Chapter 40
CHAPTER FORTY
Nico
The only reason Massimo Caruso is still breathing is because he’s my fiancée’s father.
I just got out of the doghouse with Eleonora. I’m not about to put a bullet in her father’s head and crawl right back in.
But fuck, it’s tempting. Every time I look at this bastard across the table, I remember what he put her through. What he put all his daughters through. I want to wrap my hands around his throat and squeeze until his eyes pop.
Instead, I sit back in my chair, calm and composed, while Marco and a few of my most trusted men stand behind me.
We’re at an abandoned warehouse which has been converted into a meeting room, in neutral territory, a stretch of land on the Pennsylvania-New York border controlled by a smaller outfit that stays out of Syndicate politics.
Every Don on the East Coast knows the rules. You come here to negotiate, not to wage war. Breaking the peace would unite every Family against you.
The tension in the room is thick enough to choke on.
Gallo’s death has left Massimo weakened. His strongest ally is gone, and now the Gallo family is looking for blood, blaming Massimo for leading their son to his death without delivering a bride. He’s desperate.
Massimo leans forward, looking every bit displeased at the news I just delivered.
“This can’t happen. You kidnapped my daughters, got engaged to one without my permission, and now you’re demanding marriage? You’ve lost your mind, Lombardi.”
I don’t raise my voice. I don’t need to.
“I don't think I made myself clear the first time. I’m not asking for your permission,” I say coldly. “I’m informing you. Eleonora is wearing my ring. She’s my fiancée. And I will marry her.”
Massimo’s face turns red with fury. “You arrogant piece of—”
I cut him off with a look. “Careful. Raise your voice at me again and we’ll see how fast this meeting ends with you bleeding on the floor.”
His men shift nervously. Guns are drawn on both sides within seconds. Massimo’s face pales as he realizes how badly he’s outnumbered.
Marco clears his throat.
“Massimo, you’re not stupid. You’re outnumbered here, and you know it.
Nico marrying your daughter isn’t just about alliance anymore, it’s survival.
The Gallo family wants your head. Half the city is turning against you.
Having Nico on your side is the only thing that might keep you alive.
Let’s put this to rest. Open the ports we want, accept the marriage, and we all walk away with something. ”
There’s a long, suffocating silence.
Massimo’s eyes dart between me and Marco. He knows he’s cornered. Finally, he lets out a shaky breath and nods once, bitterly.
“Fine,” he spits. “Take her. Marry her. But you back me up if the Gallos decide to come after me.”
I lean back, staring him dead in the eyes.
“One more thing.”
“What?” He looks annoyed.
“No more hitting or maltreating your daughters. You will start treating them like human beings.”
His lips thin. “You can't tell me how to run my family.”
“Do you need my help or not?”
Massimo clenches his jaw so hard I hear his teeth grind. But he nods. “Fine,” he agrees through gritted teeth.
I stand up slowly, buttoning my jacket.
“Good. We'll keep in touch.”
“I want to see my daughters.”
I don’t blink. “They don’t want to see you.”
His face twists with anger. “You cannot keep them from me! They are my blood!”
“They’re adults,” I reply coldly. “If they say they don’t want to see their father, then that’s their choice. I’ll speak with Eleonora and Sienna. If they want to see your sorry face, I’ll arrange a meeting. If they don’t, you will respect their decision.”
Massimo slams his hand on the table. “This is how our alliance begins? You keeping me away from my own daughters?”
I lean forward, voice dropping to a dangerous calm. “Push me on this, and we’ll have bigger problems than the Gallos.”
He glares at me, but he knows he’s cornered. Eventually, he gives a stiff nod.
Without another word I walk out, Marco and my men right behind me.
The drive home feels longer than usual. I can't wait to get back to Eleonora. These past few days have been hell for her.
Last night was the first time she managed to sleep for more than a few hours. I stayed sitting up against the headboard, holding her after a nightmare.
My neck and back are currently paying for it, but I don’t care. If breaking my spine is what it takes for her to get even one good night of sleep, I’ll do it gladly.
I need to get her help. A therapist. Someone discreet who understands our world. She needs to talk to someone.
When I finally walk into our bedroom, it’s already getting late. Eleonora is standing in front of the mirror, brushing her hair, getting ready for dinner.
The moment she sees me, her face lights up. She crosses the room quickly and throws herself into my arms.
I catch her, wrapping her up tight, breathing her in as I kiss the top of her head.
“Hey,” I murmur against her hair. “Missed you.”
“Missed you too.” She pulls back just enough to look at me. “How did the meeting go?”
“He agreed to the marriage. We’re forming an alliance with your father’s side.”
A smile spreads across her face. “That's good news.”
“Yeah… he's asking to see you and Sienna.”
She tenses slightly in my arms, but nods. “Yeah… I figured he would.”
“If you don’t want to see him, you don’t have to,” I tell her firmly. “He can’t force you. But if you want to see your sisters, I’ll make sure he brings them.”
She relaxes a little. “I need to see them. I have to know they’re really okay.”
I kiss her forehead. “Then we’ll make it happen.”
She smiles softly, then looks up at me with those beautiful eyes. “Thank you.”
I brush my thumb across her cheek. “There’s something else. I’ve been thinking… we have a therapist who works with our family, she's very discreet. If you want to talk to someone, I can arrange it.”
She searches my face for a moment, then nods slowly. “I think… that could help.”
“Good. I'll arrange for you to meet her when you're ready.”
“Thank you.” She leans up and kisses me deeply.
The kiss quickly turns hungry. My hands slide down her body, pulling her closer. She moans softly into my mouth, pressing herself against me.
Before I know it, we’re both pulling at our clothes, forgetting all about dinner. Her robe hits the floor. My shirt follows. I lift her, carrying her to the bed where I show her how much I've missed her.