The Surrender of the Twin Dons Chapter 05

The Surrender of the Twin Dons Chapter 05

Luciana’s pov

Vincenzo muttered a curse under his breath.

But he got up, thrust the ointment tube into my hand. “Handle it yourself. I’ll be in the study.”

I took the cream, listening to his footsteps fade. A wave of relief crashed over me, and I slumped against the mattress.

My phone buzzed on the nightstand.

I picked it up. Encrypted number.

“Salvatore. Save this contact”

I stared at the screen for a long beat, then typed a reply. “Yes, Don Rizzo.”

No response came.

Vincenzo didn’t come back.

He called—something about a mess at the Jersey docks. He sounded tense and furious. Said he’d be gone a few days.

It gave me space to catch my breath.

The next morning, I got ready for class.

Downstairs, Salvatore was waiting.

Today, he was wearing glasses.

The dark lenses glinted coldly, making him look untouchable—
nothing like the man who’d lost all restraint with me the night before.

I greeted him softly, acting as if we’d only just met. *Good morning,
Don Rizzo.*

He inclined his head. *Heading to campus?*

“Yes.”

“I’m headed that way. I’ll drive you.”

I almost refused. He cut me off, tone flat. *Vincenzo’s away. As Don, it
falls to me to keep you safe and looked after*

“Eat something first.”

I scarfed down a few mouthfuls of oatmeal and set my fork aside

Salvatore didn’t comment. Turned and walked out.

I trailed after him, eyes cast to the floor.

The second the door closed, Salvatore hit the privacy partition button.

“Don Rizzo?” Panic crept into my voice.

He removed his glasses, set them on the console, and looked at me.
“How’s the injury?”

Heat flooded my face. *B-better. Much better.*

He nodded, pulled out a different tube, and handed it over. *Once it
starts healing, switch to this one.*

I stared, then waved my hands frantically. *No, that’s okay, Don Rizzo.* Vincenzo already… he already applied the cream.*

Salvatore’s expression didn’t change, but the air in the car turned heavy.

“Take it. This formula repairs damaged tissue far more effectively.”

“Really, I couldn’t—” I shook my head, my heart hammering.

“Vincenzo’s already annoyed that I mistook you for him. If he sees me using your cream… he’ll just get angrier.”

Salvatore studied me. Slowly withdrew the tube.

“You care that much about Vincenzo?”

“He’s my first boyfriend.” I pressed my lips together, forcing a sweet, dazed look into my eyes.

“He’s always been so good to me. I love him.”

A low sound escaped him, almost a dry laugh—perhaps I’d imagined it.

He turned his head, gaze fixed on the window.

The rest of the drive passed in complete silence.

When we pulled up, I murmured my thanks. “Don Rizzo, thank you. I’ll head to class now.”

He gave a faint, quiet hum of acknowledgment.

I gripped my backpack straps and stepped out.

The instant the car door clicked closed, Salvatore’s voice stopped me.

“Luciana.”

I turned, caught off guard—met his unfathomable dark eyes.

“This cream’s best for scars.”

“Use it on the one on your calf.”

“Don Rizzo… how do you know about the scar on my calf?”

He offered no reply.

He pressed the tube into my palm.

I stood there, stunned, before shutting the door.

The Maybach sped off.

I stayed rooted for a minute, then pulled out my phone to reply to Vincenzo.

“Missing you too. Ten more days?”

“More or less. I’ll sort this mess out as fast as I can.”

“Okay. Waiting for you.”