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Niccola met me by the door and motioned for me to step aside.
“The men at the dock,” he pulled up a photo on his tablet, “they were sent by Mariano. Apparently, Pauly Milani had orders from him to send in some men if he didn’t call last night, and since we know Mariano couldn’t have showed, the order was sent out. I wonder if he had a hunch his end might come.”
“Pauly. Makes sense.” I slowly nodded and thought about how I’d handle it. “Good work. Let’s go, or we’ll be late. First business, then I’ll deal with that traitor.” We got in the car with Vinni.
It was a short trip down to the boat where everyone was waiting for us. Sienna was in a white dress and a big floppy hat, and I matched in white cotton pants and a loose shirt. Though I felt extremely underdressed, I reassessed when I saw the way Sienna eyed me from across the deck. Wyatt, on the other hand, looked like he just stepped out of some American commercial with his tight striped shirt and even tighter light pink shorts. Neither left anything to the imagination. I swore if he crossed his leg any higher his mouse would be loose.
“Don’t try to hide it, Elio.” Wyatt leaned back to soak up the sun. “I’d be looking at my thighs too.”
I hid my laugh. I wasn’t normally comfortable with a personality like Wyatt’s. I actually didn’t know anyone quite like him, but he was incredibly refreshing and quite funny at times. He had a type of finesse about him that was oddly endearing. He exuded confidence, and I admired that. He knew who he was and embraced it; not many could say they did the same. He reminded me of Vinni at times. Not that I’d ever point that out. Vinni took pride in being a ladies’ man. But I could see why Sienna was so protective of him. He wore his heart on his sleeve, and he loved her without conditions.
“It’s not your thighs people are looking at,” Sienna scoffed. “I can practically see your berries.”
“Practically?” Niccola laughed out loud. “I can determine the circumference of each berry from here.”
“I knew you were doing the math.” Wyatt grinned, and I shook my head, thinking how different my conversation had been the last time I visited Naples.
“Ready to meet our company?” I nodded to the dock where four men stood ready to be won over by us. One of them was Domenico Milani. The Don of the Naples syndicate and Pauly’s father. Domenico knew this day would come. The Milani family were being killed off systematically by the Coppolas, and the only reason the killings had stopped was because of the Capris. His debt was about to be called, and he needed to answer.
“After this morning’s workout, I’m ready for anything,” she whispered as the men were welcomed aboard. The sea breeze and open water set a beautiful stage for our meeting.
Sienna was extraordinary to watch. She sold them on us within the first twenty minutes. She had them laughing and agreeing to things I’d never have thought to bring up so soon. A few times, she’d reach over and touch one of them on the forearm, and that little interaction made them feel connected and special. She was very good, and they now were only too happy to be part of our new movement. We could expect them to cooperate with whatever we asked of them.
“So, Sienna should be at all of our meetings.” Niccola chuckled softly in my ear from where we stood on the deck watching the magic unfold. “It’s like she’s cast a spell over them.”
“She’s something, isn’t she? She used to amaze me when she worked the bar.” Wyatt sucked on an orange slice he’d snagged from the table next to us. “She’d double the business whenever she’d work. Needless to say, she got her choice of all the best shifts, six days a week.”
“What’s impressive is they’re not even looking at her chest,” Vinni pointed out. “They’re looking in her eyes. That’s talent.”
I secretly smiled inside at my cousin’s comment, but he was right. None of the men took any opportunity to look at her body. They kept their eyes on hers as they talked. They were being respectful of her, and therefore, of me.
“Nice.” I sipped my drink as I thought. “I like these guys. Maybe Icanwork something out with them.”
“Smart move, boss.” Vinni nodded as he watched Wyatt pop a grape in his mouth.
I snapped a quick photo of Sienna and sent it to Papa.
Elio: Making magic.
Papa: Wave that wand, little lady! Mama and I will meet you after dinner. Looking forward to hearing all about it.
I was pleased Papa had convinced Mama to stay on for the rest of the tour. I knew how much Sienna needed her here. They were both enjoying the girl time. I made a mental note to remember that she would, at least most of the time, be surrounded by men—and, well, Wyatt—so a little estrogen would be needed now and then.
Domenico excused himself from the group and made his way over to where we sat.
“Mr. Capri,” he stood and waited for me to acknowledge him, which I did with a simple nod, “I must say your fiancée is very special.”
“She is.”
“You’re a lucky man.”
“I am.”
“I must admit I wasn’t looking forward to this meeting.”
“I wouldn’t think so.” I pointed to the bench across from me, so he’d sit. “We’ve been very generous in helping with your family’s difficulties. Wouldn’t you agree? Now, I’m sure you won’t mind what I’m requesting in return.”
“You have been.” He nodded. I knew it was hard to swallow his pride. It was hard work to run a syndicate, no matter the size. “Of course, I knew this time would come. I must say I thought this was going to be a very stuffy meeting with the usual rum and cigars. I was expecting sly remarks about my imminent downfall, but I see now you conduct business very differently than those in the past.”
