Chapter 29

29

Massimo

"So, fifty percent of the overland routes through South Europe for running guns would belong to the Camorra ?" Diego's tone is steady but there is an underlying thread of excitement running through it. Since I got here, the man's quizzed me about the benefits of the upcoming partnership, which he can't wait to enjoy. I raise the glass of whiskey to my lips and sip from it. It's not even lunch time, but the only way I could get through this meeting is with alcohol for company. It was a meeting I asked for. The only way to ensure I could see her again.

"Massimo?" Diego prompts me. "The gun routes?"

"Yes, the Cosa Nostra would hand the routes over once the nuptials are complete," I murmur.

"That's good; that's very good." He sips from his own glass… of bourbon. Never trust a man who prefers bourbon over whiskey, or so my father would say. Not that I'd trust the stronz o with much else, but it's proved to be a warning sign countless times.

His features light up. He doesn't even bother hiding his glee at my confirmation. " Salute. " He raises his glass. I drain mine without bothering to clink glasses with him.

His jaw hardens, but he doesn't admonish me. That's what happens when you want something with so much desperation; you'll put up with the insult to get it. He drains his own glass and sets it aside.

"And the routes which are with the Bratva?—"

"Stay with them. And our prior arrangements with the Kane company stay, as well. They are our allies, which also makes them your allies. Don't forget that."

He draws in a breath. "I don't trust either of them."

"You don't have a choice in the matter. It's the cost of doing business with the Cosa Nostra ."

I hear a noise at the door, but continue to focus on the pezzo di merda who jerks his chin. "You should know, I'm pursuing an alliance with the Mexicans for my remaining sister."

I scowl. "Your remaining sister?" Is there another one? His words don't quite compute. Who is he talking about? It can't be, surely, can it?

His gaze turns canny. "For Olivia."

I curl my fingers around the bandage that's wrapped around my right palm. "The Mexicans are ruthless. They're into slave trading, and have been known to sell off their own daughters for money. You'd arrange to send your own sister into that?"

"I'm sure once she is married to the Don, they'll treat her differently."

I glance past him to where a pale-faced Olivia stands by the door next to Solene, who's looking at her brother with a horrified expression on her face.

"The Don?" I glare at Diego. "He's a piece of shit, notorious for his sadistic tendencies. He's been married thrice already, and none of his wives have survived, so far."

"Maybe my sister will be the one to get lucky, huh? Besides, she's scarred. Her prospects for marriage to anyone else are close to nil."

I sense Olivia shuffle her feet. I flick my gaze in her direction, and shake my head faintly to gesture she shouldn't interfere. Anger pours off of her, but she doesn't say a word. Thank fuck. I focus my attention on the testa di cazzo who offers to top up my glass. When I cover my glass with my palm, he places the bottle aside.

"Olivia has a fiancé," I snap.

"And you believe her?"

I stay silent.

"That's what I thought." He cracks his neck. "It's time to get her settled, and the Mexicans are more than happy with the alliance."

"And what about what Olivia wants?"

"What about her?" He turns to me. "She'll do as she's told. She's had her fun, trying to become an actress. Given the condition of her face, there's no future for her in it." He pours more bourbon into his glass. "This is the best solution. She gets a husband out of it, and I ensure the future of our clan. Given you are now family, you'd benefit from it, too."

"The Cosa Nostra never has and never shall trade people, nor do we associate with those who do. The Mexicans deserve to be shot, every last one of them."

"Surely, you're not so archaic in your beliefs. It's business."

"So is this." I pull out my gun, aim it at his forehead, and fire.

There's a scream from the doorway. I pocket my gun and turn in time to find Solene crumple. Olivia catches her sister, then lowers her to the floor, her gaze still on me. I walk toward them, then sink to my feet next to Solene, unable to tear my gaze off Olivia's face.

"I couldn't allow him to hurt you."

She takes in my features, then reaches out and wipes something off my cheek. "Blood," she says in a steady voice.

"Ah." I tilt my head. "Are you upset?"

"I don't know." She searches my eyes. "I understand why you did it, but that was my brother."

"I couldn't let him go through with his plan for you. I had to protect you, at all costs."

Solene moans, and she darts her gaze down to her sister's face. "Honey, are you okay?"

Solene glances from her to me, then pulls away. "Take me away from him, please." Her voice wavers.

"Sweetheart, you don't have to be scared of Massimo."

"I can't stand to see him." Solene's chin wobbles.

I hear footsteps, then see Adrian approaching. When he sees me crouched on the floor in the doorway, he growls, " Fratello , what the hell happened?"

Declan, who arrived shortly after I did, under the pretext of seeing me, follows closely behind. He takes in the scene, then squats down next to us. "Solene, are you okay?"

She pulls off her engagement ring and holds it out in my direction. Without meeting my eyes she says, "I can't marry you."

I accept the ring.

She turns to Declan and holds out her hand. "Please, take me away from here."