Becoming the Street Boss - Hayley Faiman Page 0,68

voice rumbling.

Lifting my shoulders as I inhale a deep breath, I drop them along with my head, exhaling as I wonder what the fuck Salvatore has to say to me.

I know that he talked to Gavino and Arlo when this all happened, but I have no clue what they discussed and seeing as Massimo isn’t home yet, whatever that plan is, it hasn’t worked.

Renzo shakes his head, turning his back to me before he starts to make his way downstairs to the living room, I follow behind him, my feet shuffling with each step that I take.

I’m depressed as hell and I know that I need to take care of myself, but I really just want to wallow until the next thing is thrown at me.

“Pippa,” a voice murmurs.

Keeping my head down, I make my way over to the corner of the sofa and sink down, pulling my knees up before I wrap my arms around them. Only then do I lift my face and look at Salvatore. I wish that I hadn’t looked. A flash of pity crosses his face and I hate it.

“You’re obviously not doing well,” he rasps.

“I would do better if I knew what was happening,” I lie.

He smiles softly, shaking his head a couple of times. “Somehow I doubt that. No newlywed would be okay with her husband being arrested and gone for a week, let alone, a woman in your position.”

“In my position?”

Salvatore smiles brightly. “You know who you are, Pippa. You know you’re the wife of a Made Man, it’s no secret.”

“What happens now?” I ask, my voice low and meek.

Salvatore nods his head once. “He’s made a deal. On my urging, and with protest,” he announces.

My head flies up and my lips part in shock. “He did?”

“He did. Just to say, he’s not happy about his deal, but it was what he needed to do. In the long run, it’s what was needed.”

Licking my lips, I open my mouth, but Renzo speaks first. “What’s the deal? How much time’s he getting?”

Time?

Time.

Fuck.

The look in Salvatore’s eyes tells me that Massimo is indeed getting time. And judging by the look on his face, I’m not going to like the length of time Massimo will be away from me.

“Five years,” he rasps.

My heart stops beating. My lungs freeze. I stare, slack-jawed at him, expecting him to laugh and say he’s kidding. He isn’t laughing. He also doesn’t seem like the kind of man who laughs and jokes, in general, anyway.

“Five years?” I finally wheeze.

He nods, but Renzo doesn’t say anything. My eyes search Salvatore’s and I just stare blankly before I decide to ask what’s been on my mind since Massimo was arrested.

“What happens to me?”

“You’re the wife of a Street Boss. You live here in his home, you’ll have access to whatever funds you need. The household bills will all be taken care of by Gavino. He’ll have money available for you to access. You live your life as if he’s still right here next to you. The wife of a Made Man in good standing? She never goes without. Not ever.”

“Except she goes without him,” I mumble. Salvatore clears his throat, and I watch as he shifts uncomfortably in his seat. “What?” I ask.

His eyes lift and find mine. “I know it’s probably embarrassing, but I have to tell you. This five-year stint? It does not include conjugal visits. New York does permit them, but the federal prison system does not.”

My eyes widen and I feel my face heat at his words. Renzo grunts, but I can’t look over at him. Shaking my head, I pinch my eyes closed. I don’t want to think about that, and I really don’t want to think about not being touched for five years. It’s all too much.

“What happens now?” I ask, opening my eyes.

Salvatore lifts his lips up in a small smile. “Next, he’s arraigned and officially sentenced. Then, we wait for five years, maybe less if he is released early for good behavior. But five full years if he doesn’t want probation.”

With a sigh, I stand to my feet. I’m suddenly exhausted. Slowly, I walk toward the stairs, stopping after I’ve taken my first step. Looking behind me over my shoulder, I give him a small smile.

“You’ll let me know when the arraignment is, won’t you? I think I’d like to go.”

Salvatore dips his chin in a jerk but doesn’t say anything else. I’m glad. I don’t want to hear anything else. I take myself