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"You two wouldn't have to worry if I was there watching over them, but instead, I'm here," Victorio chimes in. "I'm not questioning you, but I have to wonder what I can add in this organization if you won’t even let me protect the women and do the job that I was hired to do."
"It sure as fuck sounds like questioning me is exactly what you’re doing."
"Fine. I am. Angelina gets nervous in crowds, and I'd like to be there to make sure she's okay."
"Sounds like you have a thing for Emilia's cousin," I say, glancing at Niko, who's watching him intently.
Victorio grunts. I can tell he's annoyed with him for pointing it out. "It's not a thing. She's mine," he answers coolly. "She just has a lot of shit to sift through, so I'm moving slowly."
"Lock her up. Women need a man, not a pussy. Don't be afraid to make a move," I tell him, shaking my head.
He flips me off looking miserable. I know I’m about to drop a bomb in his lap and relish the power move to knock his cockiness down a peg.
"When you take over the eastern region, I expect more respect," I inform him.
Victorio drops his hand, the shock evident on his face as he mulls it over. "The east region?" he asks.
"Maxwells’ death shook up some of my men. I'm reorganizing so that I know each region is in good hands. With Niko taking the job as consigliere as well as my second in command because I’m a bastard that trusts no one easily, I’m left slightly vulnerable. I need someone I can trust to assume Niko’s former position."
He stays quiet for a minute, staring back at me. I watch his face as the wheels turn in his mind. "I appreciate the vote of confidence, but I've been a bodyguard since your father brought me in. I’m not sure I know what to do as a Capo," he says. I know it's difficult to admit weakness, but at least he's honest.
"You know exactly what do to," I tell him, dismissing his insecurity about the job. Most guys that start security stay there. A Capo is a coveted spot within the organization so, for me to offer him a position at the top is almost unheard of. "I've been contemplating it for well over a month. That's why you've attended so many damn meetings lately."
"I thought that had more to do with the fact you two don't want me near your women," Vic says cockily.
"We don't," Niko and I say in unison, making Vic laugh.
"You're too damn pretty," Niko says grumpily.
"But I trust you," I add, moving it back to business and away from the touchy subject of our wives. "If I didn't, I'd mess your face up so it wouldn't irritate me so much."
I remember all too clearly walking in and seeing Vic hold Emilia together while Niko was in a coma. I was sure at the time he was moving in on her. Thank God Niko woke up when he did because while I know Victorio is a good man, I'd have been forced to handle business. Still, no lines were crossed, and that was Niko's personal business, although I sure as fuck can't even process what I would do to him if it had been Melina. I shake my head, pushing away that thought before I get pissed. Victorio didn't do anything to jeopardize my trust in him.
"I'll do my best to make you proud," he says, nodding at me. I can see the appreciation rolling through him.
"You'll have one soldier under you. Lodi. He's a good man. The other two positions are empty, so you'll vet candidates," Niko states.
"Empty?" Vic asks.
"Let's just say Dante had connections that helped him get to his father, and they were... dealt with," Niko explains.
I grit my teeth, thinking about those traitors, before I shake myself out of it. They got what was coming to them. "The fact that Lodi worked so closely with them and didn't catch on is why he has yet to be promoted. And he's alive because we searched everything and came up with no reason not to trust him. It nearly destroyed him when he learned what happened to Giovanni," I tell him.
"I'll probably still watch him closely for a long while," Victorio says. “I may take Stone with me. He has good instincts.”
Those observations alone tell me he's ready for this. I’m putting my trust in him, and he's going to watch his most trusted allies to make sure he doesn't fuck them both over. It’s something I would do in his position.
"You should watch both closely," Niko adds, nodding. "I’m available for help too. I know the region and worked it alongside Lodi for a while. I can help you get started."
"I appreciate it," Victorio responds, and I can see the wheels turning. He’s relishing the job already. This was a good decision.
Maxwell would be proud.
"Now, onto the next part of the meeting. I want you both to give me your input on Melina's brother," I tell them, leaning back in my chair. I have my elbows on the armrests, holding my fingers to my mouth as I stare at them both intently. I know what I feel about Marco, but my men are trusted for a reason, and I want to know we are all on the same page. I need their feedback.
"Marco?" Victorio asks.
I nod.
