Page 106 of Savage Enemy

I would never fall for that trick.

He’d made it crystal clear. If I acquired control of Capaldo’s men, I must join the Commission—or become their enemy. Or maybe he’d summoned me to discuss my trip to Chicago.

Regardless, I didn’t volunteer information to anyone.

I straightened my jacket sleeves.

“I could hazard a few guesses, but we’re all busy men with better things to do. Let’s skip the guessing game and get on with business.”

Don Lordi narrowed his close-set dark eyes.

“Are you not aware of the laws dictating our world?”

What a stupid fucking question.

“Are we talking gravity or taxes?” I asked.

I didn’t have time for this man’s shit and hoped the glib answer conveyed my annoyance.

Lordi apparently didn’t find my response as amusing as I had. He rose from his chair, a failed attempt to make himself the most intimidating man in the room, and slammed his fists on the table in front of him.

“You know damn well I’m talking about the laws of the Commission governing the Italian families in New York.”

I shrugged. “Last time I checked, I wasn’t a member of the council, which technically exempts me from abiding by its laws. Now if there’s nothing else, I’ll let you get back to whatever it is you do here. I’m happy to show myself out.”

I turned around to exit the room.

“You will not leave,” he shouted.

Enforcers appeared on either side of me, their hands clamping onto my shoulders and gripping my elbows.

A young man sitting at Lordi’s left side got out of his chair.

“Is this all really necessary?”

The fuck? I hadn’t seen this guy before, even though I kept close tabs on the Commission and the families in the area.

“Christ, Mr. Vignali’s not going anywhere,” he continued. “There’s no reason to treat him like a prisoner.”

Lordi shot the guy a shut-the-fuck-up look.

“Mr. Medico, I realize you’re new to the committee, but you see, this is how it’s done.”

Ah, yes—Medico… Angelo… Victor Medico’s only son.

He had disappeared several years earlier, the rumors ranging from him serving time in an out-of-state prison to the kid having been kidnapped by a rival gang.

Victor Medico never seemed concerned about his son’s disappearance. He never confirmed or denied the rumors.

At the time, I hadn’t paid any attention. I’d been too busy building my empire to worry about anything that didn’t affect me.

I glanced around the room.

Victor had skipped the meeting, and Angelo had his seat. Whether the man had retired or died meant nothing to me, but I had to wonder if this new, younger face belonged to friend or foe.

Angelo shook his head, unbothered by Lordi’s glare.

“I understand certain protocols need to be followed. I also understand Mr. Vignali deserves some respect. Hell, he’s taken over the Capaldo and Malta families.”

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