Chapter 21 Again Rise
“He did his job to the best of his ability, and how was he repaid? With a bullet to the skull. Some of you were involved in the coup that led to his death. I should have killed every single one of you. But my father taught me to be merciful. And I have tried to honor his wishes and his teachings.
My mother asked me to give a speech earlier. She asked me to inform you of my plans to lead. So that you would know how strong I am. Well, I’m going to start by laying down some new rules. There will be no more mercy,” he declares.
“If I detect even the slightest hint of disobedience, disrespect, or betrayal, I promise to make you suffer. It will not be quick or painless. I swear I will make you wish you were never born. You knew my father's mercy; now you will feel my ruthlessness.”
When they look at their Don, there is a clear, palpable fear in their eyes. Roman practically says:
“Mister Nice Guy is gone,” the kid gloves are off.
He walks over to the man on the floor and lifts him to his feet. Then he grabs the gun from the back of his shirt. Roman's expression is positively menacing. I flinch as he smirks slightly.
"I'm going to start with Noah Pike. Like I said, he attacked my sister tonight. He doesn't deserve an easy death, but he makes the perfect scapegoat so you can all see how damn serious I am."
"Please," Pike says, shaking. I'm surprised he's even capable of begging. "Please."
Roman kicks him to the ground. He cocks the gun in his hand and points it at him. I think the scariest thing about this is how calm Roman looks. He might as well be picking flowers. I've been secretly calling him a psychopath all these years, but this is the first time he's actually suggested that he might actually be one.
As he's about to fire, there's a scream. Everyone watches as an old man with balding hair runs out of the crowd. He kneels in front of Roman, covering Pike's body.
"I know what my son did was unforgivable," the old man begins, his voice shaking.
“But he’s the only child I have left. Please, Roman, I beg you. You can’t kill him.”
Roman tilts his head to the side.
“I said no more mercy, Nolan,” he says calmly.
The old man swallows. “I heard you. That’s why I’m offering myself in his place. Kill me instead.”
A small sigh escapes me. Oh, God.
“Please,” the old man continues. “Your father and I had a history. I did everything he ever asked of me. Now I beg you to do this.”
The scene is absolutely pathetic. Everyone watches, holding their breath. No one dares move a muscle. Noah Pike is still lying on the ground, tears streaming down his face.
Roman's expression is thoughtful as he looks at the old man. Finally, he comes to a decision.
"A life for a life," Roman breathes out.
A second later, he fires. The bullet hits its target, and the old man falls dead. My stomach clenches. I have to look away for a second, hoping to control my breathing. When I look back, I see Roman calling for security to take the man's body. Noah Pike has been pulled out, too.
Roman had not finished his speech yet.
“My father died and left me in charge. I’ve been training to be Don since I was seven, and I know the needs of every man here. My duty to you is to protect your families. The De Lucases are considered one of the richest families in New York.
But right now, the Russos, the Gallos, even the D’Angelos, none of them respect us. They think we’re weak as hell. They think we’ve gone soft, but I’m going to change that. You’re all going to help me change that. We’re going to rise.”
“We’re going to rise,” several people repeat.
Those are De Luca’s words. The family motto. The promise. We’re going to rise.
Roman nods, pleased with their answer. The party breaks up; The mood turns sour as the guests begin to leave. I watch Roman for a few seconds as he talks to Tony.
He really did it. He beat them. There's not a soul here today who isn't afraid of Roman De Luca. That's exactly what he wanted.
Two hours later, the party has wound down and the house is empty. I walk over to the bar inside, needing a drink. Today hasn't gone the way I expected, but this was the best outcome I could have hoped for. The alternative would have been a spiral, so honestly, watching a man get killed was the best option.
I pause in the doorway, my eyes meeting dark blue ones.
“We need to stop meeting like this,” I tell Roman.
Like last time, the last thing I should do is walk into the room and talk to him. I continue working regardless. He raises an eyebrow when I sit down next to him at the bar and reach for a glass. When I gesture for him to pour me a drink, he simply smirks before complying.
I take in his appearance subtly. He’s changed out of his bloody T-shirt and into clean white slacks. His hair is still a little damp, so I guess he took a shower. He doesn’t look like the kind of guy who killed an old man and destroyed an entire family last night. It’s a little creepy.
“Do you have something to say, trouble?” Roman asks, not looking at me.
I look away from him and forward.
“Nah. I’m here to sit and drink and wallow in the mess that is my life,” I say, taking a long sip of my drink.
“I’m sorry you had to witness what happened tonight,” Roman says tensely, vaguely guessing that his actions are the cause of my discomfort.
I shake my head.
“Just another day at the De Luca house. I told you, it’s not easy to hurt my delicate, feminine sensibilities.”
He lets out a breath.
“So why lie around?”
I pause, wondering if I should tell him this. Then I realize with a shock that he’s the only person I can tell this to. It’s really funny. Of all the people in my life, the only person I can talk to about this is Roman De Luca.
“Today is the anniversary of my mother’s passing,” I admit.
Roman looks at me.
“Actually, I thought you knew. Then I realized you probably didn’t know when you said you were planning a party for tonight.”
His lips twist into a grimace.
“I’m not heartless, but I sure as hell didn’t know.”
“Even if you did, it’s okay,” I assure him with a smile. “I mean, it’s funny that I’m even sad about it. The woman left over ten years ago. It shouldn’t even bother me.”