Chapter 2

Nikolai

"N o," Don Giovanni De Luca says, a triumphant gleam in his eye.

I clench my fist and the muscle in my jaw twitches. Who the fuck does this small-time Don think he is, refusing me? I could beat him to death right here in his own home if I wanted and there's nothing he could do about it. He should be grateful I've come to him rather than just taking what I want. I'm far more powerful.

"With all due respect, Don De Luca, you're not really in a position to refuse my offer," I reply calmly.

"Ah, but that's where you're wrong, Mr. Kuzmin. As of this morning, I'm in an excellent position to refuse you."

He leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers over his round stomach. I try to control my rage at his deliberate snub for not referring to me by the correct title. As the head of the Kuzmin empire, he should be referring to me as Pakhan. Hell, he should be on his fucking knees kissing my feet. The flagrant display of confidence has piqued my interest though. What could possibly make him feel this brave to defy me?

"And why, Mr. De Luca, would you think that? Do you think your small-time operation can go up against the might of the Kuzmins? I'd think very carefully about who you're making an enemy of." I growl.

"Because the De Luca family and the Lucchese family have combined, so I would say that my small-time operation, as you call it, is now in an exceptionally strong position to go up against you."

He breaks into a smug grin that I want to smack off his pig face. But his words cause me to pause. With his existing alliance with the Di Stefano family, and now the Luccheses, he would be in a position to rival me. Could the Lucchese family really have allied with him? But, why? What could he possibly have that they want? The question must be written on my face as De Luca answers me without my asking it.

"This time next week, Don Lucchese is going to marry my daughter, uniting our families. So, I'd think very carefully about who you are making an enemy of, Kuzmin. I think we're done here. My men can escort you out."

The walking gorilla that's been standing sentinel behind me opens the door and dares to place a hand on my shoulder as if to escort me out. He might be big, but so am I. Quick as a rattlesnake, I grasp his hand, squeezing it until I feel the bones break.

"Touch me again and I'll chop it off," I snarl. "I can see myself out," I add, shooting a glance at De Luca before leaving.

Thankfully, he seems to have sense enough to let me do that. He knows full well I'd kill any of his men with ease. He might have an agreed arrangement with Lucchese, but he doesn't have the power yet. Nor does he have a man who could beat me in a fight.

I stalk down the corridor, so deep in thought and planning my next move that I don't notice her until I barrel into her. A tiny slip of a woman. She collides with my chest, almost falling, but I catch her with one hand and pull her upright. She's so small that the top of her head barely comes up to my shoulder. I'm about to move her aside and continue when I feel her press a piece of paper into my hand. I look down and her eyes meet mine. Big, vulnerable, soulful green eyes that pierce my soul.

She's one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. Dressed in a flowing white dress, she's ethereal, and part of me wonders if she's real. Before I can speak or gather my thoughts. She disappears through a nearby door, leaving me reeling. Dazed, I remember that she slipped something into my hand. A note. As I open it and read it, I realize who she is. She's Giovanni De Luca's mysterious daughter, the one no one ever sees.

She's more trouble than she's worth. So why am I considering doing the downright reckless and dangerous thing she's asked of me?