Page 69 of Savage Enemy

“She told me you would show up. Not sure if you’re stupid or brave, but I’m glad to see my baby sister chose someone who won’t give up on her. I mean, it would’ve been better if you were on the outside but fuck it.”

“What does your father want?” I hissed.

“More power than he has or deserves. You should know if the Russians want her, and just looking at her... of course they will, my father will go with them. I’ve tried to change his mind, but he’s a stubborn old man.”

“What are they offering?” I asked. “I’ll beat it.”

Marco looked me up and down, chewing on the corner of his lip, showing me his false tell.

This fucker liked playing games.

“Money,” he answered. “Same offer he’d get for a bride of her worth ten years ago.”

“She’s worth more than two and a half million, Moscatelli. Any asshole here could offer that much. Stop fucking around and tell me what’ll work for your father.”

Marco grinned again like an idiot.

“Once upon a time, the deal included a lucrative shipping allowance for my family. Offer him the money and promise you’ll join the Commission. I know they’ve extended a standingoffer to you. Tell my father once you take your seat, he gets some leeway for shipping on the East Coast.

“It’s a big fucking ask, Vignali, I know. I know about your history with the Commission, but that’s what it’s gonna take. And there isone other stipulation, because if you want a chance in hell, you’ll need meto push him for you.”

Fine. I would play his game.

“And your price for this favor?” I asked.

“I’m my father’s heir. When I take over?—”

“Assuming your brother doesn’t stab you in the back.”

Marco offered a half-hearted shrug.

“Aris will be dealt with when the time comes. When I run this family, I want youto be the voice that opens the door to dissolving the treaty. Men like my father are on their way out. Cooler, smarter heads will soon prevail in Chicago. We’re all losing money with the treaty intact, and I want to see it gone.”

Smart man. Something I might have asked for myself had I been in his shoes. I extended my hand and nodded.

“She comes home with me tonight, and we have a deal.”

Marco grasped my hand for a firm shake—like we’d just signed a multibillion-dollar deal. In a way, long term, we had.

“I have to make my rounds,” he said. “You’ll get your sit down with my father tonight. Stay close.”

Marco left us to continue his business around the ballroom.

While scanning the room for Val again, I rested my hand on Benedetta’s lower back.

“I need to talk to her right now. I might not get another opportunity.”

There—my girl. I fixed my gaze on her.

Benedetta sighed and touched my shoulder.

“Seems there’s nothing I can say to stop you. Just be careful, Stefano. I’ll be around when you’re ready to go.”

“Thank you,” I called after her as she walked away.

Exactly right. Nothing could stop me. I focused on Val’s location again, but now her brother stood there by himself, holding a pair of women’s shoes like a dumbass.

Then a flash of red slipped along the wall.

---