by Piper Stone
“O’Sullivan,” I said quietly.
My brothers appeared physically shaken, but their eyes remained locked on me.
“What the hell are you talking about?” Stefano huffed. “The ruthless mafia family who rules New York? They have nothing to do with us, nor do they have their sights set on expanding their territory. At least that’s what we’ve been told. What was our father doing there?” He walked closer to me, shaking his head. “You shouldn’t have any idea unless Enrique and I weren’t provided with certain details regarding our father’s recent trip.”
“I’ve been the Underboss, which means that certain details were kept private until necessary.” My father’s continued desire to maintain ranks had always pissed off my brothers.
As Stefano got in my face, acting as if prepared to take a swing, it was Enrique who pulled him away. “Let it alone, brother,” Enrique snarled. “Fighting isn’t going to bring our father back. If O’Sullivan is to blame, then we cut out his heart.”
Enzo sighed. “While no one has accepted responsibility, word on the street is that the O’Sullivan family is behind the hit. However, I think there’s more to it.”
“What the hell does that mean?” I glared at the envelope Enzo had brought, trying to control my rage. “And what did you bring? You know more than you’ve told us.”
“This is bullshit,” Stefano growled.
For some reason, Enzo seemed even more stressed by my question.
“Answer me, Enzo. Our father was murdered, slaughtered like some animal. What the fuck is in that envelope?” I was losing my patience, something that no one wanted to happen.
“I don’t know, Matteo. Your father brought this to me prior to leaving for New York. He made me promise to keep it safe as well as the contents untouched and that’s exactly what I did.” Enzo almost never showed any emotion. His continued response to the tragedy was difficult to watch.
“But you know more. He was planning on deciding on whether to bring business into New York.” I laughed after issuing the words.
“Yes, but not without making the decision with the family. He wasn’t ready to do that yet. At least as far as I know.” Enzo was telling the truth. That was easy to tell.
Enrique grabbed the envelope from the table, prepared to tear into it.
“Don’t do that!” Enzo huffed, additional anger in his tone. Sighing, he tilted his head, closing his eyes for a few seconds. “Look, your father was very clear that Matteo was required to open it in the event that… that he didn’t make it back. I’m just trying to honor your father’s wishes.”
I turned my head in Enrique’s direction, studying my younger brother. The fact he was distraught didn’t bother me in the least. However, the last thing any of us needed to do was go off halfcocked. Revenge took time and planning.
Grumbling, Enrique tossed it in my direction, obviously pissed off by the Consigliere’s orders.
“Good ole Father and his ranks.” Stefano inched closer, although he knew better than to fuck with my space.
I took a deep breath before opening the package, finding several eight and a half by eleven photographs as well as another envelope. Inside was a letter from our father addressed to me specifically. After glancing through the group of pictures I realized the majority of them didn’t need any explanation.
They were very candid, filthy photographs of two high ranking officials as well as the great mafia leader himself in extremely compromising positions, the kind that would lead to disgrace and certain arrest. Half of them were repulsive, the acts performed far surpassing anything I’d ever participated in. I handed them to Stefano then read the letter. By the end, I was completely calm, devoid of any emotion.
My father used to joke that when I was angry, there wasn’t a person within a mile radius who didn’t know.
But when I’d reached the very precipice where darkness took over all sense of rationality, the peaceful aura I exuded should invoke utter terror in everyone around me.
And he was right.
Revenge would be sweet.
Chapter 2
Matteo
Famiglia.
I’d grown up being taught that family was more important than anything. Money. Power. Influence. None of them were as crucial as the love surrounding a family as well as the protection needed to keep it intact. My father believed the Benedetti Empire was only as strong as our close connections. Perhaps he was right. A hole remained in my heart, the kind that would never heal completely.
I’d never been prone to bouts of emotion other than rage. I’d never shed a tear over anything, but today my entire world seemed to be in a holding pattern. My father had been the glue to keep us all together, insisting that every family gathering and holiday had to be celebrated in style. I chuckled at the thought of how much time he’d taken in the kitchen preparing one of his famous Italian dishes.
Now the burden would fall on my shoulders, something that I’d been groomed to do since I was a small boy. That would potentially cause the rift between my brothers and me to grow wider.
While my father and I had never seen eye to eye about almost anything, I’d gained an early respect for his ability to command a room by simply walking into it. No one had ever accused him of being kind, but he’d earned his reputation as being fair. If you fucked with him, his family, or his business, then you paid the price.
His methods were savage and cruel, and I’d adapted every skill and attribute with the exception of one.
Patience.
Enzo had tried to encourage me to take some time to heal before acting on my need to enact revenge. That simply wasn’t going to happen. I couldn’t allow the people responsible to think for even a day that their treacherous act would go without punishment. However, I had no plans of using my father’s traditional methods. Killing the three men likely responsible was far too good for them. Even watching them being arrested would offer no level of satisfaction. The bastards deserved to suffer in the same kind of way—destruction of their families one by one.
“Let’s get this over with, Matteo. As you might imagine, our mother isn’t doing well.” Stefano’s voice was laced with the same level of anger as before. He’d stormed out of my house after Enzo’s visit. “She hasn’t stopped crying since hearing the news. One of us has to give a shit about her.”
“Cut the crap, Stefano. We all care about our mother,” I chided. “Father had his reasons for not giving us details about his plans.”
Stefano laughed as he lowered his head. “But you knew.”
“No, not this time. At least not all of it.” I didn’t give a shit whether he believed me or not. I’d remained on edge all night, trying to weed through every scrap of information I could find, calling in favors from several informants. My father had obviously been planning something for longer than he’d let on. Still, something was off about it, pieces of the puzzle missing. Maybe our mother had an idea.
Our mother was a gentle soul, although her resolve was just as strong as her mother’s had been. She would handle the situation with grace and humility, pretending as if the funeral was cause for another kind of celebration. While my father rarely talked about business with her, a takeover of New York would have meant a split in the family. Who had he planned on taking over the city? There were too many questions.
I fisted my hands, doing my best to keep my rage in check. With the ongoing police investigation, it would take some time before my father’s body was released. I planned on encouraging the American officials to make that happen sooner versus later. While I was there, I would handle other aspects of business as well.
“Get on with it, brother. I have work to do.”
“We wait for Enrique to arrive,” I stated with no inflection in my voice. “He’s a part of this decision as well.”
“Jesus. All the pomp and circumstance. All three of us take a trip to the United States and we handle the situation. That’s what should happen.”
I refused to lash out,
even though my brother needed a reminder that given the circumstances, I was now in charge. Period.
I took a deep breath, holding it as I noticed Enrique’s arrival in the reflection of the window. He appeared more disheveled than the day before, likely having spent his night with a full bottle of liquor in his hand. While I couldn’t blame him, the last thing we needed was to show weakness of any kind. That wouldn’t bode well for our business, our enemies likely to take advantage.
“What great plan does our brother have in mind?” Enrique asked, laughing after issuing the words. He swaggered in as if this was nothing more than a typical family meeting.
After I shoved my hands into my pockets, I turned around to face them. We’d all had a chance to read over the information our father had provided, the incriminating evidence substantial. It had been made clear in his letter that he’d planned on using the information to the family’s advantage. In addition, I’d tasked Enzo to run an intensive search on every detail he could find on the three families, formulizing my plan after his last phone call and email.
I remained at the window, simply nodding as I gazed back and forth between them. When I spoke, I did so with confidence. “The three men who are responsible for our father’s murder are well known. Therefore, whatever retaliation method we use must be creative. We don’t have the resources or the connections needed to begin a war in another country.”
“True enough.” Enrique narrowed his eyes. “So what do you suggest we do?”
“We fight on their terms,” I answered.
Stefano laughed. “Why do I have the distinct feeling that I’m not going to like this? That’s because I haven’t liked any decisions you’ve made for a long time.”
“Stop it, Stefano. We are family. That meant something to our father. His business was important. He and our mother sacrificed to allow all three of us to have a better life. You need to stop acting like some spoiled asshole. I’m sick to fucking death of it.” Enrique’s outburst surprised both of us.
While Stefano continued to glare at me, at least he had the good thought of keeping his mouth shut. However, Enrique was right. We needed to work together.
Sighing, I moved toward my desk, scattering a new set of pictures across the surface. “Like it or not, brother, this is what we are going to do.” I watched as they inched closer, confused as hell at the vivid photographs I’d presented. The three women were stunning in every way, the perfect method of seeking the retaliation we needed.
“The body isn’t cold and you’re already taking the helm.” Stefano seemed agitated.
I simply shot him a nasty look. Why did I have the feeling he and I were going to come to blows?
Enrique moved closer, huffing after glancing at what I’d presented. “What is this? Who are they?”
Stefano inched closer and was the first to catch on, lifting his head and staring into my eyes. “Marriage. You want us to force arranged marriages.”
I nodded, a grin crossing my face. “What better method of bringing the police commissioner, the wealthy senator, and Michael O’Sullivan down? Their daughters are beautiful, single, sexy as hell, and the best ammunition we could ask for. We simply bring their indiscretions to their attention and they will crumble. If not, we contact the press and the FBI. While I wouldn’t mind putting a bullet into their brains, it’s too risky and I’m not gambling on our family’s future in that way. This is our empire now.”
Stefano started to laugh as Enrique continued glaring at me. “I will have to admit, you’re becoming more and more like our father every day.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment, Stefano. Are we in agreement?” I glanced from one to the other, expecting their compliance.
“You’re a sick fuck, Matteo,” Enrique replied. “Answer me this? What if I don’t like the girl?”
I gathered the pictures, fingering the glossy photograph of my lovely intended bride. “You don’t have to like your intended bride. You simply have to break her.”
New York City
New York. I took a deep breath, holding it in for several seconds. The scent of fresh baking bread, pizza, and Chinese food mixed with the light stench of trash. Just like I’d remembered. As I eased out of the limousine, I adjusted my cuffs, taking time to make certain my black onyx and diamond studs were centered. My Capo moved closer, gazing up at the twinkling lights of the Ritz Carlton hotel. The central location had stunning views and spectacular service. At least we’d be comfortable during our stay.
“Are you sure you want to do this, boss?” Gio asked as he flanked my side, already directing the driver to place our bags on the curb.
A bellman had already approached, his plastic smile a requirement of the job.
“Will you be checking in, sir?” he asked, immediately grabbing the suitcases.
“Yes, we will. The name is Matteo Benedetti.”
Whether or not he recognized the name I would never know. He’d been well trained to keep his reactions regarding guests to himself. I shifted my gaze in Gio’s direction, able to catch a glimpse of the Glock he always carried with him. He’d been by my side for years, a man who would take a bullet for me without hesitation. He was also just as brutal, albeit his sophisticated upbringing allowing him to mingle with any kind of crowd.
Presidents.
Famous actors.
Diplomats.
He always found common ground during a conversation.
“I’m certain, Gio. Don’t forget. We have a party to attend after checking in.” I walked toward the swinging doors of the hotel, scanning the lobby as I did so. There were several undercover officers in place, their attempt to hide in various positions in the lobby laughable. They were here to offer their protection for the man being honored for his achievements. The ballroom would already be packed, well-wishers and members of the elite press clamoring for the man’s attention.
The police commissioner, Gregory Wiltcher, was larger than life, his family a legend in the city, his father a commissioner before him. He was also crooked as hell, working with ‘the utter scum’ whose promised removal had won his praise. The evening’s gala and award ceremony were all about giving him another accolade.
My stomach churned at the thought.
I charged toward the reservation desk, the young woman behind the desk opening her eyes wide.
“Mr. Benedetti. We’ve been expecting you. All I need is your signature.” She blushed as she turned an electronic pad in my direction. Her lovely lower lip trembled as she gazed down as far as she was able. My reputation had obviously preceded me.
“Thank you, Miss Devlin. You’ve been extremely helpful.” I kept my tone ripe with seduction, although the diminutive brunette wasn’t my type.
She fanned her face before I turned around, giving me a real smile. This would be a very interesting evening.
I moved toward Gio, lowering my voice. “Get us situated in the suite then mingle in the ballroom.”
He nodded, immediately moving toward the bellman. He knew better than to question me again. I buttoned my jacket and headed for the elevator, prepared to enjoy the evening.
I wasn’t surprised at the lavishness of the event. In fact, the man who’d thrown Gregory the party was not only a good friend of the commissioner, he was also another powerful, wealthy man in his own right. I doubted that Gregory would want a man like Maxwell Cunningham to know all his dirty little secrets.
Given our late arrival, the liquor was already flowing, the police commissioner’s speech concluded, but it was obvious the party was just beginning. People were dancing on the massive floor, the music lively. I grabbed a drink from the bar, enjoying the very expensive bourbon that was being served. As I shifted through the crowd, recognizing some of the most powerful people in the city, my cock twitched as memories of the gorgeous picture of the man’s daughter flashed into my mind.
Catherine Wiltcher was a stunning woman, although her blonde hair and lavender eyes offered no understanding of just how rebe
llious she was. She was just about ready to graduate law school, already preparing to take the bar exam. Given her grade point average and accolades she’d already collected during her time at Columbia, she most certainly had her pick of job offerings.
Unfortunately, she wouldn’t get that chance.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the lovely blonde standing with several other women. I couldn’t resist taking even a small taste of her, if only for a few minutes. As I walked closer, I kept my eyes locked on her face. One of her friends noticed me first, whispering in Catherine’s ear.
Catherine gave me a quick glance then slowly turned her head once again, a provocative smile crossing her face. My cock stirred as my balls tightened. She was breathtaking, the gorgeous purple dress highlighting the most incredible pair of lavender eyes I’d ever seen. As I approached, the other woman whispered words of approval as they backed away.
“Can I have this dance?” I asked.
I could tell she was trying to play coy. Finally, she handed her glass of champagne to one of the other women. “Why not?”
I allowed her to lead me to the dancefloor. There would be plenty of time to require her obedience at a later point. When she turned to face me, there was no doubt she was sizing me up, trying to figure out who I was in the scheme of things.
I took her hand without her asking, sliding my other arm around her waist and dragging her to a slightly darker location on the floor. She pushed her hand against me, rearing back. The fire in her eyes was a powerful aphrodisiac, even more so than the intoxicating perfume she’d chosen.
The music was very passionate, adding to the heat shared between us. There was a spark and I knew she felt the pull between us even though she did everything in her power to fight the shared attraction. But for a few minutes, the delicious game continued.
“You’re very forceful, Mr.…”
“Benedetti. Matteo Benedetti. And you are Catherine Wiltcher.” I held her close, surprised as a burst of electricity shot through both of us.
