"That's why he tried to kill you, isn't it?" Realization suddenly dawns on me.
"Yes," Baz confirms.
"So, it was Benny who made the power play?"
"Yup. And now Regina is trying to finish what he started. Brainwashed till the very end." Gianni sighs. "Benny always wanted to be king, and there is strength in numbers."
"That's funny. Because he used to say the exact same thing about you. You wanted to be king."
Gianni huffs. "I never wanted to be king. It just sort of happened that way."
He looks at Baz then back to me. "I think Benny had been planning this for a while. But he didn't bank on Baz fighting back. He always did underestimate my nephew. He got what he deserved." There's not a hint of remorse in the last sentence.
I'm completely at odds. Everything I was told is being challenged. My entire foundation in question. The man I thought I knew is, in reality, a complete stranger. I feel a little sick. And a lot stupid. A naïve child once again alone on the street. Once again wandering aimlessly in search of a purpose.
But I have a purpose now, don't I? I clutch my stomach and sneak a glance at Baz. They're my purpose.
It's like I'm looking at life under a different light. A black light, and all the invisible pieces are illuminated in the dark.
"I wouldn't have killed anyone if I'd known the truth." It's the only response I can muster. Baz squeezes my thigh reassuringly under the table. I lean closer to him, drawing on his strength. I need all the support I can get right now, and the person I want it most from is Baz. He kisses the top of my head possessively, Gianni watching the entire display.
"What's done is done," Baz proclaims. "We wipe the slate clean and move forward."
"You think it's just that easy?" Gianni contests.
"Make it that easy," Baz orders. "We're getting married. Soon. Before the baby comes."
Say what? My insides go bananas from his declaration, but I remain completely composed on the outside.
"Cover it up, start a rumor, do whatever the fuck you have to do to smooth it over. No one touches Stevie. Not even you."
A chill actually runs down my spine. Baz the Boss is bad ass. It's completely inappropriate right now, but I'm totally turned on.
Gianni runs a hand through his greying streaks. He resembles Benny. Dark hair, light eyes, same shaped face. He's older though, the crow's feet and smile lines more prominent, but he's still good looking. The Velona men have an identifiable European look. Not Baz, though. He's so different. Chestnut hair and creamier skin. His features are masculine in a different way. Sharp but rugged, like an edgy male model.
They're classically handsome. He's ruggedly beautiful.
Gianni remains silent for what feels like an eternity. His intrusive gaze jumping between me and Baz.
"I'll smooth it over. But Stevie belongs to us now."
"Like hell. She isn't working for you. She's pregnant. And going to be a mother."
"She has a special skillset, and we are down ten men because of her. She'll pay her debt."
"Over my fucking dead body." Baz shoots out of his chair, but I grab his arm.
"Baz, it's fine. I'll pay my debt." I nod, conceding. It's the way of our world.
"Hell fucking no."
"Baz, yes," I argue. "It's the right thing to do. You know how things work."
"You don't have to be a killer, Stevie."
"She does if you want her to live," Gianni stipulates, and Baz shoots rocket launchers at him across the table.
"No jobs while she's pregnant," Baz demands.
"Fine." Gianni places his hands up. "But after the baby comes, she's mine." His blue eyes slash right through me.
Baz leans across the table menacingly. "Let's get one thing straight. Stevie is mine. She may work for you, but I approve the jobs. Got it? This is non-negotiable."
The corner of Gianni's mouth ticks as Baz stares him down. If I didn't know any better, I'd think Gianni is doing all this just to get a rise out of him.
"I can agree to that." Gianni doesn't even try to contain the smile spreading across his face.
"Where the fuck is she?" A woman stomps onto the deck in sky-high heels carrying a young boy, followed closely by a fretting Frederick. "I want to look her in the face!" As soon as her eyes land on me, she attacks. "You! You're the one who took my husband from me! Made me a widow at twenty-eight and stole my son's father!" I stand as she points and accuses me in front of everyone. "Murderer!" There's venom behind the word.
"Gianna!" Baz hisses.
"You shut up! How can you be with her after what she did? After she killed Romeo? She slit his fucking throat, Baz!"