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“Every jungle has a snake.” I lowered my gaze, clenching my jaw. Where the fuck had I heard that before other than with Demarco?
“Satisfied?” Nico barked.
“Get him out of here.” I glanced at the Morettis’ soldier, making certain he would follow command without hesitation.
As the man was dragged out like a ragdoll, I refreshed my drink then moved to the head of the table.
The air was thick with testosterone, but at least the elephant in the room had been eliminated. However, the riddle was far from being solved.
“Make yourself a drink, gentlemen. We need to get this meeting started.”
I wasn’t surprised after both men prepared their beverages of choice that Joseph allowed Nico to take the other head of the table. This was more about laying down the rules between the two families than anything else.
I waited as my father eased into a seat, and I could tell he was still disturbed by what he’d told me. Remaining standing, I leaned against the wall. “We have a serious problem. Someone is fucking with both of us.”
“You want us to believe it’s not your twisted family?” Nico threw out.
“Nico!” Joseph hissed. “Respect.”
“Our men are being picked off one by one by someone else. It would serve neither one of us to create more bloodshed.”
“Fair enough,” Joseph stated. “I’ve thought for months there was someone else involved.”
Nico seemed agitated. “Who?”
“I don’t know, but whoever it is has been feeding the pockets of our mayor. That I know for certain.”
Joseph glanced at his son and laughed. “Something else I suspected. Bratva.”
“Possible. I will have my soldiers direct their attention to Brighton Beach.” The area had been labeled little Odessa given the huge population of Russians. It housed many of the Bratva as well.
“They don’t talk, just grunt,” Nico snarked.
“They’ll talk,” I told him. “In the meantime, we strengthen our businesses by solidifying the alliance.”
I could tell neither man had been prepared. After I glanced at my father, he gave me a nod of approval.
“Meaning what exactly?” Nico challenged.
“Meaning there will be upcoming nuptials, but only under one condition.” I held up my index finger. Nico looked like he was going to jump out of his skin. For a brutal man, the gleam in his eyes was refreshing.
“Of course there would be,” he hissed, returning to his usual demeanor.
“Son. Listen!” Joseph snapped. “Go ahead.”
“You will remain engaged for a period of six months. If you both feel the way I already know you do, then I will give my blessing. In the meantime, we find the son of a bitch who’s determined to bring us down.”
Another moment of tension almost pushed me over the edge. I didn’t extend an olive branch very often.
Finally, Nico rose to his feet, walking around the table toward me. He stared into my eyes for a full minute before outstretching his arm. “I don’t like you, Sicilian, but I will honor the deal made between our fathers.”
“No, Nico. This is the deal we make between the two of us. There’s plenty of business for two powerful families in this town, but no more.” I gripped his hand.
He snorted then strengthened his hold, a twinkle in his eye. “Then we have a deal.”
“I have one question, Joseph. Were you aware that Luciano was on his way to end your life on the day he died?”
The man seemed genuinely surprised. “No, I was not aware. What set him off?”
