Page 54 of Lost Prince
“Is there a problem?” Elio says as he strides into the room looking confident and ready to toss Vincenzo out if needed. I have no memories of my older brother, but I have a sense thatI’ve always looked up to him. And now is no different. He has a calm that Lana doesn’t, and yet, he can be fierce when needed.
“Yes. I’m tired of your disrespect. Each time you say you’ll make things right, and then you disrespect me again.”
Elio’s eyes narrow. “I have not disrespected you again.”
Rinella’s finger points toward me, and I have an urge to break it off. “You didn’t tell me Lazaro is back.”
Elio sighs. “Lazaro’s return is family business.”
“We are in alliance and it’s an insult?—”
“Why don’t we take this to the other room? We’ll have a drink and discuss this perceived slight you’re feeling.” Elio’s voice is smooth, but his eyes are intense. He’s showing this guy respect but won’t hesitate to toss him out if needed.
“Fine.” Rinella pushes past him heading to the living room, telling me he’s familiar with the house. This is a man I should know, but I have no memory of him.
But I don’t have time to get reacquainted. I have a date. As the men head to the living room, I make a beeline for the kitchen.
Matteo takes my arm to stop me. “You need to stay for this," he murmurs, his tone leaving no room for argument.
I clench my jaw, frustration bubbling up inside me. “I have a date?—”
“This is family, Lazaro.”
I’m torn between wanting to be with Diana and loyalty to my family. I've been trying so hard to balance my growing feelings for her with my duties to the family, but moments like these make it painfully clear how difficult that balance is to maintain.
In the end, I have to choose my family. I reluctantly follow Matteo to the living room, glancing back toward the kitchen. Maybe this won’t take long, and I’ll be heading out to dinner with Diana shortly.
I stand by Matteo, watching as Rinella and Elio talk calmly and yet, the undercurrent of hostility is palpable. Every so often, Rinella's gaze flicks to me, his eyes narrowing with what looks like accusation. It's as if I'm the source of all this animosity, though I have no idea why.
"I assure you, Vincenzo, I have every intention of continuing to build our two families’ alliance."
Rinella scoffs, his face twisting into a sneer. "And yet, here we are. Your family's actions speak louder than your words, Elio."
I shift uncomfortably, feeling like I should contribute something to the conversation. But what can I say when I don't even know what alliance they're talking about?
Matteo places a hand on my shoulder, a silent warning to stay quiet. I clench my fists, hating how helpless I feel. The conversation continues to swirl around me, filled with references to past events and unspoken understandings that I should know but don't.
“What is the source of your anger?” Elio asks.
“Your brother has been home for weeks, and no one bothered to let me know.”
Elio sips his drink. “I don’t know why it’s your business.”
“I don’t trust you. Your father wouldn’t have withheld important information.”
“With all due respect, my brother’s return isn’t important information to anyone but my family.”
“I don’t know why I bother? You’re not half the man your father was?—”
“Hey!” I start to step forward, but Matteo steps into my path, preventing me from knocking Rinella on his ass.
Elio holds his hand up to me. “It’s okay, Lazaro.” He turns to Rinella. “You’re in my home, Vincenzo. MY HOME! I will not let you disrespect me?—”
“What are you going to do? Kill me? You and I both know Caruso won’t put up with that.”
“Who’s Caruso?” I whisper to Matteo.
“He’s head of The Outfit. Head of all Families.”