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Antonios Stefanidis was going to rue the day he moved against me.
“We can’t let them get away with this, Andreas. They both will pay for what they’ve done.”
Andreas nodded, his eyes determined. “We’ll need a comprehensive strategy, boss, one that takes into account both families and their connections. We can’t take any rash actions, not without fully understanding the consequences.”
“Prepare our forces, Andreas. We’re going to war, and this time, it’s not just the Pappas family. We’re going after the Stefanidis family as well,” I agreed, crossing my arms over my chest.
Andreas glanced at his watch, the silver gleam catching the soft lighting in the room. It was almost as if he was waiting for something, but I didn’t know what.
“What is it?” I pressed, furrowing my brow with curiosity.
“I’ve brought someone in that you should meet,” he answered, and he walked to the door and swung it open.
As the patriarch of the Kaligaris shipping family, I’d faced many formidable figures in my time, but few commanded the room quite like Dimitris Kostas, kingpin to the Kostas mafia family.
Even though I’d never met him in person, I’d heard of his dangerous reputation. He was known as a ruthless mafia boss, a man who wielded power with an iron fist cloaked in a velvet glove. Few dared to stand against him; those who did rarely lived to tell the tale. His name alone evoked a mix of respect and fear in the underworld.
He was a figure who embodied an aura of controlled power and understated menace. In his early forties, he possessed a rugged handsomeness that was both striking and intimidating. His hair, dark as midnight, was always impeccably styled, giving him a look of polished sophistication. His face was marked by sharp, angular features. His icy blue eyes seemed to measure the room with disconcerting precision. Dressed in a black tailored suit, he was the spitting image of ruthless professionalism.
I understood why Andreas had brought him in. With him at my side, we actually stood a chance against the Stefanidis and Pappas families.
Andreas stood to greet him. “Dimitris,” he said with measured respect. He knew, as did I, the gravity of this meeting.
“It’s been a while, Andreas,” Dimitris responded, his voice a blend of silk and steel. His eyes, sharp as a hawk’s, briefly met Andreas’ before settling on mine. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Nikolaos. It’s an honor.”
Dimitris took a seat, and I remained silent, a spectator in my own domain.
“I’ve heard you’ve got yourself a problem,” Dimitris began.
“The Stefanidis family have overstepped, and they need to be dealt with,” I answered, my voice firm and clipped.
Andreas glanced at me before speaking. “Antonios Stefanidis hired the Pappas family to take Nikolaos’ goddaughter. A young woman, just out of high school. They kidnapped her with the intent to use her as a bargaining chip. We intercepted before it was too late, but they need to answer for it. Involving a woman is a new low for them.”
A scowl crossed Dimitris’ face. “Bringing a woman into our world… it’s positively shameful. The Stefanidis and the Pappas seem to have forgotten their honor.”
I nodded in agreement, feeling a surge of anger when I thought of the red marks on her wrists and the ones on her ankles. Immediately, I wanted to go upstairs and tend to them, make sure that she wasn’t hurting. The idea of going upstairs sparked something else though, and I shook my head, not trusting myself to be gentle with her right now.
If I went upstairs to her, she was going to get fucked again.
“She’s an innocent. This act is beyond the bounds of our world’s unspoken rules. It’s not just an attack on my family, but a grave insult to our code of conduct.”
Dimitris slammed his fist on the table, his disgust evident. “They have no respect for tradition. They play a dangerous game, breaking the rules that have kept a balance in our world for years.”
I gazed intently at Dimitris, sensing the pivotal moment unfolding between us. “With the combined strength of our families, we are not only formidable; we become an indomitable force against the Stefanidis and the Pappas.”
Dimitris extended his hand, a gesture signifying the solidity of our alliance.
“To a new era then, Nikolaos. The Kaligaris and Kostas, standing shoulder to shoulder. Let those who oppose us do so at their peril,” he grinned, a hint of mercilessness glinting in his eyes.
I interjected, my voice firm, “We must respond, but with strategic precision. Our move must remind them of the lines that shouldn’t be crossed, especially involving those who are not part of this life.”
Dimitris nodded, his expression turning calculating. “We need to send a clear message and take them down a peg. One that speaks of our values and our strength. The Stefanidis must realize the cost of their dishonor.”
“Agreed,” I said.
“Perhaps we should consider targeting Marco Stefanidis, their chief enforcer,” Dimitris suggested, his voice tinged with strategy. “He’s been a thorn in my side for far too long.”
Andreas chimed in, “Or Alexi Vardalos, their top money launderer. His loss would disrupt their financial operations significantly.”
