“No one but those in his inner circle know where he is,” she continues. “If we find him and take care of him, the rest of the organization will crumble.”
Nero rubs his chin. “How am I supposed to convince anyone to give me his location? Even if he believes I’m willing to betray you, he’s not about to invite me over for coffee.”
Gino’s eyes flash. “That’s where your cleverness comes in. Rafe did mention you possess this quality. I have faith you’ll find a way in.”
“Is this an order?” Nero asks, his voice low.
“It would have been, but unfortunately—” Gino’s gaze slides over to me “—we also need Blake’s cooperation.”
Nero stands up abruptly, his hand lifting from my back. “No.”
“We won’t involve her if she doesn’t want to get involved,” Gino says calmly to a man who’s definitely not calm.
“She’s not getting involved,” Nero growls.
Vita catches my gaze. This is why they invited me here—to try and build a relationship. To make mewantto help them.
“What role would I have to play?” I ask.
“As Nero’s wife, you will be subjected to scrutiny,” Vita says. “To pull this off, you and Nero will have to work in tandem. You will have to convince the other side that you’re so angry about what happened to Nero that you’re willing to risk it all to get your revenge.”
My God. It’s so crazy, I almost laugh. Me? How am I supposed to manage something like that? I don’t belong in this world. I don’t know how to exist in it, let alone be an active participant. I’d mess it up on day one.
Nero extends his hand to me. As soon as I take it, he tugs me to my feet. “We’re leaving.”
Vita’s gaze bores into me. “Blake, we’d do everything we can to ensure your success. I would personally prepare you.”
“I said no,” Nero snaps. “She is under Rafe’s protection. You have no domain over her.”
“We’re aware,” Gino drawls. “Which is why we’re asking, not ordering.”
“This conversation is over.” Nero pulls me toward the door.
“Nero, don’t you want to hear what’s in it for you?” Gino calls out.
“I don’t care. The answer is still no. I will not involve Blake in our business, no matter what.”
“If you help us end this war, I will make you capo. I will give you a position of power in my organization despite what happened with my nephew. You won’t be an errand boy for my son anymore, and you will have the respect you deserve.”
Nero’s jaw clenches. Silence wraps around the room.
“Blake,” Vita says after a few seconds. “What do you think?”
The grip Nero has on my hand tightens. I almost expect him to lead me out without letting me answer, but he stays still, waiting for me to say my piece.
My heartbeat pounds in my ears. I don’t know how to do this. I’m just a girl from a town no one’s ever heard of. How am I supposed to pull something like this off?
It’s impossible.
“I can’t help you,” I say quietly.
Disappointment flashes inside Vita’s eyes, but she quickly collects herself. “I understand.”
The evening is over. Gino and Vita walk us to the door, the mood decidedly tense and uneasy.
Vita pulls me into a hug as she says her goodbye. I feel her slip something into my purse. “A burner phone,” she whispers into my ear. “Call me if you change your mind.”
CHAPTER 11
