Page 60 of Hades’ Revenge

“What did he mean when he said he wasn’t the one I needed to be protected from?” I asked. “Who was he talking about?”

“He’s playing mind games, because that’s what he does.” She stared at him as he left the hotel. “You managed to reignite a war that was long forgotten.”

“It was never forgotten for him.”

“If you know that, then you know he’s using you.” She blew out a frustrated breath. “You can only push these men so far. You do not want to be caught in the middle of Hades and your father.”

“I’m already there,” I said. “I want this feud to be over.”

“Trust me, Capri. The consequences could destroy you. It could ruin all of us.”

SEVENTEEN

Hades

Cooperating with the guards who stood watch at Romero Bilotti’s club immediately brought me back to my days of working for the prominent families. When Romero’s men asked for my gun, I had no choice but to hand it over. Atticus had to do the same.

Romero didn’t get as far as he had by letting a world-renowned assassin walk into his club armed. I respected his terms.

“Are you sure you want to take this meeting?” Atticus asked as we waited for Romero to greet us. “We’re down Zeus.”

It was better to have Zeus tail Capri. If I couldn’t be with her, someone had to be. I couldn’t leave her vulnerable to Leo’s poor judgment when it came to the Lazaro family.

“I don’t think Romero summoned us here to eliminate us,” I said.

“You’re right, Mr. Zikos.” Romero entered the empty bar area with two men. “I don’t have any intention of killing you.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” I extended my hand. “Mr. Bilotti, it’s nice to meet you.”

“Call me Romero.” He shook my hand. “These are my brothers, Gio and Rocco.”

“Mr. Zikos,” Rocco said. “It’s a pleasure.”

“Please call me Hades.” I shook both Rocco and Gio’s hands. “This is my friend Atticus.”

“Thank you for setting this up, Atticus,” Romero said. “I wasn’t sure you would meet with us.”

“I’ll admit, my interest is piqued.” I nodded. “Enough to get me here.”

“I want to start out by saying this meeting has nothing to do with what happened in that church all those years ago.” Romero glanced between his brothers. “That’s ancient history as far as we’re concerned. I run things now, and I don’t care what you did or didn’t do back then.”

“You’re a reasonable man then,” I said. “There are several people who wouldn’t have dropped that incident even though they didn’t have all the facts.”

“I’m not like most people.” He pulled out a chair, unbuttoned his jacket, and sat at a round table off the bar. “If I’m coming for you, you’ll know.”

“Have a seat.” Gio motioned to the table. “Can I offer you a drink?”

“I’m fine.” I sat across from Romero as the others took their places around the table. “I’m impressed with all you and your brothers have accomplished in the last few months. Taking over New York City is no small feat.”

“Thank you.” Romero tapped his fingers against the table. “As you can imagine, we were quite surprised when you resurfaced after all this time.”

“I was pretty surprised myself.”

“We were wondering if it was a coincidence when you and Benny Lazaro showed up around the same time,” Gio said. “I pride myself on being able to see things coming, and I have to admit, I didn’t see you coming face-to-face with Leonardo Ferrante.”

“I was at the hotel the other night.” Rocco set his phone on the table. “Leo had no idea you were at that hotel.”

“I didn’t announce my arrival.” I shrugged. “But Leo’s security is not what it used to be.”