Antonio
Dante: I think Val found out about the gallery.
Me: What? How?
Dante: I don’t know. He was waiting for us when we got back. Alessia’s in his office. I’m afraid of what he’s going to do to her.
Fuck. I knew something like this was going to happen. I’m about to walk into a meeting, and I can’t afford to be a no-show. My hands are tied.
Me: Does he know you’re involved.
Dante: Yes.
Dammit. This is a complication we don’t need. I have to do damage control before this gets any worse.
Me: I’m going to try to buy us a little time. I’ll wrap up here as fast as I can.
Right now, I need to remain focused on this meeting. The Carlini’s have been allied with us for generations, but they’re furious over Valentino’s new alliances with DeLuca and Salazar. Drugs and humans were never part of either of our businesses and they want to keep it that way.
I enter the conference room where Saverio Carlini, the patriarch of his Famiglia , is already seated at the head of the table, his sons flanking him. The tension is thick as I sit opposite them.
“Saverio,” I greet with a nod. “Thank you for inviting me.”
“,” he acknowledges, his voice steady but laced with displeasure. “We need to talk about your cousin’s recent decisions.”
“I understand your concerns. Valentino’s alliances were made without consulting any of our allies. I want to assure you that this is not a direction I support.” I’m walking a fine line here, hoping this doesn’t backfire before I can put my plan into motion.
Saverio narrows his eyes. “Then why has it happened? We’ve always kept our business clean. No drugs, no humans. This alliance threatens everything we stand for.”
“I agree,” I say choosing my next words carefully. “Valentino initially believed these partnerships would bring us more power and wealth. But he now understands the dangerous path it’s put us on. That’s why I’m here—to let you know I’m fixing this.”
Saverio exchanges a look with his sons, before turning his attention back to me. “What are you proposing, ?”
“I’m planning to meet with DeLuca to sever all ties.”
Saverio’s oldest son, Danilo, leans forward. “He won’t take kindly to that.”
“Possibly not,” I concede. “The Trombino Famiglia in Brooklyn is willing to allow them to move their shipments through their ports. I believe that will be an agreeable compromise for DeLuca.”
Saverio steeples his fingers, his expression unreadable. “We were at your party last month. I’ve spoken with several of the other families since then. Valentino’s instability concerns us. He’s unpredictable and reckless. That’s dangerous for all of us.”
“I agree. What happened was unacceptable. He got carried away with the celebration.” I force a relaxed smile. “I assure you it was a one-time occurrence.”
Saverio’s eyes narrow further, scrutinizing me. “And if it wasn’t? If he continues down this path? What are you prepared to do?”
I pause, weighing my next words carefully. This could be a test of my loyalty to Valentino—or an opportunity. If it’s a test, it’s one I can’t afford to fail. “One night doesn’t change my loyalty. I have faith in Valentino as our Capo. From today forward, we’ll move in the right direction.”
Danilo speaks up again. “What about Salazar? If you sever ties with him, there’ll be retaliation. How do you plan to handle that?”
“We’ll be ready for any backlash,” I say, looking each man in the eye. “Currently they’re overextended. If we strike, it’ll be swift, cutting them off before they have a chance to regroup.”
“You’re asking us to risk a lot,” Saverio says.
“I am,” I reply, meeting his gaze steadily.
“I’m not convinced but I respect your commitment. We’ll support you—for now. But understand, if this fails, the consequences will be severe.”
“I understand,” I reply, relief washing over me. “Thank you, Saverio. Together, we’ll ensure the strength of both our families.”
The meeting wraps up, and as I walk out, I’m already planning my next move. Valentino’s downfall has to be quick, decisive.
Once I’m in my car, I call Valentino.
“How did the meeting go?” he asks.
“It went well. I convinced them to get on board.”
“I knew I could count on you, cousin.”
“I’ll always have your back,” I reply.
“There’s been a development here this afternoon. I’ve uncovered some disloyalty,” Vigo says, his tone casual, like he’s talking about the weather.
My pulse quickens. “Who?”
“Dante,” he replies flatly.
“What has he done?”
“Alessia’s been selling her photos at a gallery downtown. And he’s been helping her.”
I need to shift his focus. “That sounds like an issue with Alessia, not Dante.”
“Explain.”
“She’s challenged your authority before, right?”
“Every damn day.”
“I’d bet she told him you approved of it,” I pause letting the idea sink in. “You know Dante’s loyal. It sounds like he was just as deceived as you”
There’s silence on the other end, then a thoughtful grunt. “I don’t know.”
“Alessia’s the problem.” I push forward, hating every word, but knowing it’s the only way to protect them both. “She needs to be disciplined. You can’t allow her to manipulate your men.”
Another pause. Then, “You’re right. I’ve already punished her,” Valentino says far too pleased with himself. “She’ll think twice before crossing me again.”
I release a slow breath, grateful they’re both alive, even though I can’t think about what he did to her. “Then we agree and consider this handled?”
“Yes, cousin,” he says, finally relenting.
“Perfect,” I say, shifting the conversation. “I have some news you’ll want to hear.”
“What is it?”
“Construction on the new room is finished. Just in time for the procession of the saints.”
“That’s good news indeed,” he says. “Arrange for Lena to be at my disposal. I hope you had the rack I requested installed. I want her stretched out, taking it like the filthy slut she is.”
“I think you’ll be very pleased with what you’ll find,” I reply, hating him more with each passing second. “I almost forgot. I have a gift for you.”
“A gift?” he asks, intrigued.
“A belated wedding present. I’ve been working on it for months.”
“Now you have my attention,” he says, laughing.
Everything’s in place, the pieces perfectly aligned. Tomorrow, as the restaurant fills with patrons lost in revelry and tradition, I’ll be beneath them—in the shadows. It’s there that I’ll carry out my plan to bury the rot that has festered among us, sealing away its darkness.
Valentino’s reign ends tomorrow, and with it, the blood-stained legacy he left on our family.