Chapter 25
Twenty-Five
N erine
“Remember, you have nothing to prove, cara.”
I held on to Mama’s words knowing she meant well. However, today wasn’t about proving I was worthy but standing toe to toe with the establishment.
The time had finally arrived when I’d stand as the official head of Angelos Shipping in front of people who’d been Papa’s peers and now were mine.
I belonged at the table.
It solidified in my soul after I’d gotten the ink from Xander three weeks ago. I was part of this world, I couldn’t run from it, and it was time to accept it.
Plus, I wanted a future with Theo and Xander, and the only way to have one was to stay here.
“You ready?” Theo asked me as we stepped into the two-hundred-year-old building where today’s meeting would occur.
“As ready as I’ll ever be. Do you know the players who decided to attend?”
Xander answered, “My sources say nine families, including you. East Coast and New England power players. You’re the sole female.”
“Get ready. The moment I cross the threshold into their lounge, some of them will run for cover because of all of my estrogen.”
“I’m glad you still have your sense of humor.” Theo’s dry delivery almost had my lips twitching.
“We will remain behind you. Press the button on the ring if you need something.” Xander held out his phone, showing me the app linked to the platinum band I wore on my middle right finger with the Angelos crest.
I nodded, not saying anything.
Then Theo said, “You’re Peter Angelo’s daughter. Don’t take shit from anyone. And if at all possible, keep the bloodshed to a minimum. Cleaning up after you is becoming a major hazard of this job assignment.”
Those words actually brought a smile to my lips and eased the tension in my shoulders.
“I’ll do my best, but I make no promises.”
“At least I took her gun from her.” Xander patted his pocket. “I don’t trust her to keep it in her purse with Tobias in the same room.”
“I still have my handy blade.”
Tobias was the one I expected to cause problems for me today. Well, he and one other family head, Dante Galani. He was the patriarch of the Galani Syndicate and had extremely archaic views on women and their roles. He’d hated it when Papa announced his plans to pass on the legacy to me and tried his best to convince Papa to change his succession plan when Linus was born.
I had to keep my cool, channel my inner lady mob boss, and take no one’s shit. Violence was my last resort.
Deep down, something said I’d have to stab a motherfucker to make a point today.
I hoped it was Tobias. Gutting another Stratos would make my day.
What the hell was I thinking? I was hanging around Nyx too much.
Thinking of Nyx, Simon Drakos would be in the room as well as the Mykoses, Nyx’s brothers. I’d have powerful allies at the table, ready to back me.
The doors opened within a few steps of us approaching, and it took all my effort not to comment aloud at the over-the-top extravagance of the space.
Why the fuck would a group of men need to meet in a room that I could only describe as a Victorian ballroom? A giant chandelier hung from a ceiling so intricately designed that it would take hours to study the various scenes etched into the plaster. Along the walls were heavy drapes in deep blue. They matched strategically placed furniture and gave a sharp contrast to the cream-colored walls.
A giant dark wood table dominated one end of the room with chairs for at least thirty people. And there was enough space behind the chairs for each person’s security and entourage.
Only a few seats remained open, the others occupied by various family heads. They seemed to ignore my presence, pretending to engage in discussion of some type or the other, but I knew better. They were well aware of the new addition to their dynamic.
Attendants waited at various spots, ready to cater to the needs of everyone, and a man I could only assume was the room butler rushed in my direction, trying his best not to look exhausted.
His face showed a smile, but the stress around his eyes told me he needed a break or a shot of something strong to take the edge off.
“Mrs. Angelos, welcome.”
“Ms. Angelos,” I corrected.
He gaped at me and then nodded. “Ms. Angelos. Please follow me. “
“Already at it, I see,” Theo murmured.
Xander added, “It’s going to be one of those nights. I can feel it.”
“I’m sure you’ll give me a detailed critique of my actions at home.”
“Debriefings are our specialty. Hope you’re prepared.” Theo pulled out the chair the attendant directed us to. “Remember to use the ring if you feel any threat.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“Promise?”
I released a sigh. “Promise.”
“She’s not going to use it. Tell the men to stay alert,” Xander muttered, making me smirk.
As I settled into my seat, I scanned the faces of those around the table.
Of course, the two families who were my allies sat at the very opposite end of the table. Nico Mykos and Simon Drakos inclined their heads, giving me their gesture of support.
With the looming meeting, I’d forgone my training with Nyx for two weeks, knowing too many eyes watched me. I was no longer playing the role of a mob wife. It wouldn’t make sense to visit Nyx as much as I used to do.
I continued my perusal of the rest of the table. That was when I caught Tobias Stratos studying me. Irritation laced his scrutiny as well as lust, a complete replica of his disgusting uncle. He’d done as Xander predicted even after my firm and maybe not-so-nicely worded message. He thought my response was a challenge and pursued another meeting where he offered to help me close Andraius’s estate and transfer assets.
As warned, I sent my messengers to deliver a personal no, thank you . Neither Xander nor Theo told me what they conveyed to Tobias. They only said they followed through on my instructions, which was all I needed to know.
However, the hostility directed at the men behind me as he glanced in their direction made me believe whatever they’d done left a lasting impression.
“Hello, Nerine.”
I turned in the direction of the voice to see Anthony Galani, heir to the Galani syndicate. He was around his mid to late twenties, and from what I remembered, he wasn’t a douche like his father. But that may have to do with the fact he grew up on an estate in Maine with his mother and siblings instead of here in Boston with his father, who had no time for children in his lifestyle.
“Anthony. It’s good to see you.”
He smiled. “I wanted to give you my condolences and apologize for missing Andraius’s funeral.”
“I’m sure you heard. I don’t need condolences.”
“I did hear that.” Amusement lit his eyes. “You have a refreshing take on your circumstances.”
“Refreshing isn’t a term I’d expect a Galani to use when a woman joins the ranks.”
“You should know not every Galani views things in the same manner. Some of us are more progressive than others. As with everything, it’s about timing. Wouldn’t you agree?”
I nodded. “Everything is about timing.”
His attention moved behind me, and he straightened. “I’d like to give you another apology before we begin.”
“For what?” I frowned.
“You’ll see.” He stepped away with those cryptic words and sat across from me.
Xander came up next to me. “What did he say?”
“He apologized for whatever was about to happen in the meeting.”
“That means he’s giving you a heads-up that his dick father will pull something. Time to play your A-game. You knew it was either going to be him or Stratos.”
“They may team up, so I’m not discounting Tobias. Want to tell me what you did to make him hate you?”
“You did that.”
I tilted my head up to glare at him. “How?”
“You’re ours, and he wants you.”
“Nice try. No one outside of our circle knows about us. Don’t avoid answering my question.”
“We carried out your directive. That’s all you need to know. Time to begin.” He moved away as a voice cleared.
I saw an older man with stark white hair and onyx eyes staring at me. Artemis Adamo. Once upon a time, I called him Theios Arte, and I believed he was Papa’s friend. Then he hadn’t lifted a finger to help us when everything happened. It was as if he watched to see how things played out. I’d resented him for it.
Now, I accepted it was how things worked on this board game. The crash course of the last few months gave me the foundation for my knowledge. Then, I’d jumped into the deep end of the pool after Andraius’s demise and had no choice but to utilize everything I’d learned. It was a trial by fire that left me exhausted more than I wanted while at the same time building my confidence in my abilities to lead the family.
Good thing I had three brilliant sisters who wanted to help me sift through the mountain of information my idiot husband had never bothered reading or understanding.
Everything in our world—the Greek syndicate world—revolved around amassing and running territory. Power came from being cunning, strong, and ruthless.
As a female joining this table, most of these men would fall victim to their old-school beliefs and discount my intellect and abilities.
Hell, I’d done it to myself. Not ever fucking again.
“Nerine, welcome to the table. It is remarkable how much you look like your mother,” Artemis said, giving me an indulgent smile I’d expect a father to gift upon a small child.
I gave no response to that remark. Yes, I looked like Mama, and she was known for her beauty. However, this was a business meeting, and comments about my appearance reduced my status.
Plus, he’d seen me at the funeral and spoke to me there, even if it was brief.
What the fuck was up with him?
When I remained quiet, he smirked as if I’d passed some test.
All of these were games.
Fucking dickheads.
Artemis then addressed the rest of the room, welcoming everyone, and said, “Let’s make this short and sweet. We are here to address any open topics from our last meeting and then discuss the effects of the transition of power following Andraius Angelos’s death.”
“That topic isn’t open for discussion. I am now the Angelos at the table. You have no say in how I run my family.”
Dante Galani jumped in. “We have business dealings with Andraius you have no concept of understanding. I say that’s the first thing we discuss.”
“Let me make this clear again. I am the one here. I know my business. We will speak to those matters privately if you have questions about contracts. Otherwise, discussion of Angelos Shipping or my family is off the table.”
“I agree with her.” Simon Drakos spoke. “We never question the succession of power when tied to blood. She is the true Angelos. This is her seat.”
Nico Mykos spoke next. “I second Drakos. This is meaningless jockeying for power that wastes our time. Galani, accept a woman is at the table and shut up.”
“She has no standing here. Those two behind her run things.”
“Believe what you want.” I shrugged.
Tobias decided to join in. “All you have to do is clear up the rumors.”
“I have nothing to prove. Let me repeat. Believe what you want.”
“You don’t even deny it?” Tobias questioned me as if he were a big brother expecting answers.
I gave him a deadpan stare and then asked my question. “There are rumors concerning you. Something to do with the paternity of your nephew. Would you like me to ask about that?”
Rage lit Tobias’s eyes, then cooled, and he nodded. The demeanor of his face changed, and he cocked his head a fraction taking me in as if he saw me differently now.
“You’re correct. Our personal lives have nothing to do with business.”
Okay, then. I won a round. Or was that two, since I’d passed that test with Artemis?
Whatever. I had to focus.
“We are not dropping this.” Dante’s irritation grew, making me wonder what was truly behind his dislike for me. “If you can’t answer to the rumors, then it’s true. You’re their whore.”
Artemis jumped in. “That’s enough.”
Using that word sent fire rushing through my blood, and I clenched my teeth. No, this man wanted to wound me, make me lose my calm.
Keep going, asshole.
“No, no. Let him get it all out. I’m sure he has more to add to this tirade.” My indifferent tone caused a crease to form between his brows. “This is misogyny at its finest.”
My dig seemed to have passed over his head because his following words gave me visions of punching him. “Your reputation is at stake. Are they your lovers?”
“This line of questioning is ridiculous,” someone said from the other side of the table.
“We have other things of greater importance to handle.” Artemis’s patience had run out. “Anthony, get your father in order.”
“Yes, get him in order. It may become detrimental to your family’s future business endeavors.” I let the not-so-veiled threat linger in the air.
It wasn’t Andraius he’d negotiated with, but Papa. What he planned to do with Andraius was a renegotiation with terms more favorable to Galani Shipping. Too bad those things would never happen now. And if he kept digging this grave, the contract he made with Papa might never be executed.
Yep, I was that kind of petty.
“Don’t think you can square off against me.” Dante glared at me as if he could intimidate me. “No one will take her seriously if they question her rise to her seat or her morals. We need to know the truth behind the rumors.”
From my periphery, I saw Xander shifting, ready to act. His need to protect me and my honor warred with letting me fight this battle.
“Are you questioning my authority based on who shares my bed?” I lifted my brow, but before he could answer, I continued, “You should answer the same question. I’m not married. I’m a widow, and I can do anything I please. You, on the other hand, are married and have three mistresses.” I shifted my attention to his side. “Anthony, did you know your father is giving you another sibling later this year? Isn’t that six from his paramours?”
Anthony gave no reaction, but Dante’s face grew redder.
“I am your elder. You will not speak to me as such.”
“No, I am your equal, and you will show me respect, especially at this table. I can play the same games you can. I’m probably better at it since I’m Peter Angelos’s daughter. You remember him, don’t you? The man you claimed was a dear friend and an ally.”
“You’re a little girl who’s gained a seat by spreading her legs, nothing else.”
“If that’s how you feel, then it must mean you no longer need access to Angelos contacts for your next batch of inventory or access to our ports in Cypress. Do you know alliances and rivalries in the US translate to the Angelos family overseas? One call from me and Theios Rico will shut off all Angelos resources to you throughout Europe.”
Surprise flashed on his face, and then he adjusted in his seat as if he were about to get up and attack me. One of his men set a hand on his shoulder, readying to keep him in place.
The movement had everyone in the room adjusting their stances. Theo and Xander moved closer to me, as did the rest of our team.
The whole time, I kept my eyes trained on Dante’s face.
“Here is another thing I’ll repeat: I am Peter Angelos’s daughter. I know the deals he made and the terms behind them. I know everything owed to Angelos Shipping and by whom. Andraius let you get away with many things because he held no real power. He knew nothing about the business. And you took advantage of it. It’s a shame for you he died before you completed renegotiations.”
“You know even less than him,” Dante retorted. “You’re weak. You fucked your enemy for years. It took someone else cleaning up your father’s failure to give you that seat.”
I leaned forward, setting my hand on the table, wanting him to see the fury in my eyes. “I doubt you would have survived one day of what I endured. Answer this question for me. Does it make you feel better about all of your big, strong male insecurities to degrade and insult a woman who is smarter and twice as capable as you?”
Dante jumped up, arms stretched out, ready to reach across the table at me.
I instinctively pulled the knife from the sheath I kept strapped to my leg, rose from my seat, and threw it, lodging it into Dante’s shoulder and making him stagger back.
The next second, the room broke into a chaos of shouts, hands jerking me around, and guns trained everywhere. Xander and Theo had me sandwiched between their bodies, and other soldiers shielded me from the different sides. It was a complete blockade of men and muscles.
“What the fuck, Angel?” Xander set a hand on my waist.
I tried to catch my breath and said, “He started it.”
Theo kept his body in front of mine, his gun trained on someone.
That was when I heard Simon Drakos say, “Stand down, everyone. Dante Galani instigated this whole situation when he lunged for her. From where I stand, she defended herself.”
“Bullshit. She used a fucking knife,” Dante shouted. “She could have killed me.”
“Would you rather I pulled a gun? Then you would be dead.”
Xander squeezed me. “Not helping.”
“No, this is the end of any more conversations about my place at this table. Is that understood?” I tried to push Theo to the side, but moving a concrete wall may have been easier. “Get out of my way, Theo.”
“Not until his men put their weapons down.”
After a few seconds, I heard Anthony say, “Apologies once again, Nerine. From this moment on, Galani men only answer to me and are no threat to you or your safety.”
Theo stepped to the side.
Anthony gestured to my vacant seat. “I’m taking over now. Pops no longer makes decisions for the family.”
“The hell you are.”
Ignoring his father, he glanced to his side. “Have him patched up and take him home and watch him. Confiscate his phone.”
A group of Anthony’s men took Dante from the room.
Artemis cleared his throat once again. “It looks like we have two successions of power at the table today. Let’s acknowledge it, forget the bullshit from earlier happened, and get to business. The entertainment portion of the afternoon is over.”
Anthony inclined his head to me. I gave him the same gesture back, and in some warped sense, I believed I just helped him overthrow his father.
This was turning out to be a weird-as-fuck day.