Unforgivable Secrets | One Mistake Away Series Bk 1 [Mob Romance]

Chapter 18 - A Fire Ready To Spark and Ignite (Pt 3)

Mason's POV:

Harper's hand dropped from Ricci's arm. Her jaw hardened. "My fight isn't with you."

Ciciliano was known for his stone-hard face. He didn't joke around. People feared him. He was the head of the Italian Omerta for a reason. He hadn't been born into it. He'd fought, clawed, massacred, and assassinated until he was at the top. Just being in the same room as him sent a shiver down my spine.

"You killed my soldiers. Your actions have been brought to my attention, Miss O'Sullivan." His voice was cold, detached.

I didn't know what Harper's plans were, but I knew she was in over her head. She hadn't taken the time to think of who she was angering. She was taking on a personal vendetta without foreseeing what the consequences would be. She'd always been a little impulsive, but this was going too far.

Stepping away from Ricci, she moved in front of Ciciliano with a purpose. Regardless of her impulsive nature, she still looked like a fucking queen to me. No matter how angry I was at her for putting me in this position, she was still the most beautiful woman I'd laid my eyes upon.

Standing in front of him, the air was tense. I watched Harper stare him down, the Omerta leader not flinching at the intimidation. "Were you responsible for killing my father?"

My heart skipped every other beat as I waited for the leader to answer. Ricci sucked on a new cigarette, watching the situation unfold. The man's face was made of stone, but I could see the interest popping through.

"A leader would never go anywhere without his foot soldiers." Ciciliano casually commented. He took a step closer to the woman, closing the space between them.

Clenching my jaw I waited to see how things would proceed. I wanted to avoid confrontation, but if they threatened Harper's safety in any way, I would intervene. I was willing to die to protect her. Maybe it was foolish, but I still cared about her.

Her lip twitched, but she ignored his comment the same as he did to her. "As I told your parasite of a general, you both underestimate me. I am an impatient woman. Answer my fucking question."

Ricci turned around, shoving his cigarette butt into my shoulder. He ground it through my shirt, burning my tender flesh. Clenching my teeth, I tried to suppress my moan.

Without a second thought, Harper pulled a pistol from underneath her dress and pulled the trigger. Ricci growled out in pain as his cigarette dropped and his free arm held his shoulder.

All guns were drawn and aimed at the woman peacefully resting her gun at her side. She didn't look at any of them, her focus fully on Ciciliano.

"As I said, I am not a patient woman. I do not tolerate people beating around the bush. If you have something to say come out with it. If I ask you a question, I expect to be answered." The attitude and impatience in her voice was unmistakable.

Ciciliano stared at her, his face completely unreadable. Harper stared back. The air felt thick as both leaders waited to see what the other would say.

Ricci looked like he was about to blow a fuse. Blood spurted out of his shoulder and through his fingers. It served him right after burning me. I would have enjoyed seeing him suffer more.

Slowly raising his hand, Ciciliano signaled for the men to lower their weapons. He gave a single blink before a deep breath wisped through his mouth. "Ricci, go get that shoulder taken care of. I will finish things here."

Ricci's brows furrowed, anger rippling through his eyes. "Ri..."

"Go, Alec." Ciciliano stopped the man from questioning him, his voice hard.