Chapter 22 #2
“It’s not that simple, Alexander!” The Consigliere’s harsh snap brought the same look of contempt and fury in Alexander’s eyes that I’d seen too often.
“Then tell me what the fuck is going on. Why was Catherine so important other than the obvious in that she’s Russo’s daughter?”
Jacques was still hesitant. The fury exploded in Alexander. With two long strides, he yanked the Consigliere to his feet, tossing him against the wall, his hand firmly placed around the man’s throat. The file he was holding fluttered to the floor, several papers floating free.
Moving quickly, I grabbed the stack, pushing them back into the folder. “Alexander. Don’t. You’re not going to accomplish anything this way.”
While my words were soothing, the tone subdued, I had my doubts as to whether I could stop him from flying off the handle. But he turned his head toward me, taking several deep breaths.
I was shocked he let the man go.
While Jacques coughed, he tried to move past Alexander to jerk the file from my hand.
I refused to allow him, backing away and opening the file myself.
“You didn’t answer my goddamn question. How much of Russo’s territory would we have claimed? The contract is null and void at this point. See to it.”
“But it’s not. The contract was signed.” Jacques’ voice was barely audible. To his credit, he remained where he was, but I sensed he was expecting blowback.
I darted my eyes between the paperwork and Alexander, my heart thudding.
“Then you will find a way to break it!”
“If I do, your uncle will get everything.”
“What?” Alexander was surprised but not shocked. “What the fuck are you talking about?”
“How do you think your father’s business was funded all those years ago? From the sale of illegal drugs? It wasn’t enough. There were expenses. Armand was already established in Baton Rouge. He believed in the old ways while your father was a playboy who never wanted to settle down.”
“What the fuck does that have to do with anything?”
Jacques shook his head. “It has everything to do with the past and the future. Armand forced your father to sign a contract agreeing to settling down, to marrying a nice girl. Your mother comes from well-to-do family, Alexander. She brought clout and legitimacy to the family name. Your father reluctantly agreed. Thankfully, he fell in love with your mother.”
The story was fascinating.
And horrifying.
I’d heard of such families, the requirements set in place in crime syndicates, but this was…
“Go on.”
Jacques took a deep breath. “What your father didn’t pay attention to was the codicil in the contract forcing every generation of Prince children who were to lead the family to be married within three months of taking the throne.”
Alexander shored his shoulders and that’s when I paid more attention to the papers held in my hand.
“The unholy contract had nothing to do with Emmeline.” Alexander’s voice held the dark and dangerous tone that everyone feared except for me.
As I read over the contract that had been signed, I could no longer feel anything. No emotions. No sensations. Nothing.
“No,” I said. “This has to do with you, Alexander. A forced union between two powerful families in New Orleans.”
“And just who am I to marry?” Alexander managed, although he was already looking in my direction.
“Me,” I whispered.
Jacques nodded.
Alexander took it better than I was doing, rubbing the scruff on his jaw and pacing the floor.
“There are holes in this. Unless…” He stopped pacing, tilting his head as if a light bulb had gone off.
“This enemy orchestrated the perfect scenario after killing my father and injuring Russo. To make it look like a turf war, destroying both families and obtaining everything they’d wanted.
Both territories, ruining the businesses. ”
“Yes,” Jacques said.
“They infiltrated my company in small ways, checking our systems, learning our weaknesses.” Alexander’s laughter was cold. Calculating.
“Yes.” The Consigliere was sweating.
“Let me guess,” Alexander laughed. “The Barishnikoffs are the true enemy of both our families.”
“You are correct, Alexander. Russo is aging, his mental faculties not what they were. Plus, he’s sick.
He has cancer and doesn’t have long to live.
He feared his sons couldn’t stave off the attack by the Russians.
They’d already become far too dangerous.
That’s why he had to consider alternatives, or his sons could lose their powerful legacy.
And to answer your question more fully, Ms. Devereaux.
From what I can tell, your real father wanted to keep your identity hidden forever, but was forced to play the hand with who you were. ”
“Dangling a carrot,” I said with disgust. “To save his empire.”
“As an Italian princess, you are very valuable. Including to the Russians. Forcing you to marry one of the Pakhan’s sons would solidify the control Barishnikoff had over Russo and in turn, more easily destroy everything your father built, Alex.”
“Why the fuck didn’t you come to me earlier?”
“I was going to tell you after the funeral. I knew how you’d react. I’m sorry to keep it from you. But I was trying to put a stopgap in your uncle’s obvious plans. Plus, I had a visit from Armand.”
“A warning.”
Jacques shook his head. “I’ll call it a threat and one I didn’t take lightly. Your father was my best friend and whether you choose to believe it or not, I have every intention of continuing to look out for his welfare and that of his entire family.”
Alexander bristled. Now, his eyes never left me, searching for my reaction when I had none. I was valuable property. The cool slice of anger began to creep into my toes, feeling the adrenaline that suddenly tickled my senses.
In our stare, the connection grew deeper, stronger. More powerful.
“Fine, Jacques. Just know from this day forward, you work for me.”
“What do you want to do, Alexander?” Jacques asked.
With a smile curling across his lips, Alexander’s eyes lit up with the same fire he had when claiming every inch of me.
The rules of the game had just been changed, the ante hitting a new level.
I wasn’t just his captive for a few days.
I was his forever.
“The answer is easy. I’m getting married.”