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But then one last face surprises me.
It has a smile, one of camaraderie, like it’s in on a joke I didn’t know I told.
Teresa.
I move through the room, my shoulders pulled back, my smile easy, tipping my chin to some of the men I recognize and smiling at others before I sit next to Paulie’s mother. She gives me an approving smile.
“Didn’t expect to see you here,” I say.
“Stand in for Tony. I’m his power of attorney, after all,” she says, and I find it interesting that she’s allowed in on these meetings. Dante sees no threat in a woman in power, but Carmine? I just know that man hates giving a vagina any kind of pull in this fucked-up world he rules.
I also know there is no way he was team give Teresa control over Tony’s entire life.
When I look down the table and see Carmine and Paulie both glaring at her, my thoughts are confirmed.
“We’re working on reconsidering that,” Paulie says, the words coming like he couldn’t hold them back, and Carmine’s eyes snap to him.
So very interesting. This meeting seems to be even more fruitful that I thought it would be, and I barely just sat down.
When Dante told me there would be a family meeting I’d be expected to attend, I assumed it would be some bullshit where Carmine gives me his little lady rules and I smile and nod before normal business goes on.
I figured I could take mental notes on who each man was, who my targets should be, and who would give me the most trouble.
But now . . . I’m getting more than I ever thought.
“You can try, Paulie, but I guarantee your father won’t agree to that,” she says, a cat-like smile on her lips.
She knows something.
Or she has something on him.
And if I’m not mistaken, she’s not a fan of her own son.
And with the arrows he’s shooting her way and what Johnny shared on our call, it’s becoming clear that he isn’t too fond of her either.
Very, very interesting.
I wonder if the rumors are true and she knew about the hit.
Before the conversation can continue, Carmine speaks. “Let’s get into the meeting, shall we? Delilah, thank you for joining us today.”
I can hear it in his words.
Thank you for joining us, this is a special occasion, and don’t expect an invite back.
The fuck with that.
“Well, of course. As a member off this family, I expect to be down here, what? Once a month? Every other week? What’s the schedule look like?” I sit back in the chair, carefully crossing my legs as I do.
Eyes watch my legs as the move, slightly hidden by the table but not fully.
Men are so fucking simple.
“Meetings are usually exclusive to Capos and the heads of the family. I’m sure you understand,” Carmine says with a tight smile, and when I look around the table, I see an equal number of cocky smirks and nervous glances.
Good.
I like when people doubt me.
