My chest burns. “Serenity, do you remember what I told you several times? You know what I’d do?”
“You can’t keep doing this,” she spits.
“Why not? It’s fun.”
Her voice drops low, venom laced in sugar. “Leave the party, Nico.”
“Can’t make me leave, doll. I was invited. By your father.”
I curl an arm around Lucinda’s waist. The silver gown hugs her small frame. “Excuse us.”
I pull Lucinda into my arms, and our bodies move to the beat. She’s a beautiful woman. Her red hair is her natural color. She’s too skinny for me. But she serves her purpose whenever we go out. People gawk at us, thinking we are a powerful couple. She gives Scarlett Johansson vibes.
“She hates me for no reason,” Lucinda laughs.
“Serenity’s a little touched in the head. Good thing you didn’t push her,” I say.
Her green eyes meet mine. “I’m not afraid of your ex.”
You should be.
I don’t say those thoughts aloud.
Later, I sit in Tizáno’s office, the thick aroma of cigars and worn leather enveloping the room. His bodyguards linger nearby, mirrored by the presence of mine.
I’d sent Abe to take Lucinda home. She’d wanted to stay with me tonight, but that wasn’t going to happen.
“Nico,” he says, reaching out his hand.
I clasp it firmly. “Tizáno, appreciate you meeting with me.”
Adjusting my navy tie, I lean back into the red leather chair. “What’s this about, Nico?”
He settles into his own red leather chair as my gaze sweeps across the opulent office—deer and bear heads mounted on the walls, shelves brimming with books lining another.
With a smirk, I add, “I’ve got a business proposition.”
His brows rise. “Go on.”
“As you know, the Pituccos have expanded into Dover. I’ve acquired additional territories. Cairo’s willing to give up a portion of his. I’m also offering you one of mine—Newark.”
His poker face doesn’t slip. “And what do you want?”
A beat of silence hangs in the air before I answer.
“Your daughter.”
He laughs, sharp and humorless.
I pull a cigar from my inner suit jacket pocket. Miff moves closer, cutting the tip of the cigar. I bring it to my lips. Miff holds the Zippo close, and I puff a few times. Sitting back in the chair legs spread, I blow three smoke Os.
“There he is. The cocky motherfucker. Haven’t seen this side of you in some time,” Tizáno chuckles.
“Not cocky. I just know this is something that was taken from you. I got it back. My mafia ties to the Don of the Cosa Nostra helped obtain the territory.”
He leans in. “You know the Don of Cosa Nostra?” I can see the disbelief in his stare.
“Yes.” I continue on.
