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The doors opened within a few steps of us approaching, and it took all my effort not to comment aloud at the over-the-top extravagance of the space.
Why the fuck would a group of men need to meet in a room that I could only describe as a Victorian ballroom? A giant chandelier hung from a ceiling so intricately designed that it would take hours to study the various scenes etched into the plaster. Along the walls were heavy drapes in deep blue. They matched strategically placed furniture and gave a sharp contrast to the cream-colored walls.
A giant dark wood table dominated one end of the room with chairs for at least thirty people. And there was enough space behind the chairs for each person’s security and entourage.
Only a few seats remained open, the others occupied by various family heads. They seemed to ignore my presence, pretending to engage in discussion of some type or the other, but I knew better. They were well aware of the new addition to their dynamic.
Attendants waited at various spots, ready to cater to the needs of everyone, and a man I could only assume was the room butler rushed in my direction, trying his best not to look exhausted.
His face showed a smile, but the stress around his eyes told me he needed a break or a shot of something strong to take the edge off.
“Mrs. Angelos, welcome.”
“Ms. Angelos,” I corrected.
He gaped at me and then nodded. “Ms. Angelos. Please follow me. “
“Already at it, I see,” Theo murmured.
Xander added, “It’s going to be one of those nights. I can feel it.”
“I’m sure you’ll give me a detailed critique of my actions at home.”
“Debriefings are our specialty. Hope you’re prepared.” Theo pulled out the chair the attendant directed us to. “Remember to use the ring if you feel any threat.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“Promise?”
I released a sigh. “Promise.”
“She’s not going to use it. Tell the men to stay alert,” Xander muttered, making me smirk.
As I settled into my seat, I scanned the faces of those around the table.
Of course, the two families who were my allies sat at the very opposite end of the table. Nico Mykos and Simon Drakos inclined their heads, giving me their gesture of support.
With the looming meeting, I’d forgone my training with Nyx for two weeks, knowing too many eyes watched me. I was no longer playing the role of a mob wife. It wouldn’t make sense to visit Nyx as much as I used to do.
I continued my perusal of the rest of the table. That was when I caught Tobias Stratos studying me. Irritation laced his scrutiny as well as lust, a complete replica of his disgusting uncle. He’d done as Xander predicted even after my firm and maybe not-so-nicely worded message. He thought my response was a challenge and pursued another meeting where he offered to help me close Andraius’s estate and transfer assets.
As warned, I sent my messengers to deliver a personalno, thank you. Neither Xander nor Theo told me what they conveyed to Tobias. They only said they followed through on my instructions, which was all I needed to know.
However, the hostility directed at the men behind me as he glanced in their direction made me believe whatever they’d done left a lasting impression.
“Hello, Nerine.”
I turned in the direction of the voice to see Anthony Galani, heir to the Galani syndicate. He was around his mid to late twenties, and from what I remembered, he wasn’t a douche like his father. But that may have to do with the fact he grew up on an estate in Maine with his mother and siblings instead of here in Boston with his father, who had no time for children in his lifestyle.
“Anthony. It’s good to see you.”
He smiled. “I wanted to give you my condolences and apologize for missing Andraius’s funeral.”
“I’m sure you heard. I don’t need condolences.”
“I did hear that.” Amusement lit his eyes. “You have a refreshing take on your circumstances.”
“Refreshing isn’t a term I’d expect a Galani to use when a woman joins the ranks.”
