Page 56 of Savage Enemy

Impressive. And fucking stupid.

I wouldn’t touch any woman but my Val.

Even so, it wouldn’t hurt to let Benedetta play all her cards and see where they fell.

“I’m aware,” I said. “Last I heard, his doctors gave him just a few more months.”

“You’ve heard only what my father has allowed.”

“Your father hasn’t allowed shit. I found the information myself. I’ve got leverage, and I know what’s going on. Trust me, your father’s base isn’t as airtight as he’d have you believe.”

Benedetta rolled her eyes. Under different circumstances, the show of disrespect would have had grave consequences.

I would give her a single pass this time—but if she wanted to bargain like a man, I would treat her like one from here on out.

“My father doesn’t have months left,” she said. “He’s always known the severity of his illness, and he leaked the information to rush negotiations with you, so hewouldn’t have to negotiate your deal from a position of weakness.”

I raised my brows. If what she said were true, the old man had made a sly move. I hadn’t thought he had it in him.

Good on him.

“It’s true. He picked you from an impressive lineup, and he knows you’re the one to…”

She paused to carefully select her next words. Smart girl.

“To eliminate a fair amount of competition. He admires your moves—your precise targeting and your surprisingly low death toll or loss of revenue.”

“Let me see if I understand your plan,” I said. “You want us to get married so I can take control of your father’s empire before he passes. In return, you’ll get me to Chicago to rescue Val. And after all that, which of us is going to explain to her why I’ve made her the fool in this scenario?

“Why even bother pulling her away from her family’s claim if I can’t override it with marriage? Those assholes would be back here quickly to take her home again, and I would be back to square one. Worse, they kill more of my men—and maybe they kill my son.”

Those last words pitched my stomach up into my throat.

Benedetta drew in a deep breath.

“That’s not the plan. I want you to assume control of my father’s men, yes, because they will never follow me and might even kill me, but I said nothing about marriage.”

“That’s the only way without upsetting the other families and involving the Commission.”

“No, it isn’t. It’s the easiest way, but not the only way. I have another idea if you’re willing to hear it.”

I waved for her to continue, my pulse echoing in my ears.

“I’ve had a contract drawn up that will temporarily hand you control of my father’s empire. Everything from his men to the businesses and the operations they cover. He’s no longer able to lead, but you are.

“With this agreement, Stefano, you’ll act as regent, safeguarding my family legacy until I find a suitable husband. Then, once I’m married, control passes to my husband.”

Ah. Yes, smart girl.

“I think you mean once I find a suitable husband for you.”

The corner of her mouth twitched.

“Absolutely not. The contract is set up that way, but off the record, I want your word that you’ll stay out of it. I want you to allow me the time and the opportunity to vet my own potential matches. I decide who I marry. You have no say in the matter.”

She pursed her lips and lifted her chin ever so slightly.

“Acting regents inherit the responsibility of choosing a husband,” I said.

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