pter 16
apter 16
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the villa’s windows as Lorenzo and I shared breakfast on the terrace. The fresh pastries and coffee were a welcome distraction from yesterday’s events, until a guard burst through the doors.
“Boss, we have a problem.” His face was grim as he approached our table.
Lorenzo’s eyes met mine before he nodded at the guard to continue.
“The Rossi and Bianchi families have started meeting. They’re forming alliances with the smaller groups too. A coalition, from what our sources say.”
Lorenzo’s fork clattered against his plate. “Why now?” His brow furrowed. *Set up a meeting with Rossi. Today.”
“Already working on it, Boss.”
As the guard left, I grabbed Lorenzo’s arm. “What’s happening?”
“Nothing for you to worry about, tesoro. I’ll handle it.” He started to rise, but I tightened my grip.
“No.” The word came out stronger than I expected. “If I’m going to be your queen, I need to understand how this world works. You’re not alone anymore.”
Lorenzo stilled, studying my face with an intensity that made my breath catch. “This isn’t like dealing with Dominic and Camilla. These families… they’re dangerous in ways you can’t imagine.”
“So teach me.” I met his gaze steadily. “I won’t be kept in the dark, treated like some delicate flower who can’t handle reality. I’ve survived my own. monsters – let me help you face yours.”
A slow smile spread across his face, pride and something darker glinting in his eyes. “Very well, tesoro.” He pulled me closer, his voice dropping. “Let me show you how the game is really played.”
Lorenzo guided me to the hidden garage where the unassuming Honda waited. Just like before, we slipped into the car while his security detail loaded into their black SUVS.
“The Rossis are old money,” Lorenzo explained as we wound through the streets. “They’ve controlled the south side for generations.”
I watched the city blur past my window. “Why meet with them if they’re
95%%
turning against you?”
“Keep your friends close…” His knuckles whitened on the steering wheel. “And your enemies where you can see them.”
.
The Rossi estate loomed ahead a sprawling Mediterranean villa with manicured gardens and high stone walls. Armed guards patrolled the perimeter, their dark suits unable to hide the weapons underneath. They stepped aside as our small convoy approached.
Lorenzo’s hand found mine as we pulled up to the entrance. “Stay close to me. Watch everything, but say nothing.”
I nodded, following his lead as we stepped out. More guards flanked the heavy wooden doors, their eyes tracking our every move. The interior was all marble and old–world opulence.
A tall man with silver–streaked hair rose from an armchair as we entered the living room. Despite his age, power radiated from his stance. This had to be Antonio Rossi.
long.”
“Constantine.” His voice carried both warmth and warning. “It’s been too
–
“Indeed it has, old friend.” Lorenzo’s tone matched his cordial on the surface, ice underneath.
Rossi’s gaze slid to me, calculating. “And who is this lovely creature?”
“My fiancée, Valentina.” Lorenzo’s arm tightened around my waist.
“Ah yes, I heard you’d found someone special.” Rossi smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Please, sit. We have much to discuss.”
I perched on the edge of an antique settee, Lorenzo’s presence solid and reassuring beside me. The tension in the room crackled like static before a
storm.
“So tell me, Antonio, what’s really happening with these… meetings?” Lorenzo’s voice remained casual, but I caught the dangerous edge beneath.
Antonio leaned back in his chair, swirling amber liquid in a crystal tumbler. “The other families are demanding a coalition. They want to move against you, take down the Constantine empire.”
“And why would they want that?” Lorenzo’s fingers traced idle patterns on my knee.
“Everything has its time, Constantine.” Antonio’s smile turned predatory.
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“The others think it’s time for you to step down. I must admit, the idea has
merit.”
My heart hammered against my ribs, but Lorenzo’s only response was a low chuckle. He rose smoothly to his feet, extending his hand to Antonio.
“Good luck with that.” His smirk held enough confidence to freeze hell itself. “I’ll enjoy watching you try,”
He helped me up, his touch gentle despite the steel in his voice. We turned toward the door, Lorenzo’s hand at the small of my back.
“You’re making a mistake, Constantine,” Antonio called after us.
Lorenzo didn’t even break stride. “We’ll see who’s mistaken soon enough.” Antonio’s laughter echoed through the room, stopping us in our tracks. The sound held genuine amusement rather than malice.
“I must say, Constantine, you’ve impressed me. Such a young man, yet you’ve had the entire underworld eating from your palm these past years.”
Lorenzo turned, his stance relaxed but alert. “You’re getting to something.”
“Indeed.” Antonio set down his tumbler. “For that alone, I’ll share something interesting. The other families didn’t initiate these meetings. A couple approached them first – wealthy, ambitious types trying to curry favor.” He tapped his chin. “Now what were their names…”
My blood ran cold. Surely it couldn’t be-
“Ah yes!” Antonio’s eyes lit up. “Dominic and Camilla. Ricci and DeLuca, I believe.”
The room spun. I gripped Lorenzo’s arm to steady myself, my knees threatening to buckle. Lorenzo’s muscles tensed under my fingers.
“You know them?” Antonio’s gaze flickered between us, noting my reaction.
Lorenzo’s hand found the small of my back, steadying me. “We’re… acquainted.”
“Interesting.” Antonio leaned forward. “They seemed quite determined to see your downfall. Made quite compelling arguments too, though I suspect their motives are more personal than business.”
I fought to keep my breathing steady, but memories of Dominic’s cruelty and Camilla’s manipulations flooded back. They’d found a way to hurt me again, this time by targeting Lorenzo.
Chapter 16
