Valentino
My father called earlier this morning, requesting I join him for lunch. I’ve been expecting this.
“Today’s the day,” I say aloud.
I knew once I married Alessia, he’d have no more excuses. He has no choice but to step down, finally allowing me to take my place as the head of the family. Everything I’ve been planning is about to fall into place.
I quickly send an email to Giancarlo, letting him know I’ll be able to move our timeline forward and that I’ll be in touch soon. With that handled, I leave for the restaurant.
As soon as I walk in, Lena spots me and makes her way over, swaying her hips.
“Is my father here yet?” I ask when she stops in front of me, her gaze lingering a bit longer than necessary.
“I haven’t seen him,” she says, stepping closer, her voice sultry. “I haven’t seen you in a while either.” Her finger trails along my arm.
Glancing around, I notice the restaurant’s nearly empty. The few patrons around are too engrossed in their conversations to pay attention. “I’ve been busy,” I reply, keeping my tone casual, even though I’m already getting hard.
“It sounds like you’re working too much.” She drops her hand, cupping my erection. “Maybe you need a break?”
My eyes dart between the clock on the wall and Lena. “Maybe I do.”
Taking her by the wrist, I lead her to the back office. As soon as the door closes, the tension between us snaps. Unbuttoning her silky shirt, I pull the cups of her bra down, exposing her breasts. I capture a nipple between my teeth and tug.
“,” she breathes. “I’ve missed you.”
“Prove it,” I growl, pushing her to her knees. She looks up at me, her eyes hungry, and eagerly takes me into her mouth. A groan escapes as my fingers tangle in her hair.
“Don’t stop,” I command, my voice rough. It’s been too long since I’ve had an experienced mouth wrapped around my dick. My grip tightens as I thrust deeper into her throat.
“,” she gasps, pulling back for a moment. “I want you.”
“You want me?” I pull her up roughly and bend her over the desk. My hands slide up her thighs, hiking up her skirt as she arches her back.
“Is this what you wanted?” I growl, my voice thick with lust. Gripping her hips, I drive into her with hard, relentless strokes.
“Yes,” she pants, her fingers digging into the edge of the desk. “Harder.”
I give her what she asks for, pounding into her, the room filled with the sounds of our bodies colliding. There’s nothing tender or gentle about this—it’s raw, primal, and exactly what I need.
“,” she cries out. “I’m close.”
Her body shutters as an orgasm ripples through her. The sight and feel of her climax push me over the edge, and I spill into her with a guttural groan.
Pulling out, I quickly adjust my clothes as she smooths down her skirt. There's no need for sweet talk or empty promises of romance. This was never about anything more than satisfying an urge.
Just as my hand reaches for the door, it swings open, and I almost collide with my father. His gaze sweeps over me, then lands on Lena standing behind me, her face still flushed.
“What’s going on here?” he demands.
“I was having a word with Lena,” I reply casually, without bothering to look at her.
His eyes narrow, suspicion clearly evident. “You have tables waiting, Lena. Get back to work.”
“Yes, Mr. Comiso,” she says quietly as she slips out of the room.
Once she’s gone, my father’s expression hardens, “You’re a married man, .”
“I’m aware,” I respond, meeting his gaze without flinching
“Have you no desire to be faithful to your wife?” he presses.
I shrug dismissively. “My wife doesn’t care what I do in my free time. Actually, I think she’d be pleased to know I’m satisfying my needs elsewhere.”
“You must give her time. Alessia needs to know she can trust you before?—”
“I don’t need you telling me how to conduct my marriage.”
He sighs, his shoulders slumping in defeat. “We’ll have lunch downstairs.”
“Fine. Let’s go.”
The walk down is quiet, tension simmering between us. My father doesn’t have to like how I live my life, but I refuse to let him force his outdated views on me.
When we walk into the meeting room, I notice the table is set for three.
“Who else is joining us?” I ask, a hint of annoyance creeping into my voice.
“I invited your Uncle Marco. He’s running a bit late and said to start without him.”
A server arrives, taking my father’s drink order. “What can I get for you, sir?” she asks.
“I’ll have my usual.”
“Whiskey on the rocks?” she confirms, casually brushing against my arm as she does. My father’s gaze moves between us, clearly catching the interaction.
“I called ahead for our food order,” he says, his tone a bit tighter as he turns his attention to her. “How long until it’s ready?”
“The chef was waiting for your drink order before plating.”
“Tell him we’re ready.”
“Yes, Mr. Comiso,” she responds, giving a slight nod.
After she leaves, I don’t bother to wait. “I assume we’re here to discuss your retirement.”
My father looks up. “I’d prefer to eat before we discuss business.”
“There’s no reason to wait,” I argue, barely masking my impatience. “I do have a wife to get home to.”
He sighs, looking weary. “Very well, Vigo. Let’s get to it.” He takes a deep breath, his tone more serious. “The Comiso family has been in control of this city for generations.”
“I know all that.”
“It’s crucial that we continue this legacy with strength and wisdom.”
“I understand the importance of our family's legacy.”
My father’s gaze sharpens. "There’s more to being a leader than ambition. It’s about earning respect and trust."
"I have respect," I snap, irritated. "And trust. You can ask anyone."
"Respect is not demanded, . It’s earned.” A knock on the door interrupts us. “Come in,” he calls.
The server returns with our drinks and food. I glare at my father but remain silent until we’re alone.
"You think I haven’t earned it?"
He hesitates, looking me in the eye. “, I’ve been considering my next steps very carefully. To ensure the family’s continued success and stability, I’ve decided that Marco will take over as Capo,” he states, his voice firm.
I freeze, momentarily stunned. “What?”
“You need more time to prove yourself,” he says, standing his ground. “That’s why I’m promoting you to underboss. It will give you the experience you need to eventually become Capo.”
Fury burns through me. “After everything I’ve done—after marrying that frigid bitch, you’re still giving it to Marco?”
"Calm down."
"Calm down?” I shout.
"Son, this isn’t about punishing you. You’ll have your chance," he says, his expression softening slightly. “But you need more time in a leadership role before taking the top spot.”
"More time?” I ask, my temper flaring. “What more do I need to do?"
"It’s crucial that you gain more experience as underboss and earn the trust of our men. You need to demonstrate wisdom and restraint—qualities I’m afraid you still lack. Marco has the experience and respect of the family,” he continues, but I barely register his words.
“You’re holding me back. I’m ready now.”
“Your actions say otherwise,” he snaps back, his voice rising. “This isn’t about what you want. It’s about what’s best for the family.”
“This is my rightful place,” I hiss through clenched teeth. “I won’t let you take it away from me.”
My father’s face pales, but he remains resolute. “You will respect my decision.”
“Respect?” I laugh bitterly. “You’ve never respected me.”
", calm down," my father says, his voice strained.
"Calm down? This is bullshit,” I shout, slamming my fists onto the table. Plates and glasses rattle with the impact. I shove my chair back violently, the legs scraping against the floor. “I’m tired of being treated like a child,” I roar, grabbing a glass and hurling it against the wall. It shatters, fragments scattering across the floor.
“Enough,” my father commands, but there’s a tremor in his voice. “This is exactly what I’m talking about. You must control your temper in challenging situations. You’re reckless.”
“I’ll show you reckless,” I sneer, grabbing him by the collar and dragging him from his chair. “You’ve never believed in me.” I shake him violently.
My father’s eyes widen, a mix of shock and fear flashing across his face. “You’re ruining everything,” I yell, stepping closer until I’m right in his face. “Every sacrifice I made, every plan I put into place. All for you to throw it away on some ridiculous notion that Marco’s better suited. You think I can’t handle this? You think I’m weak?”
He gasps for air, his hand trembling as it clutches my arm. “, stop.”
“Stop?” I laugh maniacally. “You’ve underestimated me for the last time. I am Comiso, and I will take what’s rightfully mine,” I growl and release him with a shove, sending him sprawling to the floor.
He clutches his chest, his breathing growing ragged. Pain and betrayal fill his eyes before he slumps forward, his body giving out.
“What’s wrong with you? Get up,” I demand coldly, but he doesn’t respond.
The door bursts open. “I’m sorry I’m late,” Uncle Marco says, slightly out of breath. “Nicki needed…” He stops mid-sentence, his gaze shifting from me to my father. “What happened?”
“I don’t know. He just collapsed,” I reply, my voice devoid of concern.
Uncle Marco rushes across the room, dropping to his knees beside my father. “Call an ambulance,” he barks his orders at me. “Now.”
The world shifts around me. Even as my father lies unconscious at my feet, I feel nothing. All I can focus on is the power within my reach—the power that’s about to be mine.