Chapter Seven #5
“However,” I say quietly. “There must be consequences for what she did. Attempting to assassinate my omega is one of the most indefensible things she could have done.”
“Yes, I understand and I completely agree.” Fear shimmers in his eyes and he looks as if he’s bracing himself. “What… what will you do to my family?”
“The punishment needs to be as serious as your mother’s transgression.” I stand and he rises too, his expression strained.
“Of course.”
I cross my arms, holding is worried gaze. “The port contracts are now mine. All of them. Effective immediately. Your family’s shipping routes, warehouse leases, customs contacts. Everything you run through the harbor now belongs to the Foschini syndicate.”
He visibly flinches, jaw clenching. He knows what that means. A third of the Lucchese income, gone overnight. It’s a devastating blow for his family’s pride and finances.
“Do you think I’m being too harsh?” I ask softly, narrowing my eyes.
He shakes his head immediately. “No. Of course not. I completely understand and accept that the punishment needs to be severe.”
I study him looking for any hint of resentment. “Are you sure about that? What I’m proposing will be a huge financial hit for your family. Stripping the ports from your family will be embarrassing for you as well.”
He nods, but then whispers, “I’m simply grateful my mother won’t be killed.”
That’s the right answer and some tension leaves my body. “If your mother behaves and falls in line, the punishment might be temporary.”
“Really?” Hope flares in his eyes.
“No promises.” I shrug. “We’ll play it by ear.” I narrow my eyes. “But if your mother even looks in Elio’s direction for the next year, the deal is off. She’s not invited to any of the Foschini functions. She disrespected my family. She’s lucky to be alive.”
“Absolutely, Marcello.”
“I’m only sparing her for you, Sandro.” Even if he suspects that’s not entirely true, he doesn’t say anything. He knows his mother deserves to die for what she tried. “I hope you appreciate that. As I said, if she were anyone else she’d already be gone.”
His eyes fill with tears. “Bless you, Marcello. I can’t thank you enough for the mercy you’ve shown my mother.” He surprises me when he moves closer and slips his arms around me, whispering heartfelt thanks in Italian.
I gingerly put my arms around him, patting his back awkwardly. Comforting people isn’t my thing, but it’s obvious Sandro is hanging on by a thread. Because of that, I allow the hug for old times’ sake.
At that moment, the door to my study opens, and Elio steps into the room. His expression instantly hardens when he sees Sandro and me hugging. Sandro is distracted and doesn’t notice Elio, but Elio’s face goes stony. He hesitates, his mouth a grim line, then he turns and leaves without a word.
Fuck.
It all happens so fast, I don’t even have a chance to say anything. I haven’t seen Elio since last night when I claimed him. Frustrated that Elio obviously got the wrong idea of what was happening between Sandro and me, I gently push Sandro away.
“You should go,” I say.
Sandro nods, wiping roughly at his eyes. “Yes. Sorry. I’m just so relieved you’re sparing my mother’s life.”
“I appreciate that you’re grateful, but keep in mind, Sandro, that if anything bad happens to Elio, even if it looks like an accident, your mother is the first person I’ll suspect,” I rumble. “Do we understand each other?”
“Yes.” His voice is barely audible. “We understand each other.”
“Make sure your mother understands too.”
“I will. Thank you again, Marcello.” He looks at me and I see different emotions pass over his face. Gratitude and shame and the final, quiet death of whatever he hoped we might still be. He turns and walks to the door, leaving quietly.
After he’s gone, I sit down and finish my bourbon.
I should be delighted and relieved at how well I handled the situation with Valentina Lucchese.
Not only has she been put in her place, but I also carved out a bigger piece of the pie for the Foschini empire.
Taking the ports from them was a big move.
Even if in the future I decide to give the ports back to the Luccheses, this move will prove to be very lucrative for my syndicate.
But instead of basking in the glow of my win, I feel restless.
I can’t shake Elio’s wounded expression when he saw me with Sandro.
He got the wrong impression, but I’m not sure why I care.
I feel compelled to find him and tell him he’s got it wrong about Sandro and me.
But running after an omega to explain myself isn’t my style.
Does Elio not realize all the shit I had to do today just because of the attempt on his life?
Does he actually think I spent the day trying to rekindle things with Sandro?
I tortured and killed a man to protect Elio, but he actually thinks my goal today was to fuck my ex?
The situation is almost laughable, except I don’t feel like laughing.
I feel like running after Elio so he won’t be upset with me. And I find that impulse confusing as hell.