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John, never one to demand much from the food he eats, has an appetite that won’t quit. Because his role in our organization is as a protector and enforcer, it’s good that he’s on the beefy side. His size alone is intimidating.
“The whole planning a wedding for a bride who doesn’t care enough to at least help out is making her think you deserve someone better.” His laughter is deep, and I can tell he’s enjoying this little charade.
Marriage in my family’s organization has never been about love or what anyone deserves. It’s about keeping bloodlines pure or making alliances with rivals. In our case, it’s about showing power and exactly who holds that power.
I hadn’t told John the news yet and cleared my throat before starting. “Word came to me that Daniel Barone has begun a search for his long-lost daughter.”
John slams his now-empty mug of beer down on the table, making the entire thing quake. “Why the fuck would he be doing that now? After all these years, why now? Do you think someone in our camp leaked our plans?”
“I’m not sure. I have our guys working on it. God help anyone who works for me if they discussed any of my plans. You know betraying me means death. And not a very nice death either. Torture, pain, and more pain are in store for anyone who goes against me. In the end, they beg for a death that comes only when I allow it.”
John’s been with me long enough to know the way I do business. He gives me a curt nod. “I can’t imagine anyone close enough that knows about the plan who would ever double-cross you, Carlo. But if I hear anything, I’ll let you know.”
“Of course you will.” After taking a sip of the subpar wine, I place the nearly full glass on the table. “You know we can’t let him find her.”
“I know that.” He pounds his fist against his palm. His aggravated expression says it all. “That fucker picked an odd time to begin searching for a girl he never gave two shits about before now. He must have some idea that he can use her against one of his rivals.” He breaks into laughter. “Too late!”
“Still, we have to make sure she’s secure. She’s working on the wedding at my place right now. You need to go get her car. Make some excuse about needing to get the oil changed or something. I’ll send her home with one of my guys. And I’ll have them stay and keep an eye on things through the night.” I can’t let anything happen to her now. We’re so fucking close. It would be disastrous to lose her now.
John knows the drill. “I’ll keep her close. She won’t ever be alone. Not that she’ll be aware of it.”
“Keep it covert. I don’t want her upset in any way.” Already, I felt protective of her. “She’s going to have a lot to deal with once it happens. I’m not about to let that motherfucker get to her. Barone has been a pain in my ass, and my father’s ass before that. With the marriage, he’ll see who has control. I wish I could see his face when he gets the news. It’s going to eat his ass up.”
“To be a fly on Barone’s wall that day would make me very happy. He’s a monster. A real, live monster who preys on women and children and destroys innocent people’s lives. He has some bad shit coming to him.”
I couldn’t agree more. “It will be my great pleasure to be the one to bring hell down on that beast. He gives men like us a bad name. It’s time his reign comes to an end—and a tragic end would make me very happy.”
“My father will enjoy seeing that man taken down.” John’s smile, sly and devious, makes me smile. “If it weren’t for Daniel Barone, things wouldn’t be the way they are.”
“We did what we had to do to keep her safe. Your father and stepmother have shown where their loyalties lie. I have never known such bravery and selflessness as I have with your family, John. I’m proud to call you my best friend.” With a man like John on my side, there is no way I can ever lose.
Leaning back in his chair, he crosses his arms over his massive chest. “I’m proud to be your best friend, Carlo. It’s a privilege to get to serve you and fight for you.”
There has never been anyone I trust more than I trust John Conti. I just hope I end up being able to say the same for his sister. “I’m honored.”
“Should we move things up?”
My fingertips drum on the tabletop as I think. I don’t want to rush things. “The plan was for a month from now. I don’t think she’s ready.”
“She’s tougher than you give her credit for.”
“Tough?” I don’t think being tough has anything to do with finding out that you have to marry someone who’s almost a stranger. “I’m sure she’s tough. It’s her mental health I’m concerned about.”
His smile reaches his eyes, and he nods. “You’re going to be a good husband to her, Carlo. I have never worried about her marrying you.”
“The family isn’t always easy to marry into. My own mother was kidnapped from her family, my father’s rivals. She was full of anger when she and my father married. They still have a tumultuous relationship. I love them both, but I have never envied their marriage.” The idea of having to deal with a woman who hates me isn’t my idea of a good time.
John waves at the waiter and orders another beer. “One more.” Looking at my full wine glass, he asks, “You want a beer?”
“Yeah. The wine here is terrible.” The topic of conversation has ruined my appetite, and I push my plate to the center of the table.
“It most certainly isn’t up to par with yours.” Picking up the beer the waiter puts down, he holds it up. I grab my mug of beer and rest it against his. “A toast is in order. Soon, we’ll be even more like the brothers we’ve always felt we are.”
Clanking my glass to his, I sigh. “To becoming brothers.” As I drink the tangy alcohol, I think about his sister. Young, fairly innocent, and completely unaware of her fate in this whole thing. “And to producing an heir.”
A pained look makes a brief appearance in his eyes before vanishing. “To producing an heir.” We clank the mugs, then take another drink.
Placing my glass on the table, I watch as the bubbles burst when they reach the top of the liquid. “I know this can’t be easy for you, John.”
