Page 51 of Obsession & Oath

The thought floods through me with equal parts dread and pure, unadulterated horror at myself.

When did that happen?

“I would like to thank you, formally, on behalf of the Grasso di Ferro,” Evelina says without prelude.

I blink back at her.

“Excuse me?”

“As our tradition dictates, I will allow you to ask a favor of me.”

My jaw may as well be on the floor. “I’m sorry, what is it that you think I’ve done for the Grasso di Ferro?”

Evelina gives me a curious look as she takes a sip from her cup. It makes me want to squirm in my seat, but I hold fast.

“We spoke before that it is in my interests for my son to marry,” she says calmly. “But the Grasso di Ferro also needs a leader who is able to withstand a variety of challenges. My son’s engagement will provide ample opportunity for our little Mafia to showcase its strengths.”

My mouth twitches at the wordlittle.From what I’ve gathered so far, the Grassos rule most of northern Italy. “I can see why that would have its advantages.”

Evelina smirks. “You’re a smart girl. Up until recently, I have struggled to…motivate Dante to see things as I do.”

That’s putting it lightly.

“But it seems that my son has recently had a change of heart.”

I stare back at her, no more enlightened by her words. The only thing bashing around my traitorous brain is:Dante wants to get married.

Dante wants to get married to one of those perfect Italian bachelorettes he’s been complaining about for weeks.

“What does that have to do with me?” I respond stiffly, swallowing down the bitterness that has suddenly wedged itself in my throat.

“I have known my son a long time,” Evelina says with a smirk. “I do not believe the words ‘selfish’ or ‘ungrateful’ have ever been in his lexicon, Italian or English.”

Oh. Right.

Evelina must see the recognition in my eyes as her smirk grows to a grin. “It was quite something to behold. So you must allow me to thank the woman who could make my sonapologizeto his aging mother.”

If I hadn’t heard it straight from Evelina, I’m not sure I’d believe it. But…

“He actually apologized?”

Evelina nods. “He’s instructed me to make preparations for a ball to be hosted here by the end of the week. For him to do so…it is quite a feat,SignoritaRubio.”

“Carmen,” I say instinctively.

“Then, Carmen, I invite you to ask something of me.” She sits back in her seat, seemingly content to wait.

This entire situation still feels insane. Am I supposed to think logically here? Do I ask for something that might help the Cartel? Information perhaps? There are probably a thousand things a matriarch could do for someone like me.

All I can think about is how much I’d love a glass of orange juice. Somehow, I don’t think that’s what she meant.

“Can you truly think of nothing? There is little beyond my capabilities.”

A tentative smile tugs at my lips. “I don’t doubt it.”

“Then you should also know that Leon Natali has contacted me personally to request that the Grasso di Ferro remain impartial in the Brooklyn conflict,” she gives me a long, knowing look. “A request I have, until this point, indulged.”

I lose a breath. “You’d be willing to negotiate for my return to Brooklyn?”

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