"I understand," Marco said and he did, truly.
In their world, trust was a risk. Men smiled with knives under the table. Blood betrayed blood. Brothers became enemies. Loyalty had to be proven again and again until death finally made the record permanent.
"But I'd rather eat a bullet than do something that will ever hurt Ma."
Massimo nodded. Marco loved Carol with a son's certainty, and that loyalty extended into every choice he made. "I should break you away from Luca," Massimo said, studying him. "Make you a Don of your own. Another city. Spread our wings."
Marco's answer came without hesitation. "I'll always be with Luca, Don. He is my brother. I have to head back now."
"Yes," Massimo said. "I will get what you requested for to you as soon as possible."
