“Careful, Navarro. You almost seem happy to be losing so much of what you’ve built.”
The terms of the agreement are simple. Navarro hands over a major shipping route from Russia to the US. He provides us with intelligence on some of the smaller groups that have been causing trouble with our empire. And finally, a non-aggression pact. Navarro agrees that there will be no more attacks, interference, or expansion into the Vitale territory.
The terms are reasonable but will effectively cripple his carefully maintained power within the city for a certain period of time. The first two terms are simple. The last one requires us to trust that he won’t break his word.
But the old man isn’t exactly known for being a man of honor.
He shrugs, “What is fortune in the face of parental responsibility?”
My hackles are raised. He’s being way too chill about this and I can’t help but wonder what he has up his sleeve. He’s maintaining a façade of doting father that wants his daughter back. But I know that’s bullshit.
The two heads of the organizations sit at the table. Negotiations don’t take very long, although Salvatore does agree to some concessions where Navarro raises arguments. I stay as still as possible while all of this goes on, my eyes trained on the back of Liliana’s head.
When it’s finally time to sign the papers, I tense. Navarro holds the pen in his hand, but then he cocks his head to the side and looks up at Salvatore with a glint in his eyes.
“I’d like to speak to my daughter first,” he announces.
My feet start to move but Raul places a hand on my shoulder, stopping me. Salvatore clenches his jaw.
“Fine,” he states.
And I’ve never wanted to punch him in the fucking face more. This is a bad idea. But we’re on the cusp of a successful trade and I know he’s only doing that not to antagonize the old man.
“Liliana, would you like to speak to him?” Salvatore turns to her.
I like that he gives her the choice and she nods once, her head lowering. Ignacio stands and she does too. I watch as he leads her towards a corner where they can speak privately. I don’t blink the entire time.
Everyone is tense. My brothers are probably wondering if Liliana will say anything to jeopardize the negotiations. I’m waiting to see if he’ll do or say something to hurt her.
Father and daughter speak quietly. I watch as Navarro says somethings to her that have her shaking her head. Then he sighs before listening to her as well. There’s not a lot of warmth on her face as she talks. More trepidation and anxiety. I’ve never wanted to listen in on a conversation more. Something twists unpleasantly in my chest when he places a hand on her shoulder and offers her a small smile.
When they finally separate, she still won’t look at me. The irritation and worry I’ve been fighting all day sharpens even further. Her shoulders are tense as she and her father reapproach the table.
My eyes are narrowed on to the smile Navarro continues to sport. He looks happy, too damn happy. Liliana remains at his side as he takes his seat once again.
He reaches for the papers and appends his signature before handing them over to my brother. Matteo visibly relaxes, reaching for the documents to inspect it all.
Salvatore cocks his head, “That was surprisingly easier than I expected.”
“It’s just business, Vitale.”
I’m moving as soon as Matteo offers me a subtle nod, stepping away from the wall.
“Liliana.”
Her shoulders tense and I expect her to return to my side but she doesn’t move. The silence stretches. I stare at her, waiting.
Something cold settles inside me.
“Come here, little siren.”
This time my voice is harder, more demanding. I don’t give a fuck that there are several people in the room staring at us. Including her father who has no clue that we have a relationship.
She remains exactly where she is. Navarro slowly rises to his feet, fixing the cuffs of his suit jacket.
“I believe we’re done here.”
He steps in front of her, blocking my view. My temper snaps.
