Lahat ng Kabanata ng THE GODFATHER'S SIBLINGS: Kabanata 81 - Kabanata 90

Zandra Russo POV I didn’t realize how tired I was until I sat down on the bed, and since Thor was going to be another hour, I figured a quick snooze would help me pass the time. My mind is refreshed and alert which is why I instantly notice the strong arms wrapped around me and the rich scent of Thorton’s cologne filling my nose. Tilting my chin up, I peer at his sleeping face and quietly marvel. Thorton is strikingly handsome. I already knew this, of course, but especially so now that his ever-present scowl has smoothed out. Where once I thought he was made of stone, now I see he’s just like me—human and fallible. I study the sharp line of his nose and dare to run my fingers over his jaw, savoring the roughness of his stubble on my skin. A warm, fuzzy sensation ripples through my body. I know I should go, but I can’t find the strength to leave the comfort of his arms.For the life of me, I can’t remember when someone last held me this tenderly. The realization in and of itself shoul

Thorton Gallardo POV Rome, Italy The city is built on a river, a mosaic of the old and the new. The centuries-old cobblestone streets are lined with modern lamp posts, and the exterior walls of buildings are painted in an array of muted beiges and pastels. On the surface, it’s a quaint riverside city. A perfect vacation spot for those who don’t mind the year-round cold. But I know the truth. Just below the surface, the capital city of Rome has a swarming, thriving criminal underbelly. It’s simply a matter of knowing where to look.“They’re late,” Samuel grumbles. He cracks his knuckles, then his neck, then his back, the loud popping similar to squeezing a fistful of bubble wrap. It’s one of his biggest tells when he’s nervous. If there’s a joint he can crack, he will. “Have a little patience,” I remind him as I fiddle with my lighter. “They’ll be here.” “What if it’s some kind of trap?” The possibility this meeting might be a set-up did dawn on me, but we’re not in a good enough p

Thorton Gallardo POV “What the fuck is going on?” Samuel roars after me as we rush into the taxi depot. It’s a lot closer than driving all the way to my place for an emergency meeting. Besides, if the Russo decide to come after us in retaliation, we have no shortage of taxis to use as escape vehicles. “You drove us right into the middle of an ambush!” Leo grumbles. “What the hell were you thinking?”Damien remains calm and collected. “Let’s just take a minute to breathe, okay? Is anyone hurt?” “No,” Samuel growls as he cracks his knuckles. “But someone’s about to be if I don’t get some fucking answers!”“They’re going to come down on us after that,” Roman points out.“We managed to strike a balance with them. A temporary truce. Now that’s gone out the window!”My brothers shout at each other. At me. It’s damn near impossible to think.“What the hell happened out there, Thorton?” Damien asks. “You should have told us if you were planning to go to war with the Russo Mafia. Now we have

Thorton Gallardo POV We’re holding our own. As a matter of fact, we’re doing phenomenally on the war front. No major losses, and my brothers and I have even managed to gain traction in the east, driving back Russo's presence long enough to swoop in to claim their abandoned territory. I should be over the moon about this… I’m nothing but bitter, angry, and anxious. My attempts to track down Rossi have been fruitless. I’ve turned over every stone, checked every dark corner—nothing. The man vanished like the wind and is probably hiding for his life. Which is smart, considering I’m going to kill him. The Russo Mafia have gone into hiding, too. Not the entire Mafia, but the core family. My network of informants can’t seem to locate Manfred Russo, any of his relatives, or Zandra.They’re operating from the shadows—a distinct advantage where they’re concerned—but in a strange way, I’m almost glad. I can breathe a little easier knowing Zandra is far from the violence. But sooner or later, I

Zandra Russo POV “It’s most likely stress and exhaustion,” Aunt Natalya says as she stands up from the edge of my bed. “You should be fine with an aspirin and some much-needed rest.”I shake my head, struggling to sit up. “I can’t. There’s too much work to do.”Mom rests her hands on my shoulders and practically pins me to my pillows. She’s frighteningly strong when she wants to be. “Oh no you don’t. You’re going to listen to Nat, or so help me God I’ll tie you down and knock you out with a hammer.” “Don’t be so dramatic,” Alessandra sighs. She’s seated on the stool in front of my vanity table. “You weren’t this rough with me when I tried getting out of bed,” Jovito points out. One arm is in a sling while his other is thrown over a crutch to support his injured leg. “Because you were shot,” Mom points out. I throw my head back and groan as my family squabbles. What I wouldn’t give right now for a little peace and quiet. I love them all to death, but good grief we’re a loud bunch.“