31

ALESSANDRO

Cesare grips my shoulder. “Which is also why I know Lorena’s death is affecting you more than you show.

You were always the type who looked eerily calm, even after you came back from your father’s torture sessions.

You’ve been either on a violence spree or in this pretend calm mode, so I’m assuming you’re suffering inside or bottling your pain or both.”

“If you’re done being an amateur therapist…” I rotate my shoulder, forcing him to release me, and sidestep him to head toward the stairs.

“You need to get your shit together, Ales!” he shouts after me. “You’re the Head of the Italian families now, and your head is worth more than ever before.”

“Save the concern for your family.” I don’t look at him as I take the stairs up.

He’s been subtly trying not to be all disgustingly lovey-dovey with his wife whenever I’m around. Even his wife refrains from any form of PDA in my presence.