Page 110 of Vicious Vows

“The Feds are clearing out.” Milo loosened his tie. “According to our source, they have no idea where the shipment came from or where it was headed. There is nothing that can tie it back to us or either cartel.”

That was true. We always made sure of that. We had so many fail-safes in place that it would be difficult to trace anything back to us.

“That does me no good,” Lorenzo said with gritted teeth. “This is the second shipment I’ve lost because I’m caught in the middle of your senseless war. Do you know how that makes me look?”

“You trusted us.” I glanced at Lucas. “I won’t make excuses.”

My father wouldn’t.

“Your words don’t offer me much hope either,” Lorenzo said. “I’m starting to think I backed the wrong horse.”

“You’re wrong,” Milo said. “You’re much better off with us than you would be with Gian.”

“I can make this right.” I had more than words to back up that promise.

“I don’t see how.” Lorenzo shook his head. “The men I deal with won’t be so forgiving a second time. We’ve lost a lot of money.”

“Juan won’t be so forgiving either,” Lucas said. “He is going to expect you to deal with this, Marchello.”

“I plan to deal with it personally.” I pointed to my brother. “Milo and I will finish this problem this morning.”

We had been working on a plan all night. I just needed Lorenzo’s assistance if I wanted things to go smoothly.

“Our team is in place,” Milo assured me. “We just need to execute it.”

If I could have figured out a way to spare Lissia this heartache, I would have, but her father left me no choice. He provoked me, and now I had to end this.

“Lorenzo, are your resources still available to us?” I asked, fully prepared for him to tell me to fuck off. I would if I were in his position. “I realize your confidence in us has been shattered.”

“I spoke with my contacts.” He tapped his fingers against his chin. “They’re sending a team to the Gallanti estate at my request.”

“You have put yourself on the line for my family. Your faith in me hasn’t gone unnoticed,” I said. “My family appreciates it.”

“I understand the position you’re in, and as much as I adore Lissia, her father is a threat none of us need. We can’t allow him to do any more damage.” Lorenzo glanced between me and Milo. “If either of you are not prepared to do what comes next, step aside and let my men take over.”

“Thank you for the offer, but it’s not necessary.” I held out my hand for the file Lucas had prepared. “Doing business with us has cost you more than you needed, but you’re still choosing to stand with us.”

“I know a strong family when I see one.” He sighed. “I’m willing to allow you to make this right because I see a profitable future if we align ourselves with you. I believe Gian is a blip in the road. Your father’s reputation can’t be ignored.”

“You’re right,” I said. “Once my father returns, things will settle down.”

“We have to get him home first,” Lucas mumbled.

“Enough!” Milo pointed at him. “My father relies on you, but that doesn’t mean that you can disrespect us when we’re not doing the job you think we should be.”

I offered my brother an approving nod. I had grown tired of Lucas and his disrespect, but he was still here because my father would want him to be.

“I wanted you to have this as a show of good faith.” I handed Lorenzo the folder. “I’ve been keeping it safe for you.”

Lorenzo opened the papers and studied them before looking at me. “You son of a bitch. You’ve had this the whole time?”

“I couldn’t show all my cards.” I smirked. “It’s the inventory of the shipment you trusted with Collins. The one I intercepted.”

“I thought you destroyed it.” Lorenzo continued to look at the inventory.

“It’s all there,” Milo said. “Worth a pretty penny too.”

“You could have sat on this and sold it at a later time.” Lorenzo waved the file at me. “Why are you giving it back to me?”

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