by Piper Stone
I’d never been particularly religious, but in honor to my mother, I made the sign of the cross, pressing the tips of my fingers to my lips then pushing them against the gravestone. “I’ll be back when I can, Bella. I promise I won’t be gone for that long again and you know I always keep my promises.”
As the wind whistled through the trees, I tipped my head toward the bright sky, my heart aching. This had been more difficult than I remembered.
After standing, I walked back toward the car, my hand remaining on the handle for a full ten seconds before I was able to open the door.
I had to face the fact I’d taken Emily for two entirely different reasons.
One, to make her suffer like I had, kept away from everyone I loved.
And two, because the glimmer in her eye had reminded me of Bella’s.
What in the fuck was wrong with me?
Without any further hesitation, I jumped into the Ferrari, roaring the engine to life, forced to wipe the tears from my eyes before backing out. When I zoomed out of the area, I glanced into the rearview mirror. I could swear I saw a vision of Bella, her long hair blowing in the breeze.
“Fuck.”
The word tumbled from my mouth as I pressed down on the accelerator, doing everything I could to push aside the sadness. But there was only one other emotion I was capable of.
Rage.
I was furious not only with my brother but also with myself. His accusations had pushed me, something I tried never to allow. While I knew Lucian was doing it on purpose, I’d fallen for his goading. He almost never came to my house, preferring to meet at the corporate offices or at family gatherings.
He’d come with a purpose in mind and if I had to guess, I’d say that Mario had talked, telling my brother about Emily. I hissed as I realized I hadn’t thought the plan through well enough. While it was my life to live, every action I made during the next thirty days would be scrutinized.
Confrontations.
I’d been required to deal with them my entire life. I’d been the big brother, the kid who made certain there was no one who laid a hand on my siblings. I’d gotten into dozens of fights over the years leading to expulsion from several prominent private schools. When I’d been tossed out of the last one my parents considered worthy of our family, they’d finally reached their limit of my bad behavior.
While military school in another state had been their only choice, the time served in such a stern environment had hardened me. I’d come away from the four years with a better understanding of my father’s regime as well as the school of hard knocks. The kids hadn’t taken kindly to a gangly brooding asshole, especially given my family’s reputation.
I’d been on the receiving end of their bullying.
Until I hadn’t been able to take it any longer.
To this day, I remained surprised that I hadn’t landed in a detention facility. I’d only found out after graduating from college that my father had bought off the prominent senator, the cash exchanged just one of the ‘gifts’ he’d offered in exchange for the man’s silence. When the senator became the previous vice president of the United States, I’d truly embraced the power of my father’s influence.
From that day on, I’d done everything I could to return to my father’s good graces. As I eased the Ferrari into the parking lot of the Italian restaurant, I laughed softly. I wasn’t entirely certain why I’d thought about my earlier life, the years ones I’d just as soon forget about. Maybe the recent incarceration had made me soft. Or maybe I was fighting with the demons that had plagued me ever since.
My reminiscing wasn’t going to do me any good. I had to get control of my anger, especially with regard to Lucian. I’d been able to read between the lines of Lucian’s troubled statements. The Azzurris might have interfered with our representation within the exclusive Diamond Dealer’s Club in New York. There were too many questions, almost all of them leading to the forced meeting I was about to engage in. While my father had dabbled in diamonds early in his career, he’d become determined to utilize the lucrative market to boost our family’s reputation as well as our wealth.
In my mind, the move had provided just another complication. While Lucian ran a small diamond brokerage store, the real money was in the Diamond District in New York City, a single day of trading usually bringing in four hundred million dollars. Were the authorities correct in that we could use the operation to hide other monies obtained through our less scrupulous operations? Yes.
But not until we were established in New York, something the Azzurri family was also interested in. And I knew they would stop at nothing to try to achieve what they wanted. It was time to ensure that the brother who’d replaced his father as Don understood that they would never venture into our territory.
I found a parking space in the back. After checking the amount of ammunition, I got out of the car, scanning the surrounding area. I’d chosen to track down Giancarlo without using backup. This was a place of business after all and we were civilized men. I adjusted the button on my jacket, tugging on my sleeves before closing the door. I’d used the word more than once today.
Civilized.
Perhaps there was nothing refined about our methods of handling business, but both families were smart enough to know that starting a war would take careful consideration. Now wasn’t the time.
Unless…
Giancarlo was only two months younger. We knew each other well, his attendance at the same military school more of a coincidence than anything else. Only he’d landed in prison not long after turning eighteen.
To call us friends would be an overstatement, but we’d come to an understanding in the past few years, at least I thought we had. While our fathers were determined to remain bitter enemies, savoring the thought of annihilating every member of the respective families, both Giancarlo and I had determined to shut down the old ways, the brutal methods that had plagued both families for centuries.
Our deal had been made on a handshake alone, a statement of honor. However, that had taken me several years to accept. Was it possible the man had no honor at all? There was no way to shove the thought back in the ugly black box at least for now.
Not until I’d confronted him.
Deal or no deal.
The Azzurris could have a portion of New Orleans, stretching their claws into parts of Texas and further west. Our territory also included Texas, the runs from Brazil much easier to handle, but our operations extended to Florida. However, this would be a different kind of breach altogether. I had to know if they’d decided to move onto our turf during my absence.
As I walked into the restaurant, almost immediately four of Giancarlo’s soldiers moved from positions lurking in the shadows, prepared to handle the situation if necessary.
Or if ordered.
I waved my hand, glaring from one to the other. “Tell your boss I need to see him.”
All four looked at each other, one finally nodding before heading into one of the darkened dining rooms. They didn’t need to ask my name.
Only a few seconds later, the soldier returned. “Lift your arms.”
“You’re not going to frisk me,” I said as quietly as possible as I opened my jacket, allowing them to see the Beretta. “And this will remain with me.”
The soldier looked uncomfortable, shifting his hate-filled gaze toward one of the other before motioning me to follow. The moment I entered the dining area, every person in the room stopped what they were doing, the looks on their faces the same as always.
Fear.
A few glanced toward Giancarlo’s table nervously, prepared to race out of the restaurant if necessary. I smirked as I passed by, noticing Giancarlo was eating by himself, an unusual occurrence. When I moved closer, he rose to his feet, wiping his mouth on the cloth napkin and tossing it onto the table.
The Italian turned toward me, gazing down then lifting an eyebrow. He hadn’t changed, his olive skin and dark eyes giving him a sensual quality. He’d even tack
led a stint at modeling after being released from prison, living in New York against his father’s wishes. After that, he’d become a ruthless businessman.
“He’s packing, boss,” the scarred soldier told him.
Giancarlo took his time before answering. “Leave us alone, Tony.”
“Yes, boss.”
He glanced over his shoulder, watching as Tony left. “If you’re here carrying a weapon, the conversation must be serious.”
“It’s important. I need answers. If they’re not the ones I hope for, my father will make certain decisions that will affect both families. I believe you know what I mean.”
He rose to his full height, locking eyes with mine. There wasn’t a sound in the room. After a few seconds, he grinned, yanking me into a bear hug. “Of course I do. Good to see you a free man, Chris.”
He was the only person, other than my brother, who I dared allow to call me Chris. I’d hated my given name while in school, doing everything I could to disassociate myself from the family’s murderous legacy.
“Good to be seen and not in blazing orange.”
His boisterous laugh was one thing I always remembered about him.
As well as his uncanny marksmanship abilities.
“Sit. Sit. Would you like to join me for lunch?” he asked as he waved one of the waiters over, easing down onto the chair.
“I’m sorry I can’t today. As you might imagine, I have much to do since my release.”
“At least have a glass of wine with me, old friend. Yes?”
While this wasn’t a social visit, I gave a respectful nod. He was trying too hard, a telling fact.
“Excellent. More vino.”
I almost laughed given his accent was much stronger than normal. He’d spent almost no time in Italy, educated at Harvard. He was egging it on, likely for a reason.
Only after the waiter poured another glass of wine from a very expensive bottle of Masseto Massetino did he speak. “I anticipated your arrival.”
“Is that why you’re celebrating?” I held up the glass, swirling the dark liquid.
He laughed heartedly. “I could never get anything past you, my friend.” He lifted his glass. “Salute to your freedom. And it’s good to have a chance to talk man to man.”
“Agreed.” My thoughts drifted to the soliloquy I’d given Emily only two hours earlier. Freedom. The kind of life our families had chosen to live precluded any concept of real freedom. “Why were you expecting my arrival?”
Giancarlo took another bite of his food before pushing the plate away. He sighed before leaning over. “I am aware of the word on the street. You’re here to confront me about our involvement with having you arrested.”
I weighed my words carefully. “I’m here to ask you about the assassination attempt on my father’s life, and a subsequent plan on moving in on our territory, including precious gems. I’m also curious if you have any information on the murder of Michael’s wife.”
He opened his eyes wide, anger sweeping across his face, bristling as I’d expected. The man’s fuse was as short as mine, his penchant for reacting without asking questions well known. He took a deep breath, holding it for a few seconds before expelling.
“We’ve known each other a long time, Cristiano. While our fathers have no love for each other, you and I came to an understanding a long time ago. For you to accuse me of doing several egregious acts isn’t what I’d expect.”
“Yes, we agreed to leave family out of our respective businesses. However, sometimes there are required casualties that are regrettable but necessary. I want the truth, Giancarlo. I can’t hold back my father unless I get it.”
Giancarlo narrowed his eyes. “If this is some kind of riddle…”
“You know I refuse to play games. I need to hear it from you that you had nothing to do with the attempt made on my father’s life.”
While I could tell he was still incensed, the tension eased visibly. “You come to my restaurant carrying a piece. Then you accuse me of several crimes. I’m insulted, Cristiano. But I have to give you credit. You have balls the size of melons. Your father should be proud.”
I said nothing, turning my head and noticing the way two of the soldiers were itching to enter into a fight. “I’m not like my father, Giancarlo. Neither are you like yours.”
“And I’m glad for both. All right. I give you my word on my mother’s life that I had nothing to do with the attempt on your father’s life and from what I heard, the death of Cassandra King was an accident, which is still tragic. If she was murdered, I’ve heard nothing on the streets. What you’re accusing me of is not how we conduct business, at least not with the King family. As far as moving in on your turf, you know me well enough that I take what I want. Our deal is still viable.”
“And the diamonds?”
He grinned, shrugging his shoulders. “I’ve made inquiries and nothing more.”
I studied his eyes, finally nodding again. “I’m glad to hear that. I would hate if my first act after my release was to begin a war.”
“I would hate that as well, especially since you’d lose.” He grinned after issuing the words, but there was a strange glint in his eyes.
“I must ask. There is also a nasty rumor that you are preparing to move into South America.”
He seemed uncomfortable. “Where did you hear that?”
“It would seem Francesco is sweet on my sister.”
His frown remained, a spark of anger in his eyes. Then he laughed heartedly. “You know my younger brother. His dick speaks for him the majority of the time. We have made explorations, nothing else. There is much business to go around. Don’t you agree?”
I could tell he was incensed that Francesco had said anything. I realized that attempting to corner the South American market could be a mistake. At least Azzurri would owe me. “Agreed.”
He exhaled, tapping his fingers on the table. “I was thinking. Perhaps a more permanent connection between our families would strengthen our hold on gulf states.”
I burst out laughing. “If by that you mean an arranged marriage between Angelique and Francesco, that will never happen. My sister is far too… disobedient.”
He laughed with me, nodding several times. “That she is, and my brother needs to learn when to keep his mouth shut.”
A quiet settled between us.
“Then I can easily report to my father that you have no desire to attempt to maneuver into our territory.” I wasn’t asking. I was stating.
He shook his head, leaning against his chair. “Of course you can. I can see that you’ve gotten right to work, likely talking to your informants. Warring over turf isn’t what has created the unrest in our beloved community.”
“What aren’t you telling me?”
He finished off his wine, reaching for the bottle himself. “It would seem there’s another player in town, although I haven’t been able to make sense of what I’ve been hearing.”
“I heard rumblings while in prison. What is the latest?”
“That offers are being made to certain… officials that have been accepted.”
Interesting. “Which means the new deals supersede various deals previously made.”
He nodded several times. “Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find any evidence to corroborate what I’ve been told.”
“Told by whom?”
“I have my informants. You have yours.”
“What have you heard?”
A twinkle formed in his eyes. “That the witness in your case has certain connections.”
Instantly, my body bristled, my heart racing. “What kind of connections?”
“To the very individual who may be responsible for the rumors we’ve both heard.”
I sat back, shoving the wine further away. He watched me intently, narrowing his eyes. “As in this witness never saw anything in the first place?”
“Possibly. That I don’t know for certain, but I do think that whoever he or she is working
for has designs on both our operations. Think about it. An assault on your family would lead you to assume we were responsible. This entity wasn’t able to remove your father; therefore, when you gave them an opportunity to remove you out of the picture in an entirely different way, they devised a plan that would make it foolproof. Now, I doubt this person was prepared for you to be released from prison so soon, so I would be very careful if I were you. There’s a good chance that you were always the target.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning given you run the family operations, they’d want you as far out of the picture as possible. There are also few people who don’t know about your love of family. You would turn over any boulder in order to find out the person responsible for doing any harm, no matter who or how powerful that individual is. True to form—”
“I made certain that happened,” I finished the sentence for him.
“Exactly. I might be off base, but that could be the case.”
His warning was well noted, the fury rumbling in my chest. It should have been clear to me that Emily had been lying to me all along. Even the information on her could have been leaked as a ploy. I sucked in my breath, trying to calm my pulse. That wasn’t going to happen any time soon. “I appreciate your candor.”
“You are welcome, my friend. All that I ask in return is that you desist from making accusations. I am a patient man, but I refuse to tolerate certain… let’s just say damning words. I do have a business to run.”
“Understood, Giancarlo. I believe what you’ve told me. Thank you for the wine.”
“If you like, I’ll be happy to send you a case.”
I laughed as I stood, patting him on the shoulder. “You were always a man who enjoyed life to the fullest.”
“We should both know that life can be cut short in an instant, without warning.” There were a few seconds of sadness in the man’s voice, much like the haunting feeling that remained pitted in my system. The loss of his first wife had been just as tragic as Bella’s untimely death.
“Agreed.”
“Let me give you a piece of advice, Cristiano. Find someone you care about. The only time we are allowed to show weakness is with regard to a woman. That is also about the only thing that keeps us sane.”
