Bred In Violence (A Mafia Romance Book One) #𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟏

Chapter 25

It takes a long time to grow an old friend.
~John Leonard~

*Unedited*

Raphael

Sitting in Fabricio's office going through my pending work got me thinking that maybe one of the guys in my vault knew who the traitor was; not knowing who it was provoked rage in me that was indescribable.

My mind was tired; my body was exhausted. I felt like I had been fighting an endless battle. I wanted to go home, get into a zone with Sophie, and to hell with everything else, but I couldn't do that. I was responsible for more than my family; I was a boss to thousands of people.

The knock on the door tossed me out of my absorption.

"Sorry to disturbance you, boss, but there is someone here to see you" Fabricio stood in the doorway, irritated by the interruption; I lifted an eyebrow, a sure sign that I wasn't happy with the interruption because I had specifically said I didn't want to be disturbed unless it was important and somewhat I doubted this was important.

"I said I didn't want to be bothered," I exhaled, fighting the urge to shout at him, mumbling, intending to tell no, but he beat me to it.

"He says to tell you his name is Leonardo Brasi."

"What?"

"His na--"

"I heard what you said" My shock was palpable; I stared at Fabricio without seeing him. The last time I saw Leo was when we rescued him from Antonio when he said he was getting out of the mafia business; that was almost ten years ago.

Why would he come to see me?

Why now?

Was he in trouble?

He had made me promise to never look for him, he wanted out completely, and I had respected his decision. No matter how much I wanted to search for him, how much I still wanted his help, I let him go and never regretted it. Now he was back, which meant it's something he desperately wanted, and I was the only person who could get it for him—because knowing Leo, he had assessed all his options, and I was the only option he had.

"Bring him in," I said, leaning back in my chair, an urgency in my voice, and my curiosity piqued, I wanted to know why he was back in this world after he swore he was never coming back.

He strolled in, a smile on his face, hands in his pocket. "Raphael, good to see you," he said, holding out his hand like it was a planned meeting, or usual or a routine, not an impromptu meeting from an old friend who I never expected to see again.  

We shook hands, staring at each other without saying a word.

Wearing a brook brothers charcoal suit, a white shirt, and shoes that must be designers, I guessed Leonardo Brasi wasn't doing overly bad; In fact, I would go on a limb and say he was doing more than okay.

"Leo, it's a surprise to see you; the last time we were together you swore, you'll never return to this side of town. What changed?"

"Can't a guy just drop by to see an old friend?"

"He sure can, but not you!" I emphasized, pointing a pen at him. "What can I do for you, old friend?"

He looked at me, fidgeting and nervous, probably buying time. "goddamnt it, Leo, just spits it out!"

"You have my girl."

"Excuse me?"

"You have my girl."

My heart began to hammer in deep, aching beats; I was paralyzed by fear. Oh God, please let it not be Sophie because there was no way in hell I was giving her up!

Hey guys, thank you for reading. This is my shortest chapter so far because I wanted to get your thoughts on who you think Leo is and who the girl he refers to is. I would LOVE to hear from you. 

PS. A longer chapter is coming.