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Edoardo nods in agreement.
“Set up a meeting with him,” I demand, running a hand through my hair. “I’ll decide whether involving him is worth it or not.”
Massimo’s eyes flash, and I know he no longer likes me giving orders. He nods. “Fine.”
“Good. Is there anything else that needs to be addressed?”
My men are silent.
“Fine, I want an update no later than tomorrow morning on the Vishekov Bratva and where we’re at.”
As the men stand and leave, Massimo lingers behind. Once we’re alone, he crosses his arms over his chest. “What are you doing here?”
“I need to step in since things are going to shit.”
Massimo shakes his head. “Nothing is going to shit. I’m the one who suspected the Vishekov Bratva due to their links with Vegas. Let me prove I can handle this.”
I realize he sees my stepping in as not trusting him, but it’s not that. If I leave it to someone else, I’m gambling with Ella’s life. Two wives I’ve had. My enemies killed both. I won’t allow her to meet the same fate.
I place a hand on his shoulder and look into his eyes. “I know you can handle it, Massimo. It’s not about whether you can handle it. It’s for my peace of mind.”
His brow furrows.
“Erin being murdered has put me on edge. They have it out for me; therefore, I need to bring them to their knees. Do you understand?”
His expression softened. “Yes. I understand that.”
“Good. I’m not trying to take over. I’m pissed off and want Vishekov’s head on a plate.”
“I get it. I’ll ensure the men work around the clock to bring the Vishekov Bratva to their knees.”
I clap him on the shoulder. “How about the trafficking? Have you ended it?”
His eyes flash with irritation, but he nods. “The Romanians are angry. They say they’re going to make us pay.”
I wave my hand dismissively. “We’ll see about that. If they step foot in our territory, we’ll eradicate them.”
“Why did you do it?” he asks.
I consider lying to him, but what’s the point? Ella is mine. Sooner or later, everyone will find out, and out of all my kids, Massimo is the most mature. He’ll take it better than the rest.
“Ella insisted on it.”
His brow lifts. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
I nod. “She doesn’t like it.”
“And that’s it? Paisley hates it too, but I’m not so much of a pussy—”
I grab the collar of Massimo’s jacket. “Careful, son. I would reconsider how you finish that sentence.”
His jaw clenches and I release his jacket. “I know we’ve been considering jacking the trafficking in for a while because it’s messy and getting expensive, but because of a girl?” He chuckles. “Maybe this onewillbe different. Do you love her?”
The word love sends a shiver down my spine. And instantly, I feel numb. Love doesn’t exist. It’s a stupid modern-day construct. “No.”
Massimo’s brow furrows. “Then what the fuck?”
I shrug. “I want her. It’s all it is. I’ve been hooked on her since the day we met.”
