35. Tennant
I hate everything about this. The tension between the two Families is thick, and it makes my skin itch with the need to do something.
Though, I’d rather not put the Martellis on edge any more than they already are by pacing, especially when the only one freely moving is Dmitri, as he interprets for Jude, and even he is careful with each move he makes; the young bodyguard poised for something to happen, even while he carefully attends to my lover.
“Tennant, Carter, and I have carefully extracted the few moles we’ve found,” Jude explains.
“They didn’t know much, of fucking course, though a couple knew more than they should have.
” His expression darkens. “We’ve dealt with them, and while one was a member of the house staff, who had more opportunity to gather information, it doesn’t explain how they got so much data.
“At this point, the how isn’t as important, I don’t think. We know they managed to bypass our systems, and have reacted accordingly. The information they have, while concerning, could be a lot worse. That none of us have been arrested tells us they don’t have access to the really damning stuff.
“I’m much more concerned with the why of it, rather than the how.” He grimaces and tugs at his curls, showing a fissure of his frustration. That alone concerns me for him, because he’s not one to allow others to see behind his mask.
Trusting the Martellis enough to allow them a glimpse of his feelings speaks of both how frustrating this situation is, and Jude’s comfort level with them…
or with at least one of them. I note how carefully Antonio watches him, with a look in his eyes that says he’d be happy to help with the agnellino’s stress levels.
Keegan speaks up. “Aside from taking us down, it seems they want to destroy every trace of either Family. Whoever is in charge doesn’t want to leave anything up to chance, and risk someone stepping in to take over.
” He considers things carefully before finishing with, “It’s something I’d do.
Removing the head only turns them into a martyr, and encourages others to finish their cause.
It's much better to burn the whole operation from the ground up, if you don’t want to leave anything to chance. ”
“Right,” Hollis agrees. He begins pacing, his movements stiff and jerky as he speaks.
“Whoever is in charge has very strict ideals about what it is we do, and they seem to be feeding the fear and hatred of those working with them.
Court talked about kids being in danger because of us, and that matches up with the very limited information we were able to uncover about him.
“This was hidden in the official database, but it seems his work partner was killed while taking her kids to school. I don’t have many details, but it seems like they got caught in the crossfire between rival gangs.
“Not all those responsible were caught, and it seems, rather than go after them, Court decided we were the enemy, since they believe we’re the ones who supplied the weapons.”
Hollis stops his pacing and looks around the room, the dark expression on his face clear to see.
“This was hard information to come by. It seems someone wanted to hide it, not for the dead partner and her children’s sake, but for Court’s.
Whoever is in charge, they have a level of authority that we should be wary of.
My contact has contacts within the government, and it took far too long for any of us to get even this far.
Whoever is pulling the strings…this isn’t their first rodeo.
” Hollis smiles, a twisted thing that speaks of pain for his prey.
“It’s not mine either, and I will find them. It’s only a matter of time.”
“I don’t like how they’ve hidden so well,” Il Padrone says darkly.
“Neither do I,” Hollis replies. “I’m confident we plugged all the holes in both our systems and in our men.
Studying the information, and where they placed their moles, we should be able to assess and watch anyone who might be at risk of turning.
We’re already putting measures into place in order to prevent that.
I’ll send you a list of your own men and recommendations, so you can do the same. ”
“We appreciate that, thank you.”
Hollis shrugs like it’s no big deal, but we all know it is. Not only is he sharing information between Families, but not attaching a price tag shows how personal this is, rather than being simply business.
“Leandro and I have been working round the clock, so I am just thankful it’s paying off,” Hollis says carefully.
So am I. Any longer and I was going to chain him to the bed.
The last few weeks have been hell on us all work-wise, but Hollis has been pushing himself the most. Until recently though, there hasn’t been anything I could do about it.
Now, I’m finally cleared for sex, and can take matters into my own hands. Or…
Looking at the boy sitting at his Master’s feet, I can’t help but smile at the look of utter awe and heat he gives my Tesoro. Hollis either doesn’t notice, or is purposefully teasing his puppy by not giving him the attention he wants.
How Hol can ignore the complete need Emilio is giving off is impressive, especially when I have to hold myself back from crossing the invisible Amato/Martelli barrier and taking my Topolino into my arms.
Benjamin has learned to read me well, because he smiles at me, with need in his eyes, along with love I probably don’t deserve—not that it’s going to prevent me from enjoying it.
What I don’t enjoy is the way that bastard is still too close to Benjamin.
I am not a jealous person, or even a possessive one.
No, what I am is protective of those I care about.
As far as I know, Benjamin hasn’t changed his mind regarding Ignacio.
They might be friends, and Ignacio may be protective in his own way, but that doesn’t mean he has a right to be so close to Benjamin, unless he asks for it.
And considering how closely I’ve been watching my Topolino since we arrived, I know he hasn’t.
There’s challenge and amusement in Ignacio’s dark eyes. It makes me want to bury him alive. Too bad both Roman and Benjamin would kill me if I did that.
Roman reaches his hand out, carefully pressing the back of his fingers against my leg. Ignacio’s eyes narrow as I drop my hand down to cover his, accepting the grounding the boy is offering.
If I didn’t think it’d get my ass kicked, I’d allow a hint of smugness to bleed into my demeanor, but the last thing I need is for my lovers and Cristian to beat my ass because I antagonized the bastard.
“So, while we know more,” Cristian says carefully, cutting into my musings. “We really don’t know much.”
“It’s more than what we had before,” Hollis argues. “It’s slow going, but each piece we unravel gives us more of the picture. We’ve eliminated their direct links to our organizations, and have preventative measures in place so it won’t happen again.
“We know they’re high up in the food chain. Not only do they have authority over the local police force, but federal connections as well. That is…not good, but we at least know where to look now. We might not have all the pieces of the puzzle, but the edges are at least coming together.”
“Not fast enough, but I’d rather not make waves by trying to rush it,” Cristian says carefully.
“Agreed,” Il Padrone responds. “They have to know we’re aware the conspiracy goes deeper than just Court. It’s best to exercise caution, moving in the shadows is what we’re good at. We know they’re coming, but if we’re careful, they won’t see us coming for them until it’s too late.”
Excitement rushes through me, and I allow a grin to spread across my lips. The tension in the room turning from caution mixed with sexual, to anticipation, as we can all taste the bloodshed to come.
No matter what happens, whatever our Families end up looking like with the shifting dynamics and “fuck me” vibes coming from everyone—including the Bosses—the promise of death and violence will be the one thing we can all agree on.
The meeting wraps up quickly, with nothing else to go over, and the weird tension is back. The need for my Baby Mouse is too much, and Cristian reaches out to set a hand on my arm, squeezing hard.
Il Padrone’s bright gaze narrows as he zeros in on the touch.
If I wasn’t itching for my Benjamin, I’d play with him, but the idea of him disliking Cristian touching me is going to have to be saved for later.
Especially since I now know that I need to talk to my friend about whatever happened this morning after Cristian whisked Il Padrone into his office.
Roman is, of course, the one who moves first. His patience seemingly having run out. He stands in front of Il Padrone and dips his head respectfully.
“Padrone,” he says, his voice soft, but tone loud enough for us all to hear.
No one moves, curious to see where this is going.
“I need to apologize for my attitude and the disrespectful way I spoke to you last time we met.
I…was not at my best. That is no excuse.
I was raised better, but emotions were high, and I reacted without thought.
I am sorry for disrespecting you and not remembering my place.
We are not equals—yet—and I need to remember that.
“However, I hope you are willing to work with me, and help me to be better. I believe there’s a lot I can learn from you and the way you rule.
I truly am sorry for not remembering my place.
It was hard letting go after having to hold everything together for so long, but I do respect your place, and my own, and hope this hasn’t damaged our working relationship. ”
It’s so quiet you could hear a pin drop, as Il Padrone stares at Roman, his intense blue gaze unwavering. “And your actions for trying to claim what’s not yours?” he asks. “Are you sorry for that?”
I am proud of how Roman doesn’t flinch at the question, nor does he take his eyes off the Martelli Boss, even as Ignacio’s gaze bores into Roman intently.
“No, Padrone,” Roman says. “I don’t regret falling in love. I never have and never will. I hope you will not only consider my apology, but allow me to speak with Ignacio in private. Even if it’s just for five minutes. I am serious about him, and it’s been…difficult being away from him.”
“Are you apologizing in the hope that I will give you what you want?” There’s an edge to Il Padrone’s voice and I tense, causing Cristian to put more pressure in his touch, holding me in place.
“No, Padrone,” Roman replies. “I owe you an apology because I acted like a brat, not like a future Boss. Being able to at least touch Ignacio for a moment would simply be a selfish need, not anything to do with my apology.”
Little shit’s been practicing , I muse. I am both proud and concerned for Roman. He’s obviously given this apology some thought, but what concerns me is if Il Padrone will believe him or not.