For most men in this world, the one thing they hated the most was betrayal, which was why we were about to use that idea to our benefit.
My uncle’s face turned beet red. When he started to stand, Kirill made his place in the regime evident. “I suggest you remain seated. Keep in mind we have enough men and explosives to destroy this entire block. I don’t think you want that to happen.”
Hissing, my uncle glanced in my eyes before parking his ass on the chair. “What do you want?”
“An alliance between our families. Partners in a new business. Oil and gas.”
Both my uncle and father laughed. “Why would we want to do that?” my father asked.
“Well, for one thing, if this information is turned over to the FBI, I imagine you won’t be able to make the purchase of the Central Oil as you’re intending on doing. Regulators are very fickleabout who can make a purchase. But there’s more.” Kazimir was enjoying himself.
So was I.
“What?” my uncle managed.
Kazimir offered me the floor.
“Kirill and I are getting married. Both for business and personal reasons. It would seem even chained princesses can have both.”
“Absolutely not!” My father jerked to a standing position, slamming his fist on the table.
“Sit down, Gerald,” my uncle demanded. “We’re in the middle of a meeting.” He leaned over the table closer to me. “Is this what you want or are you merely angry with your family?”
“I am angry with you, furious in fact given we’re not living in the nineteenth century. However, I have learned there is a benefit to certain… contracts.” I offered Kirill a shameful look at which he grinned. We fed off each other in multiple ways. “These are my terms that happen to coordinate with what the Pakhan and his family want given their move to New York.”
“I see.” Uncle Sean sat back, fiddling with his whiskey. “You mentioned betrayal. By whom?”
“By the Savoy family. You’re merely muscle for them, Uncle Sean. Nothing more. What did you discover about my initial meeting with Kirill?”
I sensed he didn’t want to admit the truth, completely uncomfortable in his chair. But he also knew what was at stake.
“While there was denial that an upgrade was made, I located the credit card where the charges were applied.”
“Enzo.”
He nodded, immediately taking the time to glance from one to another of the Bratva members. “What else is in it for me?”
“By way of marriage and some unpleasantries, I own one fifth of Italy, the Marichetti Empire to be exact.” Kazimir smiled once making the announcement. “The same deal will apply as made with the Savoys only more lucrative. If the alliance is maintained.”
“What about your sister?” my father asked. “You surely don’t want her hurt in all this.”
“If we’re correct, her marriage will ultimately be annulled as it was entered into with false pretenses.” She wouldn’t be happy with me, but I only cared about her life at this point.
“What about yours?” My father thought he had me over a barrel.
In a surprise move, my uncle answered. “They’re in love, Gerald. Can’t you tell? They beat the odds, a chance we never gave ourselves.”
“This is bullshit,” my father continued.
“And you don’t have any say in either the business arrangement or in your daughter’s life. What about this Ghost I’ve heard about? My niece seems to think this creature could be an issue.”
“He will try to harm the family,” Kazimir said with conviction. “And he will be killed.” He hesitated before pulling out a photograph of Mikhail. “Have either one of you seen this man either here or in Rome?”
While they both took a long look, only Uncle Sean shook his head. “You seem to forget. Russians stink.” As soon as my uncle pushed the photograph away, Kazimir bristled for the first time.
I was concentrating on my father’s facial expression. But as quickly as it was there, it disappeared. He was concerned, more so than he’d admit.
“Make note of his face, gentlemen,” Kirill quipped. “But if you see him, contact us.”
