Page 64 of Arranged

I stood in front of his desk while he remained staring out the window of his office. While he continued to recover from the earlier shooting, he’d done everything in his power to put up a quiet, controlled appearance. Wedding pictures had already surfaced on the internet, mostly the product of guests sharing them on their social media.

We hadn’t decided to forbid cameras in the room, using the ceremony as a lure to draw out whoever was responsible. I knew better than anyone the plan could easily backfire.

“We need to be prepared for an attack,” I said, keeping my voice low. “Toughness is often necessary when you’re uncertain of your enemy.”

He said nothing at first, quietly sipping on his brandy even though it was barely three in the afternoon. I had to wonder what his doctors would think about his consumption.

“Agreed, but be careful, Alejandro. Currently, you’re respected, but I don’t want that to change. Toughness can sometimes be misconstrued for arrogance, a belief that you are better than everyone else. You’re far too valuable to this organization for me to lose.”

“I don’t plan on going anywhere.”

The Don turned, his steps as he moved around his desk stiffer than before. His face was also paler than at the wedding. The man was stressed. We all were.

“What I’m about to say can’t be shared to anyone, your new wife included. While I believe Don Lupini has his daughter’s best interest at heart, caring about her welfare is a backburner item. He has too much to lose in this game of power.”

I didn’t need to be told her father was a piece of work. I’d already witnessed it. I found myself bristling after he made the statement. No one would ever disparage her. “He’s set in his ways.”

“Yes, the old ways. Much like I’ve been my entire life. In turn, I’ve alienated my son. I’m not proud of doing so, but as you’ve witnessed time and time again, he’s not fit for command. But he will be. One day. Under your tutelage. I’ve tried to teach him about the business but he’s… Different. He doesn’t want to take responsibility.” There was a hint of sadness in the man’s eyes.

I felt more uncomfortable than ever. Enzo had given me the cold shoulder, acting as if I was the enemy.

Maybe the kid had a sixth sense that should be paid more attention to.

“I’ll do what I can, Don Santorelli.”

He laughed. “I know you will and I think at this point you can call me Luis. You are basically my adopted son, a man I admire. I’ve said that about very few men in my life.” As he walked by his desk, he grabbed a file. His eyes never left mine as he approached. “This is for you to keep locked in a safe place. No one but my Consigliere knows of its existence and he’s bound by attorney privileges to keep it as a secret until his death.”

I stared down at it, hesitant to accept it. “What is this?”

“Alejandro, you’ve never come across as a man who would ever refuse to accept a single assignment. Don’t fail me now. This is a worst-case scenario, but had to be put in place. My regime is far too important to allow to slip into just anyone’s hands.”

I accepted the file, taking a deep breath before opening it. The documentation could be considered the keys to the kingdom. The ironclad contract as well as additional paperwork indicated his entire empire would be transferred to me, my status changed to the Don of the organization should anything happen to him. I lifted my head, uncertain how to react.

“Don’t be shy, boy. That’s beneath you as well. You earned this. My trust. My loyalty. And my respect. You are a natural born leader in this world and as such, you’re the correct choice. Great leaders know when to use compassion and to never allow their emotions to overrule what’s required and necessary. I see that in you. Now, I will admit if Dion recovers, he will have a difficult time processing the turn of events, but I’ve made my choice. I would anticipate you’ll need his counsel should things go south.”

Well, Jesus F. Christ. This wasn’t what I’d expected.

“I’m honored, Don Santorelli. I won’t let you down.”

He took the time to clap my arm, nodding several times. “I know you won’t. Now, there is a single caveat and one I weighed carefully.”

I’d yet to read over every addendum to the contract. From what I could tell, it was completely legal and forthright. “That is?”

“I waited to see how the wedding occurred, the connection between you and Carmella. From what I witnessed, I know you’ll be a very strong couple, more powerful together than you would be apart. For that reason, in order for this contract to go forth and continue, you must remain married to Carmella for no less than ten years, producing at least one heir. At that time, anything can happen in a marriage. I know that far too well.”

The man had ceremoniously put together an empire that would continue into the future. In other words, he’d found the perfect pawns. Could I lie and say the thought of becoming the Don wasn’t appealing? Fuck, no.

“My lovely, vivacious wife might have something to say about this.”

His laugh was boisterous, but he coughed immediately afterward, throwing out his arm when I took a step closer. “I’m fine, Alejandro. Just residual effects. Like you, I don’t plan on going anywhere any time soon, but I’ve learned to be prudent. Having an alternative plan in place is vital. As far as Carmella, one reason I condoned the marriage was because you needed a stronger companion by your side. You see, my boy. Women truly run the world. But only if you work together. They can also be conniving and vindictive. I’ve also learned that the hard way.”

He had me laughing. “She is… her own woman.”

“Yes, but all women can be tamed. To a point. It’s doubtful you’ll break her spirit. In truth, I would hate for you to do so, but I don’t see you as that kind of man. The two of you will make for an explosive team. Just do me one favor. Don’t allow my son to go to the dark side.”

The dark side. I almost laughed for an entirely different reason. The kid was a hellion at best, refusing to play by the rules, getting himself kicked out of private school more than once. “I’ll do my best. However, he’s not…”

“Happy. Or grateful. Or polite. Or considerate. That’s one reason his trust fund will be locked down until he’s twenty-five. But he is my son. I love him very much. Sadly, that’s something he will never care about or even acknowledge. I know you can make a difference in his life. I feel it in my bones. Please take him under your wing.”

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