All That You Are

Chapter Eight*

Harry has often wondered how long he would reign as Capo, how long he has of this lifetime. Being a Made Man is unpredictable enough, but becoming Capo gives you a fat red wanted sign everywhere you go.

He often contemplates what his life would be like if he hadn't been raised into such a family, if he was born to other people, or if his father was still alive – would his life be any different?

His mind tends to wander this way quite regularly. But before he can ever allow himself to divulge into the what ifs, he's always very rudely brought back to reality. Maybe it's the universe telling him to grow up.

There is no alternative, there is no other life. This is who he is and who he will always be. The only escape from this life is death.

The gentle tapping on the door pulls Harry's attention back to the matter at hand. Brian closes the door behind him as he enters the office, hands on his hips with a hint of frustration in his eyes.

That look is not something Harry wants nor needs today. "What is it?" He asks, sitting back in his chair now. Brian sighs, slightly gnawing on his bottom lip.

He's never once been afraid to relay bad news to Harry. However, as of recently, he's begun to grow a little feeling in the pit of his stomach whenever it has something to do with his wife and her family.

"It's Nino." His words automatically get Harry's back up and he's quickly on high alert as he leans forward.

"He's trying to move the wedding forward. I don't know what's happened but it's happening. At the end of July."

Harry freezes. It can only mean one thing if Nino is planning to wed Maria at the end of next month. He's up to something, and Harry gets the feeling he needs to start watching his back a little more than usual.

He curses under his breath. "Who authorised this?"

"Dante. I'm surprised you didn't hear this from him."

Harry shakes his head. "Dante would've never approved this. He and I have the same hatred for these fucking things."

Brian hums, pursing his lips. "He would if Nino told him he's concerned for Maria's safety. That her father is abusing her."

Harry's blood boils. Nino doesn't care for the girl, and surely Dante is more than aware of this. It makes him sick to his stomach, like Nino is waving his and Y/N's situation in his face. He doesn't know much longer he can take his cousin's psychotic behaviours.

Harry dismisses Brian, tells him to keep a close eye on Nino until they can figure something out.

His mind can only think of Y/N. He can't handle the tears she'll cry or the guilt that eats away at him for not stopping this from happening. They're in a good place right now — as good as can be for their situation and he doesn't need anything fucking that up right now.

Maybe that's why Harry doesn't hesitate to call her straight away and inform her of the news. This isn't something he wishes to hide from her — he can't. As much as it might pain him, she needs to know what's going on.

"Hey," her breathy voice answers through the line. It pulls on his heartstrings for a brief moment, something that tends to keep happening to Harry when he's around her.

It's something he can't seem to get used to.

"How are you darling?" He asks softly, hopes to ease the blow with a little small talk but he knows it's pointless. She probably sees right through him, he's sure. Y/N has always analysed his every word and movement, something out of fear she learnt from her father.