anger. This man, who’s caused Fee so much pain, who’s been stalking her, now wants to waltz into Lou’s life? He doesn’t deserve it. Lou already has a family—Fee, Zip, and… me.

The thought surprises me, but I realize it’s true. I’ve come to care for Lou.

I tighten my grip on Jonah, my voice low and dangerous. “You think you can just show up after all these years and play daddy? It doesn’t work like that.”

Jonah’s eyes meet mine, a mixture of desperation and hate in them. “I have rights,” he insists.

“Rights?” Fee’s voice is incredulous, her mouth open. “You lost any rights when you…”

She trails off, pain etched across her face. I long to comfort her, but I can’t let go of Jonah. Not yet.

“Fee,” I say softly, “what do you want to do? It’s your call.”

Fee sighs and closes her eyes for a moment. When she opens them again, there’s nothing but determination and resolve in her dark eyes. “Let him go.”

I stare at Fee, confusion and disbelief warring on my face. “You want me to let him go? After he admitted to stalking you and attacked me?”

Fee’s eyes meet mine, her gaze steady and determined. “You said it was my call, Angelo. I want you to let him go.”

Reluctantly, I release my hold on Jonah, every instinct screaming at me to keep him pinned down. I stand up, moving to position myself protectively near Fee, my eyes never leaving Jonah as he slowly gets to his feet.

Fee takes a deep breath, her voice firm as she addresses Jonah. “I’ll agree to a DNA test for you and Lou, but only under certain conditions.”

Jonah’s eyes light up with hope, but Fee continues before he can speak.

“You’ll go through family court. You’ll submit to a background check. Any visits will be supervised. And you’ll pay back child support for the last nine years.”

Jonah’s face falls. “That’s not fair,” he protests.

Fee’s laugh is bitter. “Fair? You think I want you in our lives at all? I’m only asking for what the court will mandate anyway. Did you really think they’d let a nine-year-old girl spend time with a stranger—a man who may be her father—without supervision?”

I watch the emotions play across Jonah’s face—anger, frustration, desperation.

Fee’s voice is cold as she delivers her ultimatum. “Take it or leave it, Jonah. Those are my terms.”

The tension in the air is palpable as we wait for Jonah’s response. I keep my body tense, ready to intervene if necessary. Whatever Jonah decides, I silently vow to protect Fee and Lou, no matter what it takes.

“Deal,” Jonah finally says.

Fee nods. “Now get the fuck out of here.”

I keep my eyes trained on Jonah until he’s out of sight. The moment he’s gone, I feel Fee sag beside me. I turn just in time to catch her as her knees give out.

“I’ve got you,” I murmur, holding her close as she begins to shake.

“Oh, God,” Fee gasps, her voice trembling. “What have I done? He could have rights to Lou. I can’t afford a lawyer. I can’t?—”

I cup her face gently, forcing her to meet my eyes. “Hey, listen to me. It’s going to be okay. I’m going to get my lawyer on this case. He’s a fucking shark, Fee. He’ll tie Jonah up in court for years if that’s what it takes.”

Fee’s eyes widen, a mix of gratitude and uncertainty in her gaze. “Angelo, you don’t have to do this. This is my baggage, my mess. You shouldn’t have to clean it up.”

I shake my head, my voice firm. “I want to, Fee. I want to protect you and Lou. Both of you… you matter to me.”

For a moment, we just look at each other, the weight of everything that’s happened hanging between us. Then, slowly, Fee leans in and presses her lips to mine in a soft, sweet kiss.

When we part, I rest my forehead against hers. “We should get out of here,” I say quietly. “Before Jonah decides to make another appearance.”

Fee nods, and I can feel some of the tension leaving her body. As we walk back to the car, my arm around her waist, I’m struck by how right this feels. Fee and Lou have become a part of my life in a way I never expected, and I’m determined to do whatever it takes to keep them safe and happy.

I pull out my phone and dial my lawyer, Victor Rossi, the moment we get into the car. Victor’s a goddamn bulldog in the courtroom—all five feet four inches of him—with a mind like a steel trap and an attitude to match.

“Victor,” I say when he answers, “I need you to dig up everything you can on a guy named Jonah Ansel. No stone unturned, got it?”

Victor’s gravelly voice comes through the speaker. “What kind of dirt are we looking for, Boss?”

“Anything and everything. This guy’s bad news, and I don’t want him anywhere near Sofia or Lou Saldano.”

“Consider it done,” Victor replies before hanging up.

I take my time getting back to the brownstone, weaving through side streets and random alleys, cutting through traffic in unpredictable patterns. Fee watches me curiously as I navigate.

“We’re taking the scenic route,” I explain. “Just in case Jonah decided to follow us.”

When we finally arrive at my place, satisfied that we’ve lost any potential tail, we head inside. As we enter the living room, an unexpected scene greets us.

Romero and Zip are seated at the coffee table, playing cards with Lou. But it’s Lou who’s holding court, a pile of poker chips stacked neatly in front of her.

“Full house!” Lou declares triumphantly, laying down her cards.

Romero throws his hands up in exasperation. “What the fuck! That’s the third time in a row. You’ve gotta be cheating, kid!”

Zip chuckles, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Now, now, Romero. Don’t be a sore loser. I taught my great-granddaughter well, that’s all.”

“Well?” Romero splutters, his face red and blotchy. “She’s fuckin’ cleaning me out! I’m telling you, she’s got cards up her sleeve or something.”

Lou grins innocently. “Maybe you’re just not very good at poker, Mr. Romero.”

I can’t help but laugh at the scene—Romero, my tough-as-nails enforcer, being thoroughly trounced by a nine-year-old girl. Fee joins in, her earlier distress momentarily forgotten.

“Alright, Lou,” Fee says, still chuckling. “I think it’s time to let Mr. Romero keep what’s left of his dignity. And his paycheck.”

As Lou begins to gather up her winnings, Romero leans back, shaking his head in disbelief. “I don’t know whether to be impressed or terrified,” he mutters.

Zip pats him on the shoulder. “Both are good, my friend. Both are good.”

The next morning, Zip arrives at my house to take Lou to school. As they’re getting ready to leave, Lou pipes up, “Mom, why can’t you take me?”

Fee sighs, kneeling down to Lou’s level. “I’m sorry, sweetie. I have to go to Perfezione to talk to the insurance agent.”

Zip chuckles, ruffling Lou’s hair. "What's the matter, birichina ? Don’t like being seen with an old man?”

Lou looks indignant for a moment before her face lights up with an idea. She turns to me, her eyes wide and pleading. “Can you come too, Angelo? Please?”

I’m taken aback by her request, but those puppy dog eyes are hard to resist. “Well, I suppose I could?—”

“Ha!” Zip laughs. “Look at that. The great Don Pirelli, a sucker for a child’s plea.”

I shoot him a mock glare before turning to Fee. “You should have Marco go with you for protection.”

Fee shakes her head firmly. “No, I can handle it myself.”

As Lou runs off to get her backpack, Fee lowers her voice. “I’m not worried about Jonah harming me. Not now that I’ve agreed to the DNA test.”

Zip’s face suddenly loses all color. “DNA test? Fee, what were you thinking?”

Fee’s eyes flash. “I was thinking that he was stalking me, Nonno. What choice did I have?”

I step in, placing a calming hand on Zip’s shoulder. “It’s okay, Zip. My attorney’s on it. He’ll make sure Jonah gets nowhere near your girls.”

Zip doesn’t look entirely convinced, but he backs down. “Alright, but we need to be careful. This Jonah character…”

“We will be,” I assure him. “I promise.”

“I’m ready!” Lou sings as she comes bounding back into the room with her backpack. Fee gives Lou a quick hug and kiss before we head out.

Walking down the street with Lou between us and Marco trailing behind, her small hand in mine, I can’t help but feel a sense of rightness. It’s as if I’ve stumbled into a life I never knew I wanted but now can’t imagine being without.

As we approach the school, a commotion catches our attention. A larger boy is pushing a smaller kid against the fence, taunting him loudly.

Without hesitation, Lou lets go of our hands and marches toward the scene. “Hey!” she shouts, her voice surprisingly authoritative for a nine-year-old. “Leave him alone!”

The bully turns, sneering at Lou. “Mind your own business, shrimp.”

Lou stands her ground, hands on her hips, a scowl on her face. “I said, leave him alone.”

The bully laughs and gives Lou a rough shove, sending her stumbling backward. “What are you gonna do about it?”

That little fucker . I start to take a step forward, but before I can really move, Zip puts a hand on my arm.

“Wait,” he murmurs. “Watch.”

Lou straightens up, a determined look on her face. “You really don’t want to do that,” she says calmly.

The bully scoffs. “Oh, yeah? Why’s that?”

Lou jerks her thumb over her shoulder, pointing at me. “Because that’s Don Pirelli, and he doesn’t like it when people mess with his family.”

The bully’s eyes widen as he looks at me, recognition and fear dawning on his face. My reputation in the neighborhood clearly precedes me.

“I… I’m sorry,” he stammers, backing away from both Lou and the kid he was bullying. “It won’t happen again.”

As the bully scurries off, Lou turns to the other kid. “You okay?” she asks kindly.

The boy nods, looking at Lou with a mixture of gratitude and awe. “Thanks,” he mumbles.

Lou shrugs, a small smile on her face. “No problem. That’s what friends are for.”

As Lou rejoins us, I can see the other kids watching her with newfound respect. Zip chuckles beside me.

“Well,” he says, “looks like Lou’s found a new way to handle bullies.”

I nod, still processing what just happened. Goddamn, this kid is amazing. “She’s something else, isn’t she?”

Zip pats my shoulder. “That she is. And it seems she’s quite fond of you too, Don Pirelli.”

As we say goodbye to Lou and watch her head into school, her head held high, I can’t help but feel a swell of affection. This brave, kind-hearted girl has wormed her way into my heart, just like her mother.

Walking back with Zip, I know that my life has irrevocably changed. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Once we’re back at the house, I turn to Marco. “I need to see Genesis. I’ve got an idea.”

I stride into Genesis’ studio, determination etched on my face. She takes one look at me from behind her easel and arches an eyebrow.

“Let me guess, you’re here to ask for a favor that’ll probably get us both killed,” she says dryly. She waves at Marco. “Hey, Marco. Glad to see Angelo’s dragging you into another hare-brained scheme.”

I can’t help but smirk. “You know me so well.”

“Spill it, Pirelli,” she demands, crossing her tattooed arms.

“I need counterfeit money. Top-notch quality.”

Genesis lets out a low whistle. “Damn, you don’t do things by halves, do you? What's next, want me to forge the Mona Lisa?”

“Can you do it or not?” I press.

She fixes me with a hard stare. “Of course I can do it, asshole. The question is, should I? This isn’t just playing with fire, Angelo. It’s like juggling nitroglycerin while dancing on a tightrope.”

I meet her gaze steadily. “It’s for Fee and Lou. I need to get cash to buy the building from Gino.”

Genesis’ expression softens slightly. “Ah, the dynamic duo. You’ve got it bad, don’t you?”

I ignore that question. “Will you help?”

She sighs dramatically. “Fine. But when this inevitably blows up in our faces, I reserve the right to say ‘I told you so’ while we’re running from the Feds.”

“Deal,” I agree, relief washing over me.

Genesis cracks her knuckles. “Alright, let’s commit some high-class felonies. Just another day, right?”