20. ~Caterina~
20
~Caterina~
This was supposed to be a time of celebration.
A benchmark in my career.
Something to revel in.
All my hard work over the last few years finally paying off.
But it was tainted.
By what was to happen right after this event.
My father had ordered me to the Leone Estate, citing that he had something important to discuss with me. I knew exactly what that meant. Him forcing me into marriage.
It had been a quiet couple of weeks up until then. I’d been fully immersed in work, planning my expansion efforts, meeting with my accountant, my architect, getting everything ready. And it had been amazing just focusing on that again.
Except when that nagging feeling had kept rising up.
Thoughts of the boys.
I’d actually missed them.
Even the craziness that went along with them.
And I also couldn’t get what had happened with Milo out of my head.
But now even that, the closeness we’d been carefully building, would be tainted by my father with this marriage directive. He’d have his dirty hands in it. It would be forced. And it would also be in the name of leashing me and stopping my progress, because he couldn’t stand me having success outside of the Family, especially when he considered it infringing on his real estate aspirations.
Once the wedding took place and he had me where he wanted me, it would take everything I had just to hold on to what I’d built, let alone continuing on with my expansion plans. I knew that Nico and the boys were on my side, and I now trusted in our alliance, but they would also be restricted.
It meant I’d have to fight through hell just to protect my businesses and assets.
And it pissed me off like nothing else because I’d already paid my fucking dues.
Worse and truth be told, it scared me.
It scared me that it could take my power away.
The thing I feared the most.
My phone buzzed, and I held my smoke in my mouth as I pulled it from my purse and took in a text.
Mom: Congratulations, Caterina. I’m so proud of you. I wish I could be there.
Caterina: Thank you, Mom. XOXO.
Even if I hadn’t gotten her out of the city and away from my father until things had died down with the takedown, she wouldn’t have been able to come, anyway. It would have been seen as a slight against my father, her supporting me. She liked to imagine that it wouldn’t have been the case, but it was just wishful thinking.
I stowed my phone back inside my purse, then continued smoking on the patio flanking the beautiful gardens surrounding the banquet hall as I stared at my gold-plated award with my name engraved on it as Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
“Long time, darlin’.”
I spun at the sound of the familiar voice to see Julian approaching me, decked out in a sleek gray designer suit, the lapels shining with sequins. Bold choice, just like him.
A smile pulled at my lips and I butted out my smoke, then leaned back against the half-wall on the patio as he reached me. “I didn’t know you were coming tonight.”
“Had to see my former title being won by somebody worthy.”
“Yeah, it’s really something,” I murmured, looking back through the patio doors at the dozens of business people milling about inside, some sitting and drinking at their tables with silver tablecloths and linens and vibrant purple vases as centerpieces. It definitely offset the bland beige walls and matching carpet.
He frowned. “You don’t seem as ecstatic as you should be after being embraced by the entire business community of Tolhurst tonight, your efforts and hard work being rewarded and recognized.”
“My father has summoned me. I’m to head up there soon.”
“I know. Nico told us.”
“Did he also tell you about the contract? One I know I’m going to be forced to agree to and sign tonight.”
“He did and I’m sorry. It’s fucked up beyond belief. He’s sick about it too. We all are. Just know that it won’t play out like that in reality. He won’t let that be done to you.” He reached out and cupped my cheek in an incredibly tender way as he basically vowed, “None of us will, Cat.”
I couldn’t help smiling at the sweet conviction rolling through him. “Thank you.”
He dropped his hand, then told me, “You know, it’s really sucked not being able to contact you for days on end. I mean, as Nico explained, it was what’s best, but it didn’t make it any better knowing that, really.”
“Missed me, huh?” I asked in a teasing tone, wanting to lighten the mood and the intensity. I’d have enough of intensity in the worst ways when I arrived at my father’s house.
“Yeah, we were growing closer, and I liked where it was heading,” he answered, seriously, instead of bringing the levity and jokes like he was known for doing. “I hope this time apart from us hasn’t altered that for you.”
“It hasn’t,” I assured him. “And after tonight, there’ll be no more distance anyway, right?”
“We didn’t want it like this. Especially Nico. He hates that this is the reality. But, I guess, if this marriage thing hadn’t come about, it wouldn’t have brought us fully into each other’s lives, right?”
“Good point.”
He smiled. “Try to enjoy yourself tonight. Let the rest go for now. This is your night, your moment.” He settled against the wall beside me. “I might have something else for you to look forward to. I’ve had it in mind for a while, but I needed a partner, somebody with your experience in the club field.”
“You own a private lifestyle club.”
“That’s different from running an actual nightclub. Something you’re very familiar with and something you shine at.”
“You want to open one and need some advice?”
“No. I want to open a new hotel that will become a flagship and boast one hell of a nightclub, too. I heard you mentioning expansion and this could be a good step. I’d like us to partner together on it. With your client base and mine from the hotelier game, this could be massive.” He lowered his voice. “And, for me, something the Marchetti Syndicate won’t have their claws in.”
Before I could get a word out, he went on, “I envision it developing beyond a club too, an expansive entertainment venue for all tastes. It would be an entertainment mega-hub.”
I arched an eyebrow. “That’s certainly ambitious.”
“Right up your alley, huh?”
He had me grinning as excitement bloomed. “You’re coming to know me well.”
“That I am.” He lifted a shoulder. “It helps that I have a gift for reading people, too.”
“Send me an information packet, some specs, and we’ll talk.”
“Yeah?”
I nodded. “Definitely.”
He gestured at the smile that had spread over my face. “Told you, something to look forward to.”
“Do you have a location in mind?”
“Two possibilities, depending on where you’re at.”
I cocked an eyebrow.
He leaned in and whispered in my ear, “One option is outside the city. Far outside, darlin’.”
Was he talking about doing this covertly? Without the three families’ knowledge at all? Like a sort of backup if things went to shit here with the coming war we were going to wage?
Before I could ask, a shadow fell over us.
I turned to see Angelo Simone suddenly there.
His gaze flicked to me briefly, making me shudder in revulsion as he basically eye-fucked me in my turquoise sequin mermaid gown. Even though Julian had looked me over, it hadn’t been so sleazy like this was.
I involuntarily fingered my necklace, the one that Nico had gifted me which had matched perfectly with this outfit for the Tolhurst Annual Business Forum extravaganza tonight.
He glared hostilely at Julian, who was still leaning in close to me from whispering a moment ago. “She’s betrothed, fucker. Step back.”
Julian chortled. “Betrothed? What century are you living in?” He pushed it further, clearly picking up on the same sleazy vibe with Angelo as I was, as I always had, telling him, “Besides, I don’t see a ring on her finger.”
“That will be rectified ASAP. I guess Nico’s loyalty to the family knows no bounds, seeing as though he kept this a secret even from you.”
“He’s honorable like that,” Julian said, so convincingly, I know I would have bought it if I didn’t already know the truth of where Nico’s loyalty really was rooted.
“Betrothed?” I demanded of Angelo, playing the game. “To Nico Marchetti? Is that what you’re saying?” I feigned my shock.
“Wasn’t supposed to tell you yet,” he said, stroking his goatee. “But this shithead getting up in your space had me needing to lay down the law where you’re concerned.”
I started shaking my head, feigning my revulsion. “No. No, that can’t be. I’m not even—”
“Part of the family anymore? That changes tonight. You’ll do your duty.”
Angelo turned his slimy gaze on Julian, looking him up and down.
“Like what you see, fucker?” Julian bit back, calling him what Angelo had moments ago.
Angelo’s face reddened, and he stepped forward.
Julian held his ground and his gaze.
“Stop,” I intervened, pressing my hand to Angelo’s chest.
He jolted and sucked in an unsteady breath at my contact, his gaze zeroing in on my hand on him.
Oh no.
I pulled it away quickly, and he smirked dangerously, before stepping back from Julian. “Let’s go, Caterina. I’m to bring you to your father now.”
“It’s early.”
“He’s decided not to wait.”
He went to snag my arm, but Julian reacted incredibly fast and slapped it away.
“No manhandling, you brutish bastard.”
Angelo’s eyes flamed.
“Hmm,” Julian uttered. “So much unnecessary aggression. Overcompensating for something? Perhaps, the fact that you want a go at me?” He grasped his cock through his pants obscenely. “My club? Does that work for you?”
Angelo hissed and pushed into him. “Watch yourself.”
“Yeah? I’ll top the fuck out of you, baby. Just say the word,” he told Angelo, giving the aggression back to him, just in a whole different way, and one that was definitely throwing Angelo off-kilter.
His gaze wavered, confusion all over him.
And then he moved back and muttered, “Fuck you.” He gestured at me. “Let’s go. Now. You know that your father doesn’t like to wait.”
I saw Julian’s utter reluctance—and worry—to let this happen, for me to be alone with the fuckboy that was Angelo.
But there was no choice.
We couldn’t reveal ourselves, the truth. It would screw up everything.
So I gave him a discreet chin lift, letting him know it would be okay, and hopefully to remember that I could handle myself.
And then I turned and let Angelo lead me away.
Right toward the demon’s lair.
“You know that fucker?” Angelo demanded as he slid into the limo beside me. He snapped his fingers, and the driver got moving, the limo peeling out of the side street it had been parked down.
I brushed down my dress and placed my purse beside me by the door. “He’s just an acquaintance. We’ve crossed paths a couple of times in the business world.”
“He was up real close when I walked out there.”
I lifted a shoulder. “He’s a known flirt. Relax.”
He shifted on the seat to face me. “Watch the attitude. That’s not gonna fly from now on.”
“We haven’t seen each other in years and that’s all you have to say to me? Asking about Julian, then threatening me?”
He stared at me, shooting daggers in his usual way. “If you hadn’t turned down my marriage proposal, things would be different.” He sank back into his seat. “And this isn’t the first time we’ve seen each other in years. I’ve been watching over you.”
I knew he had.
And I’d screwed with all his efforts, feeding false information and covering up other truths.
“Been spying on me for my father, you mean?” I asked, acting clueless like he and my father believed me to be, like they needed to believe for a little while longer.
“He wanted to make sure you remained untouched.”
Eww. “That makes no sense, seeing as though I left the family.”
“You’re an asset to him, one he knew he might have to use one day. Like now with this marriage to Nico Marchetti. Couldn’t be offering damaged goods now, could he?”
“You’re despicable. Both of you.”
He grabbed my thigh. Hard. Even digging his nails in.
I swallowed down my reaction and glared out at him. “Let go.”
Ignoring me, he went on, “I told you to watch the attitude. You’re gonna need to when you marry that monstrous fucker. Your father wants you broken. And, honestly, I’m looking forward to witnessing it. You thought you were too good for us, something special, that you could do better. Now, this is what you get. Back to what you always should have been… a forced bride being used and abused like a fucking whore.”
I reacted, unable to stop myself, slapping him across the face.
It was damned lucky it hadn’t been a punch, or I might have given my combat expertise away.
His head snapped to the side, and he grunted, a sick satisfaction taking me over as my red-raw handprint marred his fucking cheek.
“You fucking cunt.” He raised his hand, clenching his fist.
“I don’t have makeup in my purse. There’ll be no time to cover up your marks or a black eye,” I warned him.
He gritted his teeth, then dropped his hand.
“No matter, you’ll get what’s coming to you. And it starts tonight, mafia princess whore.”
“So sore about being rejected by me.”
“You’ll see soon enough that it was the biggest mistake you ever made.”
Hmm… no. It was a narrow escape.
Unfortunately, I had to step back into this twisted nightmare now.
As we fell into a tense silence, Angelo focusing on his phone and me staring out the window watching the city go by, it hit me just how far Nico had gone to help me. He was still a part of this world and in a way I couldn’t be because I was a woman, so he would have known what it would be like to walk back into it for me, especially in this way, with this duty forced upon me. And he’d come to me to ensure I had an alliance to fall back on when it did come to a head like this, to ensure I had some comfort in that.
He most definitely was a formidable manipulator, but he’d used it for good in this case.
No, for me.
I’d thought I could deal with this alone, being pulled back in. I’d figured the reception would be frosty, but this was beyond that. Angelo had just made that clear to me. He was essentially my father’s mouthpiece at this point. That was how fucked-up things had become. Ever since he’d pushed Matteo, his Consigliere, to the wayside because he hadn’t agreed with his despicable plans and going the fucked-up route he currently was trying to, things had taken a dangerous turn. Angelo, the sadistic shit that he was, was reveling in it. He'd gotten too big for his own good, acting like he’d taken Dante’s place as Underboss, when he was still Capo. Maybe not for long, though, judging by the way things were going.
The fact was, I couldn’t show my hand yet.
I had to play the game like I’d agreed with the guys. But while I was doing that, it put me in a powerless state. And that meant relying on others to help me, like the guys. That did not sit well with me in the least. I’d learned to only depend on myself and now I was going to have to go in there in front of my father and act like a helpless little girl still under his thumb. Just the thought of it made me sick to my stomach.
Maybe this had been a bad idea all around.
I had the ability, skills, and means to disappear, essentially off the face of the fucking earth.
If I did that, yes, I’d lose everything I’d built, it would all be wiped out pretty much like it had never happened.
I could always start over, though.
And then I wouldn’t have to endure any of this.
But if I did that, then my father would grow all the more powerful, venturing into more despicable businesses, harming many more innocents, entrenching himself as a fucking king, essentially. Nico, Julian, and Milo couldn’t take down both the Leones and Marchettis without what I brought to the table.
They needed me.
But was that enough to root me to this place, to enduring this fate?
Information is power.
Information is power, Caterina.
I repeated that mantra over in my head as I stepped into the house, what had once been my family home, but which I now saw as little more than the demon’s lair.
Cold.
Uninviting.
Threatening.
And eerie as fuck.
I’d traded information with Nico a few days ago and I was in the process of sorting through it, wherein we’d then meet to discuss the optimal way to approach things, strategic strikes, all of that. While I rooted out irrelevant data, Nico didn’t. He kept every little thing, just in case. He didn’t want to miss anything. The way it was, it had clearly been a sign of his obsessive personality, something I’d become intimately familiar with when that had been targeted at me.
We’d also destroyed my father’s human trafficking ring and he would be flailing in that area for a while thanks to the damage we’d done, buying us some time before he ventured back into it again.
When it came to Marco’s prospective arms deals, the intel had been lacking, though. Something was off there. Nico should be all over it. Why didn’t he have more on it?
Regardless, we’d amassed a lot between us.
And we’d already struck and made a dent.
I needed to focus on that right now more than ever.
Because with every step I took deeper into the mansion with Angelo at my back, my blood was boiling at what I was about to be subjected to, and the urge to let my true fucked-up self out and decimate everything and everyone in my path was growing stronger.
It wasn’t just about swallowing my pride. It was locking my dignity up, too. Every ounce of self-respect. As if that wasn’t enough, I had to essentially put myself at the mercy of these foolish and incredibly brutal men who despised me. Even my own father.
Who was I kidding? He’d stopped being a father to me long ago.
Angelo suddenly brushed past me and snapped, “Move your sweet ass.”
I gritted my teeth and picked up my pace, noting the guards dressed in all black on either side of the corridors, all packing heat in the form of automatic weapons. None of them looked our way, remaining still and stoic.
We didn’t encounter anyone else throughout the journey to my father’s home office.
Adrenaline spiked involuntarily when Angelo stopped outside the mahogany door and rapped on it sharply.
“Traitorous bitch is here,” he called, smirking at me.
“Send her in,” my father’s voice boomed.
“Go,” Angelo ordered, gesturing aggressively at the door.
I stepped forward and the urge to tear his throat out right where he stood almost took me over entirely for a few seconds, until I managed to reel it in, then open the door and step inside.
This was it.
I knew the moment I sat down opposite my father’s desk and this meeting got underway, nothing would ever be the same.