AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I would suggest trying the pancetta. Your mother would like it,” Alessandro says. “You can try every meat here, but you won’t be marrying anyone from my family, Ivan.”
“Alessandro,” I say, addressing him by his first name as well, “there must be unity, or more blood is going to be spilled.” I change the subject, hoping to jar him. “Who is your lovely companion? Surely Katya won’t be happy with you keeping company with such a beautiful woman in your spare time.”
Alessandro clicks his tongue. “Leave my cousin alone.”
“Ivan Volkov,” I hold my hand out to her. “What is your name?”
She glances at Alessandro, who gives a slight nod. She doesn’t take my hand, but she says coldly, “Vittoria Sorvino, you shot my father.”
I tilt my head to the side. “I do apologize for that. My men can be a little overzealous at times when I give orders. I had no intention of declaring war. This is not the first time I’ve asked to unite our families. Alessandro, we would be indomitable if united. You seem to like marrying into other families to grow your power after all.”
Vittoria eyes me out, but I don’t pay attention. My focus is on Don Sorvino and what his next move is.
“I won’t be marrying any of my family members to you, Ivan, but we can talk of peace negotiations.”
Vittoria moves forward, and Alessandro puts a hand on her shoulder. “At my estate, you may bring guards if you wish but no more than three. I offer you this opportunity to discuss peace and assure you I won’t take your life. Yet.”
I snort and take my packages from the young man. “Many people have tried Don Sorvino, but very few have gotten that close. I accept your offer to discuss peace negotiations. I will mull over what I want from these negotiations. Perhaps we can come to an agreement that suits us both.” I look at Vittoria. “I do hope your father pulls through, Miss Sorvino. Losing a father is a very difficult thing to deal with.”
Alessandro steps between us protectively. “Don’t address her. You’re here to deal with me.”
“Send me a date and time. You can leave a message for me at my family’s restaurant in Brooklyn. I’m sure you know where it is.” I turn to the cash register to pay for my packages, but the owner shakes his head. “It’s on the house.”
I smile. “Thank you for your kindness.” I leave through the doors, noting the guards that have appeared. I nod to them and cross the street to my car. I climb in and start the engine. I see Alessandro and Vittoria standing at the register, looking out where I am.
Some would call me foolish for approaching the Italian Don without security, but I know he’s a traditional man who follows protocols. I’m sure I’ll have a time and date for our meeting in the next few days. For now, I’m curious to know what my mother will make with the meats I got her. I pull away and join the traffic, thinking about Vittoria’s angry eyes.
Chapter 3 - Vittoria
I don’t care what Alessandro says, I’m going to be part of the family business. I’ve been preparing what I’m going to say the whole morning. The documents I have gathered are my academic records, reference letters, CV, and all my credentials. He can’t deny that I will be good for the family. I run through what I’m going to say in my head once more.
I knock on his office door and hear his weary voice call, “Come in.”
I open and step in. I’m dressed smartly and ready to mean business. His face instantly lights up. “Tori! What are you doing here?”
“I want to talk to you,” I say as confidently as I can manage. “And I don’t want you to say anything until I’m done.”
He sits back and laces his fingers together. “Okay, go ahead.”
I lay the documents on his desk. “Here I have my CV, credentials, reference letters, and academic records. I didn’t go to school to become a goody-two-shoes lawyer who upholds the law, Alessandro. I want to run through these documents and explain how I will help the family.”
He nods but doesn’t say anything.
“Firstly, I have an excellent business mind, and while I might not be the most socially adept person, I’m able to find the loopholes that will allow our family to expand, loopholes that I don’t think even Frankie can find...”
The door opens suddenly, and we both turn, and Alessandro holds a hand up. “I’m busy.”
“It’s Ivan Volkov,” Carmine announces. “He wants to see you immediately.”
Before we can say anything, Carmine steps back, and the man from the grocery store walks in. I’m struck again by how handsome he is. Tall, with a beard and with gorgeous eyes. He looks strong and mature, and I can’t help but feel something very strange but strong draw me to him despite my obvious hatred toward him for shooting my father.
I stand behind Alessandro’s desk and wait, irritated that I’ve been interrupted.
“Pakhan Volkov,” Alessandro stands up, and they shake hands. “I wasn’t expecting you.”
“I prefer it that way,” the Russian leader says. “Keeps us all honest, but my visit will be brief, Don Sorvino. I’ve come to deliver my request for the unity of our families.”
“I haven’t had time enough to work out which would be the best way forward,” Alessandro says, motioning for Ivan to sit down, but he doesn’t.
