Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 93425 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93425 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Petrov is an old-school mobster. Windows are a liability, a clear shot for a good sniper. There’s logic in his decision, though, those methods are used much more sparingly these days. It doesn’t make the room any less depressing or his skin any less pasty.
Gio, Davide, and Angelo have accompanied us. We have a few guards with us as well. My uncles, Andy, and Luca stayed behind. There are cars of men waiting on the edge of the property in case anything goes wrong. We didn’t come into this meeting expecting peace.
“Your lawyer led me to believe our business arrangement would ensure closer ties than a contract,” Petrov says, eyebrows raised as my father put his offer on the table. His eyes flicker over to me, waiting for a different proposal. I don’t move from my spot.
“I’m sorry he led you to believe. We’re dealing with our lawyer for spreading misinformation. He had his own agenda. Enzo isn’t available for marriage,” my father says. Petrov makes an obvious perusal of my left hand, which is barren of any wedding ring. The marriage hasn’t taken place yet. In our world, that means there is still time for a better deal.
The man doesn’t realize who he’s dealing with.
“Are congratulations in order? I haven’t heard anything about an engagement,” Petrov inquires. He’s stiff in his chair, a sneering and critical smile on his face.
“We have some business we need to take care of before the formal announcement, but I’m sure my mother is just bursting at the seams to plan an engagement party for us,” I tell him, keeping the information to a minimum. He doesn’t need to know about my son. That is information that needs to be kept confidential for as long as possible. Emma has more or less agreed to the marriage, which makes things easier. There’s still the chance of her trying to run. If anyone learns about Matteo and realizes she has taken off with him, it will be open hunting season for the crime families in the area. Any of our enemies, and probably a few of our allies, would see them as a powerful bargaining chip.
“Well, don’t hide it. Who’s the lucky lady?” Petrov jeers. I narrow my eyes at him and press my lips tightly together. We knew he wouldn’t take to the news well, but the way he is reacting is unsettling. I can already see the plotting in his eyes.
“A family friend, no one you would know. You know the head of the Lombardi family doesn’t marry for business.” My father answers for me this time. He must sense the rising tension in me. I don’t need to lose my cool in the middle of negotiations. “Now, if your daughter is interested in one of my nephews, we could make something happen. But Enzo is engaged.”
Petrov lets out a sharp laugh. “Nina is fit for a Don and anything less is insulting,” he spits the words out. He grabs the contract in front of him, his fury barely contained as he goes over what we’re offering him. It’s what we discussed early in negotiations before Eric had got in his head. Marriage had never been a part of the original deal. The deal would solidify our presence in a few markets, and it would offer him the protection he doesn’t have now. He’s been the target of several federal investigations. It’s leading to a dwindling in his numbers. He would be an idiot not to take the deal.
“I’m going to review these terms and take in some additional considerations with the information that has come to light. I’m not sure I’d be able to agree to these terms. How about we meet again in a few weeks and see how we’re both feeling about the deal?” Petrov suggests. The sinister gleam in his eyes sets me on edge. I’m not the only one. His words suck the oxygen out of the room. I can see my cousins’ fingers inching down towards their guns.
Innocent words can hide cruel intentions.
The threat may be subtle enough that I can’t detect it outright, but I don’t need to identify it to know it’s there. To him, my fiancée is an issue to be dealt with. An obstacle to negotiations. And men like Oleg Petrov have a very specific way they deal with things that get in their way.
Diplomacy between families is a fine line. Being too nice is a weakness. Being rude is a reason to start a war. It’s something I have yet to perfect. My father calls me brash, but the coded language and smooth talking just grate on my nerves. His hand settles on my leg, a reminder.
“We can meet again in a few weeks, but I can assure you, our terms will remain solid,” my father reiterates. There will be no marriage between the families.