'boss' anymore?” We both give a small laugh. I have to admit it hurts a bit, but I understand. And I'm fucking grateful to still be around.
He smiles broadly. “It's the best I can do, Tommy. She's loyal to the family, and to you. That's enough for me. She's a good girl, like my Elle. She's not gonna say shit. So long as that's the case, everything's good.”
“That mean I'm not made anymore?” That'd put some bigass targets on my back.
“You're still a Valetti. And just like last night, we've got you, and you've got us, right?”
I pull my cousin in for a hug and feel like a little bitch for getting even the least bit emotional. This is better than I'd hoped for.
“You'd better fucking marry that broad, too. The sooner, the better,” he says.
“Yeah, I know, so she doesn't have to talk.”
He looks back at me with a grin as he says, “Well, that and Ma will be pissed if you don't do right by her.” His joke fills my chest with warmth. He's right, too. Aunt Linda will kick my ass.
“Love you, cuz,” Vince says.
“Love you, Vince.” We both pat each other on the back harder than we should to make up for getting so emotional.
“Still family?” I ask again, not really believing it could be that good.
Vince nods his head, “Always.”
Tonya
“You gotta meet the familia.” Tommy wants to take me to his aunt’s house for dinner. To Dante Valetti’s house. Dante Valetti is the former Don and father of the current Don, Vincent Valetti. I’m nervous as hell. It’s been two weeks of just us. Two weeks of hiding away in his apartment while we figure this shit out. There’s no doubt in my mind that I made the right decision leaving the department and doing what feels right. But then I remember his family, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried.
“They know I was a cop.” That's the only explanation I need. That right there is enough for them to want me dead.
“Yeah, they do. And they know you’re my girl.” Tommy rubs his hand over my belly and forces a smile from me. “You’re a woman, Tonya, and I know you hate this, but we keep women out of it.”
“But I was a cop.” I’ve seen them all a handful of times now, and each time it gets easier. But this is different. It’s not one or two of them coming over to drop something off, it’s all of them in one place. And I feel like I’m going to be an outsider.
“Yeah, for under a year. And they know about your sister and why you joined. They know you’re loyal to me.” He stands behind me and wraps his arms around my body, pulling me into his hard chest. I feel cocooned in his warmth. I close my eyes and breathe in deep. It’s not fair that he can put me at ease so effortlessly.
“Besides, there’s someone there I really think you should meet.”
“Who’s that?” I ask.
“You should meet Ava. I think you’d really love getting to know her. She lost her sister, too.”
“Ava?” The name rings a bell, but I’m not sure why.
“Yeah, she’s been asking about you. She wants to meet you.” He speaks his words softly, like he's waiting for something.
“Why does that name sound familiar?”
“Ivanov.” He says her last name and everything clicks into place. I turn in his arms to face him with wide eyes. She’s supposedly dead.
I part my lips, but I don’t ask. I know not to ask questions.
He gives me a small smile and says softly, “A bad man hurt her once, but she made him pay. She's a strong woman, like you. I think you two are going to get along great.”
Tears prick at my eyes, and I hold onto him with everything in me. He kisses my hair, while I try to calm down.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, but he’s long gone, Tonya. He’ll never hurt anyone else.”
I cry in his arms. I haven't cried in weeks, but the need to purge all my sadness has me leaning against him in tears. He rubs my back while I cry for all of them. For my sister, for Ava’s sister. For Ava and the other survivors. I cry for them all. A calmness washes through me as I settle with exhaustion into his embrace. A feeling like a rebirth. Like I’ll finally have a fresh start. Maybe now I