Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 73663 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 368(@200wpm)___ 295(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73663 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 368(@200wpm)___ 295(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
Rocco’s face flushes with rage. “You should have given me time to rectify this situation. I’m already locating Allegra. She’ll be home in the next week at most.”
I narrow my eyes at him. “I believe you, but I didn’t want to take the risk and wait around. As you’re all well aware, there have been some complaints about my status as the Don of my Famiglia.”
“Complaints?” Finn smirks at me. “More like outright treason. You Italians and your backwards family expectations.”
“Easy,” Orsino warns, glaring at him.
“Everyone, I want you to meet Maddie Rossi. I understand this is sudden, but I am committed to providing my organization with steady leadership, and taking a good wife is part of that obligation.”
“Hello, everyone,” Maddie says, sounding demure and uncomfortable.
Jasha only nods once, staring at the scene. Orsino seems amused and greets her warmly. Finn waves.
“I will not be treated this way.” Rocco’s voice is low and menacing. “It’s good you married. I agree you needed a wife, and now you need an heir. But it should have been my daughter.”
“I understand why you feel that way, and I think I can offer you a reasonable alternative. With the other family heads as my witnesses, I would like to give Saul to marry your daughter.”
Rocco pauses. His lips tighten, eyebrows knit. Saul isn’t the Don, but he’s the second most powerful man in my organization. It’s a consolation prize, but a very good one.
I only hope that Saul’s willing to do it because I haven’t discussed this with him just yet.
“That would be a decent match,” Rocco says grudgingly. “Are you sure your brother will do it?”
“Saul sacrifices for the Famiglia like everyone else. Are you sure your daughter won’t run away again?”
“My daughter will do her duty.” Rocco grunts and nods once. “Alright, Don Rossi. We’ll discuss the details, but this is acceptable.” He holds out his hand and I shake it.
“Wow, look at you two,” Finn says, hands over his heart. “It’s a picture of friendship. Selling your family members to each other.”
“Cut it out, you drunk asshole,” Orsino rumbles at him, which only makes Finn laugh.
I put my hand on the small of Maddie’s back. She’s tense, but she’s standing there with her head held high, her shoulders back. Royal in her bearing. It’s impressive, and now that I’ve managed to smooth things over with Rocco, I want to get out of here before things can take a turn.
But Jasha speaks before I can steer her away.
“Did you really call a meeting just to show us your new wife?” His voice is soft. I’m always surprised at how quiet he can be.
“You’re free to leave if you don’t like it, Pakhan.” I put a little contempt in that last word.
“I’m always astounded at your arrogance, Don Rossi.”
“Watch your mouth,” Dante snaps, but again, I restrain him.
“And why is that, Jasha?”
He sneers at my use of his given name. If he wants to disrespect me, I will do the same. “You and the other Italians have been running this city for a long time, but your reign is coming to an end. You cling to the old ways, but the old ways are dying.” The room is silent. Even Finn’s watching Jasha with a serious frown. “This display is pathetic. Nobody cares whether you’re married or not.”
“You want to talk business then?” I step forward, toward Jasha, struggling to hold back my anger. “You stole my land deal.”
Jasha tilts his head. “Your deal?”
“I’m going to say this once. There are going to be consequences for what you did. And if you push against my family’s interests again, we will not have such a friendly conversation in the future.”
“Threats mean nothing to me. Only actions.” Jasha stands and puts both hands on the table. “This council has been a dead fish for a very long time. We come here, we talk, and nothing happens. I’m tired of you Italians acting like you own everything in this city.”
“You’re making a mistake, boy,” Orsino says, shaking his head. “Rethink what you’re about to say.”
Jasha doesn’t acknowledge him. “I hereby resign my spot at this table. May God protect you all. You’ll need it.” He moves away from the table. The room’s silent. I stare as he brushes past me, and I have to hold Dante’s shoulder to keep him from going after the big Russian.
Once Jasha’s gone, the tension remains thick. I know what the others are thinking, because I’m thinking it too. This city has been at peace for a long time. But I’m afraid we might be heading toward war.
“Was that my fault?”
Maddie’s voice cuts the silence. Nobody reacts, until Finn bursts out laughing.
“No, dear, that wasn’t your fault,” Orsino says, shaking his head and smiling. “We’ll reconvene in a few days to discuss this. For now, I think we all need to process. Objections?”