He chuckles and takes a sip of the drink in his hand. The gold bracelets on his wrists jingle. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I happen to be one of the largest benefactors at this event. I do believe it’s important to stay on top of all the things happening at the FBI, CIA, and Department of Justice offices.”
“I’m sure you do,” I roll my eyes.
The smirk plastered across his face accentuates the deep creases around his eyes. His pearly white teeth hide the fact he’s gotten away with too much for too long.
“I heard through the grapevine that something happened at your birthday party last week. You had an accident.” He takes another sip.
“Allergic reaction,” I lie. “But everything turned out fine.” I stare at his expensively tailored gray suit and gold chain. The Neri family has a lot of money but with the way Valerio fawns over my territory you would never know it. My suspicions ariseat his comment. He’s been desiring my section of the city for years. Maybe he’s involved in this.
“Valerio Neri.” Dominic is by my side. He places his plate on the table then glares at Valerio.
“Ay Dominic Cartieri. Well isn’t this a surprise to see you here.” Valerio gives his flute to a waiter walking by.
“It’s a law enforcement charity banquet, why wouldn’t I be here?”
“I meant it’s a surprise to see you here with Miss Capuano. After all, you both are on opposite sides in this war. But it’s cute seeing you two dive back into the past.” Valerio smirks.
I try to remain calm but that man knows how to push my buttons with his smug attitude. How I would love nothing more than to slap him.
“I think it’s your past you should be worried about and not ours,” Dominic locks eyes with him.
Anger flashes across Valerio’s face. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m an upstanding citizen.”
“An upstanding citizen in hell,” I mutter.
Valerio glares at me. “I always did like things a little hot anyway. At least I know how to run my organization. But you, my dear Cipriani, are a sad sight. No matter how many crowns you steal, you’re still just a girl playing queen.”
“And no matter how many territories you take over, you’ll never be respected as a king,” I spit back.
“Respect never gets you anywhere in life. Fear does that,” Valerio hisses. “You would think you’d have learned that by now Cipriani. But just as kings fall so do queens. At least I never found myself in a checkmate. And I don't know if I would ever respect a boss whose entire family refers to her as a butterfly.”
“Butterflies are beautiful, silent, and poisonous. Monarchs don’t need to be violent to survive. One touch of their wings and enemies drop dead,” I retort.
Valerio lets out a low chuckle. “Poison only works when the wings are intact, but what happens when the wings are dead, torn, and scattered like ash? You should watch yourself Cipriani, some creatures weren’t meant to fly forever, just like you weren’t meant to rule forever.”
“I think it’s time for you to leave Neri,” Dominic interrupts. “This is a gala, not a battleground and I’m sure you don’t want to get blood on that tux.”
Valerio holds up his hands but he smiles as if he finds our comments amusing. “No need to get so tense, former FBI agent. I merely wanted to have a chat with an acquaintance. I’m here to support a good cause.” He gives me one last glance. “Enjoy your evening, Cipriani. I hope I haven’t bruised your ego too badly.” Laughing he strolls away with his goons.
Dominic turns to me. “Are you okay, Cipi?”
I wave my hand. “I’m fine. Valerio Neri always knows how to make my blood boil. He thinks women shouldn’t be leaders of our organizations. He thinks women aren’t strong enough and the power should be reserved for men only. He can’t wait for me to fall so he can claim my empire for himself.”
“Fuck him,” Dominic mutters. “He’s an asshole. We questioned him multiple times and arrested some of his men, but we never had enough evidence to charge him with anything. He’s a slippery snake.” He looks out into the ballroom. “Finally. Ambrose Lane is here. He’s by the bar. Come on, let’s go see him.” He takes my arm. “And don’t let that dumb fuck get to you.”
I let Dominic lead me to the bar.
As we walk, my brain replays everything Valerio said.
Dead butterfly wings, kings falling, and checkmate.
Why would he make references like that? I know the Neri Family are very into chess and have competed in competitions, but still it feels like a very random thing to say.
My heart flutters as my brain tries to make sense of it all.
Could it be that someone I love and trust in my circle is working for the Neri Family too?
Chapter eleven
