Chapter 28 Gods & Mortals #2
“Comes and goes,” he answers, blowing out smoke. “He tried to turn my rivalry with Salvadori to you, but I told him only Salvadori. Marchettis and I have always been…bene. Capisce?” He then gets up, leaning down to grab the drink I refused. He sips it. “But, you are no longer one, are you?”
My stomach twists.
Vincenzo smiles at me. “Perhaps your new girl can help persuade me to make a deal with you…Luciano. Allow someone else to be her god.”
My heart thunders in my chest. Did he just suggest selling me to him?
“I wouldn’t trust Gabriel if I was you, Vincenzo,” Leo says in a dark tone. Using his first name makes Vincenzo snap his gaze to Leo. “Nor a god, whose had enough of these games especially after you inquire after his wife.”
The air becomes chilled almost as my mind goes blank. The drink in Vincenzo’s hand becomes frozen in the air as he stares at Leo. All joking upon his face is gone as I see fear flash over him.
Leo continues talking in Italian, his voice low and dangerous. He’s explaining what’s happened I think, catching words for New York, Gabriel, and killers. Vincenzo steps back, and then slowly sinks back into his seat, but not before placing the drink back onto the table.
That’s what Leo was waiting on—Vincenzo putting his entire foot in his mouth.
Leo stands as I’m frozen in place, heart in my throat. He towers over me, taking my chin gently. His presence is volatile, lethal even, simmering like a volcano ready to erupt.
“Tu sei sposato?” Vincenzo rasps.
Leo’s answer is kissing me tenderly, placing his hand upon my throat in a protective manner. He then straightens, gesturing for me to sit in his spot and I do so, sinking into the chair. Leo remains standing, leaning down to grab his drink.
“My wife can hold her own,” Leo says, far too fucking calmly. “But if you ever talk about fucking her again, I will cut off your dick and feed it to you before I carve out your eyes.”
Whatever jocularity Vincenzo had is gone, replaced by worry he tries to hide. He attempts to act nonchalant as he brings up his cigarette to smoke, hand shaking slightly. He blows out the smoke, and says, “If I’d known, I’d never have brought it up, Luciano.”
“Whatever business occurs between us or concerning my brothers, my wife is off limits. I’ve shed enough blood for her to fill the Coliseum five times over, but an ocean will not stop me from adding you or any of your people to it.”
Vincenzo’s eyes flick to me. I keep a calm expression, focusing on Leo’s hand that rests upon my shoulder. It grounds me as I breathe deep, knowing in this moment, even in Vincenzo’s territory, Leo’s the scariest man here.
Muffled bass rumbles the glass as Vincenzo finishes his cigarette, lighting another quickly as he gets up to go to the bar.
I reach up, touching Leo’s hand. He squeezes gently back.
Vincenzo pours himself a glass of vodka, adding something before he turns around.
He stops a few feet from us, cocking his head to the side at me as his eyes narrow. I meet him head on, not flinching.
“You know what he’s done?” He asks me, and I nod.
“Why even me with my bouts of fun, knows there are limits. I am not stupid.” He gestures with his glass at Leo.
“Because he’s not stupid. His threats are real.
Only mafioso I know who doesn’t think with his dick, greed, or obsession for blood.
So, you are new for me. He’s never killed for a woman before.
” He takes a long drag, blowing out smoke. “I’ve seen him bloody, have you?”
Once more, I’m being tested by a man who thinks they can make me afraid of Leo like they are.
A smile comes over my face. “He didn’t fill the Coliseum alone.”
Vincenzo freezes, eyes flicking to Leo. He then raises his hands in mock surrender, and then takes a long drink.
“Perfect for each other.” He sits back down, letting out a nervous laugh. “Leonardo Luciano married. World is changing.”
“It’s a secret, so keep it,” Leo says abruptly. Vincenzo gives him a wily smile. “Even from family.”
“Ah, there’s the smart Luciano,” he says. “She gets control of your organizations, doesn’t she? Or until an heir is born. Smart.” I ignore the pang in my chest. “Honestly, Gabriel deserves nothing. He’s fucking insane.”
“Thought you were…bene with the Marchettis?” I ask, scrutinizing him.
Vincenzo just smiles. “Sí…” he points to Leo, “…and he’s still the infamous Riccardo’s son, whether he keeps Marchetti or not.”
My face flickers with confusion, which just causes him to smile more, and say, “If he said yes, Matteo told truth of you. If he said no, then he’s a liar. Now we know.”
I’m not sure whether to be impressed or worried about this man’s motives.
“Eh, but I already knew Matteo’s too stupid to control anything, not without running it into Hades,” he scoffs.
“You think he’s that incompetent?”
That’s not the Matteo I remember, young as he was, incompetent he wasn’t. That didn’t add up, unless Gabriel has been whispering in his ear longer than we thought. Or Renato.
“Eh, na?ve,” he adds. “Thus, why I allowed him in.”
“He’s not a threat.”
“No. Boy has no connections and can’t keep loyalties. In comparison to…” he gestures to Leo again, “…or Gabriel. No. Dangerous in spending money, having others do his dirty work? Sí. Except his funds have run out.”
“And he ran to you,” Leo says.
“Precisely. It’s all business, Luciano. I have no issues with you. You caught my bluff and you raised the stakes. Cause you are a good opponent, but I’m not stupid. Although your wife may be more fun.”
“Careful, Vincenzo,” Leo warns.
“Agreeing she can hold her own.” He grins at me. “A very, sharp-tongued woman.”
“What did you offer Matteo?” Leo asks, pushing the conversation away from me.
“A job. Low ranking to prove his loyalty to me, and not Salvadori. We’ll see how far he gets as a foot soldier. Make him work.”
“What else?”
“That’s it. Except truly… il tuo fratellino è stupido.
I won’t disrespect your wife, she I like, but him?
Given his betrayal of you. Not to mention attempting to kill her?
Oh, that’s an unforgivable act, and if you wanted…
that information could slip to those who take matters into their own hands.
Those with wives they’re protective of.”
Leo’s quiet. Not answering immediately as Vincenzo basically puts a hit on Matteo.
He’d essentially be helping Leo, given the issues Matteo’s caused, but it also meant owing Vincenzo a favor.
Something I don’t think either of us wanted, but right now…
Matteo working for Vincenzo meant he belonged to him.
So, if Leo touches him, that could cause outrage. And I’m not sure Leo wants Matteo dead.
I’m starting to see why Vincenzo was Renato’s rival. The man went from trying to “buy” me to putting a hit on Matteo. He’s a cunning and quick.
“Why take Matteo’s offer if you think so little of him?” I ask.
“Potential good soldier, he’s young,” he says with a shrug. “At the time, thought he was in good connections with Luciano. Could’ve brokered a deal by having a little extra. Don’t blame me for trying to conduct business with the well-established Luciano estate.”
“And to spite Renato,” Leo comments. “Which is your real reason. Be honest.”
“Eh, mostly. He’s fucked over my shipments from Germany and Poland, I’m still pissed. And he took territory rightfully mine from my grandfather.”
“I told you not to play poker with him.”
“Sí, should’ve listened,” Vincenzo bemoans briefly, finishing his cigarette. “Want me to hand the ragazzo over? Per un buon prezzo. Or as favor, I can take care of him for you.”
“No,” Leo answers. “I want you to keep him occupied. Tail him and let me know if he meets with Gabriel.”
“Essere il suo tutore?”
“Your men will be.”
Vincenzo snorts, sipping from his glass before putting it down. Again, he lights a cigarette and I swallow hard trying to ignore the smoke that drifts and fills the space.
“What do I get out of this? Being dragged into your dramma familiare?” The mafia boss asks cockily, lounging back with a curious look.
Leo goes to speak, but I touch his hand which causes him to pause. He glances down at me, raising a brow. I suggest, “Perhaps we could buy and gift territory back?”
Vincenzo hums as Leo watches me carefully, thoughts running through his head. Was buying Renato’s assets then selling it back to his rival potentially making him an enemy? Yes. But that ship has likely already sailed, why not jump in completely? Especially when he realizes we’re married.
Vincenzo grins, blowing more smoke and I think I may be sick. “Does she have a sister?”
I ignore him, getting up to keep my composure. Leo gives me a questioning look as I lean in and say, “I think he’s a better ally than Renato.” Leo flicks his gaze to the other man. “I need the restroom.”
He nods, running a hand over my shoulder. “Restroom?”
“Second floor. Down the left,” Vincenzo answers.
I know he said to stay near him, but I did need it and a reprieve from the smoke. I give Leo a small smile. “I’ll find Rudy.”
“She’ll be fine, Luciano. Come let us discuss business, and if anyone tries to touch her, then I’ll let you do the honors of killing them.”
Leo ignores him, giving me a quick kiss. “Be quick. Talk to no one.”
I walk away, remaining calm as I step out.
I’m hit with loud music, the smell of alcohol, and more smoke.
The glass apparently blurred the lights because my eyes ache when I avert my gaze from the lasers.
Quickly, I get to the elevator. My hand runs over my stomach as another twist hits me, and then my bladder reminds me how much I need to go.
I get to the next floor, Rudy and Michael not far, appearing worried.
“He’s fine. Bathroom.” I move where Vincenzo instructed, feeling one of them follow me as I make it to the short hall and step into the ladies’ room.
I finally get some relief for my bladder and lungs.
A few others come in and leave as I take my time composing myself.
I come out to wash my hands, sighing as I look into a mirror.
Not too much of a mess from making out with Leo, but I do adjust my hair.
After another fortifying breath, I step out of the bathroom to go back up to Leo and Vincenzo.
The hall is clear, but I hear something behind me. Warning ticks up my spine, and I spin on my heel. Nothing. Empty hall. Déjà vu strikes me, remembering another club and coming out of the bathroom. My chest tightens as I swallow hard.
“Get back to Leo,” I murmur to myself.
I turn but freeze when I see him.
His hair is longer, touching his ears. He wears a bright red shirt, barely buttoned and wrinkled slacks. Those brown eyes sear into me as we stare at each other. His lip curls, snarling as he looks me over, right before he attacks me.