Cruel Prince: A Dark Mafia Arranged Marriage Romance

by Piper Stone

  Laughing, I moved behind my desk, leaning over and staring at the computer. I’d gone through everything a third time since I had been able to find out about the corporation and my father’s activities before he’d died. I’d found something I hadn’t before.

  Discrepancies in the financials.

  Enzo had been right.

  There was money missing from certain funds. While not large amounts and certainly not done with frequency, the total amount was enough to send a red flag. I’d called a family meeting away from my mother’s house.

  As Stefano walked into the room, he held a pensive look on his face. He’d heeded my warning, bringing his Capo with him.

  “You found something,” he stated without his usual emotion.

  “Unfortunately, I did. I’ve had Enzo look further into it. Hopefully, he’ll provide some answers.” I shifted my gaze toward Enrique, giving him a respectful nod.

  “Is Catherine all right?” Stefano asked.

  “She’s fine.” The two words were all I could manage.

  “What have you found that’s so important?” Enrique asked.

  I shifted around the desk, sitting on the edge. “It would seem our father was sending money to New York on a regular basis. There was someone special in his life before he was required to marry our mother.”

  “Does Mother know about this?” Stefano’s tone shifted into anger.

  “She knew everything, or so I believe. We need to wait to see if Enzo found out anything.” I rubbed my eyes, the day already long. I’d wanted nothing more than to spend some time with Catherine, focusing my attention on something other than business, but it would appear from talking to several trusted individuals that the rumblings I’d heard before were increasing.

  I told them what I knew about Ariella, expecting more of a reaction. Neither one said very much, but they did share an odd look between them. Maybe they were more forgiving.

  “Is there any additional news on O’Sullivan’s whereabouts?” I asked.

  Enrique huffed. “A sighting in Ireland.”

  Hissing, I closed my eyes. “He’s planning something significant. We need to be prepared.”

  “I may be able to provide some additional information soon,” Stefano said quietly.

  “Meaning?” I turned my attention in his direction.

  “Meaning I was tipped off by one of my informants of a possible arrival on Italian soil.”

  A smile crossed my face. “Someone who works for O’Sullivan.”

  Stefano nodded. “Quite possibly. I’ve sent two soldiers to the airport. I should know soon whether my source was lying to me. If he was, he will have hell to pay.”

  I planted my hands on the surface of the desk, easing back as I thought about what O’Sullivan could be planning. His return to his native country meant he was actively seeking participation from his brethren in Ireland. That could mean a significant war that in truth we weren’t prepared to face. This would have to be played out carefully.

  The sound of footsteps would always make me bristle. As Enzo walked in, the smug look on his face was telling. He had discovered something. I stood, moving closer as he closed the distance.

  “What did you find?” I kept my tone as even as possible, even though my instinct was kicking into high gear.

  Enzo glanced at all three of us before answering. “You were correct, Matteo. Over the period of several years, your father sent approximately six million dollars to the woman you mentioned in New York.”

  “Why was he paying her off?” Stefano demanded.

  “I don’t think he was or at least Ms. LaBouf wasn’t inclined to spend any of the money.” Enzo concentrated his piercing glare in my direction.

  “Meaning what?” I asked, half laughing under my breath.

  “Meaning within a short period of time, the money disappeared from her account, but I’ve been completely unable to find any record of a different account, including offshore. The woman didn’t live lavishly by any means, her small apartment on the Upper East Side nothing that would necessitate the kind of money your father provided. She didn’t take trips, worked at an art gallery for a generous but not significant salary. She never married, no evidence of any children, and no expensive purchases I’ve been able to find. She also cut ties with her family in Italy, never returning. Not once. When she died, she had very few belongings to her name and no will of any type.”

  The news was unexpected as well as difficult to believe. “And you’ve checked all your sources?” I knew my question was accusatory, but nothing was adding up.

  “Matteo, you know how meticulous I am. I have dozens of contacts throughout the world. The information I found is accurate.” Enzo gave me a harsh look.

  “Then what the hell is going on?” Enrique asked through clenched teeth.

  I lowered my gaze, trying to process the information. “There’s still a missing piece.” I thought about my mother’s earlier reactions. She certainly knew more than she’d shared.

  When Stefano’s phone rang, I sucked in my breath. If we didn’t get some solid answers soon, we would need to prepare for an attack on our empire.

  Stefano walked out into the hallway, returning less than a minute later. “My informant was correct. There was an arrival from New York. He’s been taken to a quiet location.”

  Finally, something we could all sink our teeth into. “Then I think we should pay the man a visit.”

  “I’ll say it again, Matteo. Be careful. Your provocation has escalated something your father was trying to avoid,” Enzo stated, an interesting defiance in his eyes.

  “I know you mean well, Enzo. That’s why my father thought of you as a brother. However, the time for being careful is over. If our family’s empire is being threatened, then now isn’t the time to show any sign of weakness.” As I moved toward the door, I could swear I heard the man whisper words that he would be terrified to say to my face.

  “You already have.”

  The concept of weakness was something I never took lightly. The game of power was much like chess, strategic moves needed at all times in order to achieve success. Michael O’Sullivan used brutality and threats over any level of strategy, which is why the game playing he’d been doing continued to surprise me. That meant the entire situation could easily reach checkmate. The reason why had fueled his bold response. It was up to me to find out what hidden weapon he had up his sleeve.

  The warehouse was an offsite facility storing cases of wine and olive oil orders prepared for shipment. It was usually full of employees, but with the help of Stefano’s men, it had been cleared allowing for privacy.

  As I walked inside, Enrique and Stefano closely following, I realized I hadn’t paid a visit to the location in almost three years. It was good to see our production levels were on the rise. While several soldiers remained outside to ensure we weren’t disturbed, Stefano had directed a few of his men to join us. The last thing we needed was an ambush.

  It was already late afternoon, and I was ready to end the professional day. However, not before I handled the situation. If Stefano’s informant was correct, it was entirely possible we’d learn everything we needed to know.

  But only if the asshole talked.

  The man wasn’t anything like I’d expected. Clean cut. Wearing a nice suit and expensive shoes. His wireframe glasses and sandy blond hair gave him a boyish appearance. I’d assumed the man would be the usual thug the Irish always seemed to hire. This could prove to be interesting. The man was obviously nervous, scared to the point it was easy to see he was shaking. While he’d been roughed up in an effort to get him here, he was wide awake, his eyes darting back and forth.

  “What are you going to do?” Enrique asked before we walked any closer.

  “Extract information.”

  “And what if he doesn’t provide any?”

  I took a deep breath, contemplating my decision. “I think he’ll talk. If I had to venture a guess, I’d say he has a lovely family back in t
he States.”

  “You want to use him.”

  “Yes, if the man will cooperate.” I couldn’t help but grin as I walked closer. The man’s wallet and passport had been ripped from his pockets, positioned on a small table for my viewing pleasure. I approached slowly, not bothering to address him while I studied his information.

  Jack Martin.

  The name was completely American and fit the man perfectly. If his passport was correct, he’d never ventured outside of the country before. I took a few minutes going through his wallet, finding exactly what I was hoping I would.

  A single picture.

  The man’s ultimate weakness.

  I slipped it into my pocket.

  “Mr. Martin,” I said after a few seconds.

  “Yes. Yes, I am,” he answered, his voice trembling as much as his body.

  “First time in Europe.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  The man was polite. I already liked him. I was used to the assholes who threatened me or the ones who ultimately begged for mercy. This man was nothing more than an information mule, only here to provide details about the Benedetti Corporation to a yet to be named source. He would blend in easily as a tourist, never raising any eyebrows. A good move on O’Sullivan’s part.

  I yanked one of the office chairs closer, spinning it around and straddling the hard back then resting my folded arms on the edge. I gave him a hard look, making him even more uncomfortable.

  He was sweating like a pig, his lower lip quivering and was unable to keep his gaze on anyone in particular.

  “Mr. Martin. I’m in a good mood today, so I hope you won’t be the reason for a change. I’m well aware of why you’re in this country so please don’t insult me by trying to lie. Do we have a deal?”

  He nodded several times, his freaking teeth chattering in the process.

  “Good. I’m well aware that you are working for Michael O’Sullivan, although I admit that I’m surprised he would send someone of your… caliber.”

  His eyes opened wide.

  “However, I’m also aware that there’s another player involved.”

  Now Jack seemed perplexed.

  “You do know who I am, correct?” I asked, trying to keep my cool.

  “Yes, sir, Mr. Benedetti.”

  “Excellent. We are getting somewhere. If I had to guess, I’d say this other entity was the person responsible for luring my father into that restaurant, able to get away before the gunfire began. If I’m right, all you need to do is to nod.”

  After a few seconds, he did. Another surprise.

  “We are getting somewhere. Perfect. Now, given I know who you are working for and that you’re here to spy on the family, all I need is the name of this mysterious entity.”

  Now I could tell he was back-pedaling, weighing the odds of whether I would kill him first. I wasn’t in the mood to play the game out much longer.

  “I can feel your hesitation so I’m going to make your decision easy on you.” I pulled out the picture of his wife and two children, holding it just a few inches from his face. “I’m going to make you a deal. If you tell me the truth about who sent you here, including the name of the individual and where he can be found, then I’m not only going to allow you and your family to live, I’ll also provide you with a beautiful new house in Italy. Of course, that will mean you’re working for me. If you decide not to take my generous offer, then unfortunately your family will disappear from this beautiful earth. However, I’ll allow you to live for a certain period of time to suffer with the knowledge of what you could have prevented.”

  He gasped, his chest heaving. Actual tears rushed to his eyes. I’d seen acts before from all walks of life. Jack Martin was genuinely terrified. I gave him a few seconds, keeping the photograph in my hand before leaning over and placing it in his shirt pocket.

  “Unfortunately, I have other business to attend to. I will need your answer.”

  Jack took gasping breaths, fighting the demons inside of him. I gave him a full minute then finally my patience ran out.

  “I need your answer, Mr. Martin.”

  “You don’t understand,” he sputtered.

  “Oh, I think I do. Michael O’Sullivan has every intention of taking down our family. That’s just not going to happen. If you can offer support, then you will live a comfortable life. You have five seconds.”

  I tapped my foot on the cement floor, one for every second.

  “Mr. O’Sullivan didn’t send me here, at least not directly.”

  “Then who did?”

  When he began to ramble, I almost laughed, but as he continued talking, the blood in my veins turned to ice.

  Beware the sins of the father.

  “You can’t go barging in on her like this,” Stefano growled as he jerked my arm before I burst into my mother’s house.

  “Like hell I can’t. She’s known this all along, Stefano. It’s time for her confession, just like our father should have done.” I jerked away, storming into the house, immediately searching the downstairs.

  I found our mother in the living room, working on some cross-stitch project. When I moved toward her, she barely lifted her head.

  “We need to talk.” While I tried to curtail the harsh tone in my voice, it was difficult.

  “It’s always a pleasure to see you,” my mother said, although her words were more stilted than usual.

  “You knew I’d return. You also know why.”

  She took her time placing her work on the table before looking into my eyes. I could see tears in hers. “I’m sorry, son. I wanted to keep both you and your brothers from experiencing any additional pain. I know how difficult it was for you to lose your father.”

  “What do you know about William Braxton?” Stefano demanded.

  Sighing, she eased onto the edge of the couch. “Very little in truth.”

  “He is our half-brother, isn’t he?” My demanding tone continued.

  “Yes,” she said in a hushed whisper. “At first, your father didn’t know. He was with Ariella only once and before we were married.”

  “She didn’t leave for a scholarship. She left because she’d gotten pregnant.” Enrique sighed.

  “You are correct. At that point in time, for a woman to get pregnant without being married was a sin against God. Her parents banished her.” My mother moved to a standing position, walking toward the bookshelf.

  “She didn’t want anyone to know so she gave the child up for adoption,” I half whispered.

  “Yes. Your father was furious with her, returning to New York to try and find him. I’m sorry I lied to you. I was worried you’d realized something else was going on. He used his business trips to try and locate William. It took him years, but when he did, he tried to establish contact. Then he sent money to Ariella, but she refused to accept it. When she called him the last time, she seemed desperate. That’s when… she died.” She removed several books, reaching behind them and retrieving an envelope. “He continued to try to find William for a long time then gave up.”

  Jesus. This was getting ridiculous. Secrets. Every family had them.

  “Something happened a few months ago, right, Mom?” Enrique’s tone was much softer.

  She glanced into his eyes, smiling, the look of admiration on her face unusual. “He told me little at that point, but I think it was because of the pain he felt. I do know William finally contacted him and that was the reason for the last trip. Your father was trying to pull your half-brother into his life. Into your lives.” Very slowly she moved toward me, placing the small envelope in my hand. “This is all I have regarding William. Your father gave it to me before he left, asking me to keep it safe.”

  I took a deep breath, giving both my brothers a look before opening the flap. While the letter from our father was short and sweet, his words indicated that William had made some kind of a business offer, one he was dubious about. There was also a single picture. I stared at it, unable to shake the realization of ho
w much the man looked like me. As I handed it to Stefano, I tried to figure out why William would be intent on destroying the family after all these years.

  “Did William ever receive the money?” Stefano asked.

  “I really don’t know,” Mother sighed, her face paling.

  “Did Pops say anything else about William?” A small part of me didn’t want to know the answer to my question.

  “Only that William was angry with your father for several months, blaming him for his birth mother’s death. Roberto was determined to make amends. He really was.”

  My mother was sad, but a smile remained on her face. She was always in control of her emotions, except when it came to the love that she felt for the man she’d been forced to marry.

  While I wasn’t certain what William planned on carrying out, it was obvious he was working with O’Sullivan. Finding the truth couldn’t have been any worse.

  “Our half-brother is attempting to bring down the family, Mother. We can’t allow him to do that,” Stefano stated, as if he was reading my mind.

  “I understand, son, but try and remember that your father did love William.” She returned to the couch, sitting down and immediately reaching for her small canvas. “Try and help him understand that.”

  There was no sense in admonishing her at this point. She was only doing what our father had asked of her. I couldn’t imagine what she’d been forced to endure over the years. I moved closer, placing my hand on her shoulder. “Everything will be all right, Mother. I’ll make certain of it.”

  She placed her hand on mine, a single sob erupting from her throat. “I love you, boys. You are my little princes.”

  As I turned to face the others, I could see a look of concern on Gio’s face.

  “What is it, Gio?”

  “I’ve seen this man before,” he answered, tapping the photograph.

  “Are you certain?”

  “Hell, yes, boss. He’s here.” Gio looked me in the eyes, his concern shifting into anger. “On the estate.”

  I’d never experienced a moment of fear, at least not one I could remember, but at this moment a bolt of terror raced through me. I knew exactly why he was here and what he was planning.