THIRTY

LILY’s POV

The ride back from the edge of town is a stilted one. At Kane’s orders, Tore remained behind to oversee the turf and Big Bob is staying with him to help out. Ian’s plea to stay back with his mother however was flat out rejected.

“This isn’t a country club where you can choose to come and go,” Kane had told Ian. “Once you join the Mafia, you can only leave when I say yes.” He softened somewhat at the end and he ruffled Ian’s mop of hair. “You’ll get to visit your loved ones on your off days.”

Perhaps it is better this way. In Maria’s mind, Ian is no longer her son but some boy who could perhaps give her money if she lets him touch her and have 'fun' with her body. In a way, it is better for her to be in the comforting presence of my mother for the time being.

“How about we grab dinner before heading back?” Ruso breaks the silence from the driver’s seat. We left a car back at the town for Tore, so Russo and Ian are riding back with u