Page 58 of Power

“Is that so?” he replied.

“I’ve been searching for him, and I believe I’ve pinpointed his location,” I added, a blend of anxiety and anticipation coursing through me.

“I’ve been trying to locate him myself,” Elias admitted. “So far, I’ve been unsuccessful. I’m surprised you made more progress than me.”

“Don’t be,” I said. “I have a network scattered throughout Europe, each member adept at tracking down those who prefer to remain hidden. Their loyalty is unwavering, and they share a deep commitment to ensuring our family thrives.”

“Your family, huh?” Eli asked, probing. “Is this about protection, or is it about getting vengeance for Calista?”

I ran a hand through my hair and stared at the polished surface of my desk. “For me, those goals are intertwined. Calista is all that matters. I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to keep her safe.”

There was a pause, a moment heavy with unspoken thoughts, before Elias exhaled deeply. “I’m glad she chose you, Leon,” he said. “But there’s another issue, and it isn’t my father.”

My heart thudded heavily against my ribs, a drumbeat of anxiety. “What now?”

“Your rival for Calista’s affection is stirring up trouble.”

I frowned, my eyes shifting toward the window where the city skyline stretched out under a dimming sky.

“Oh, absolutely,” I replied, as the realization set in. “Yes, I know he’s been talking a lot. I believe he’s behind the recent break-ins at my restaurants.”

“He’s been bothering both Nikolas and me, as though we can influence Calista’s decision. Honestly, it’s frustrating.”

The rage that had simmered beneath the surface flared up once more, hot and urgent. Perhaps it would be wise to instruct Iason to address this problem without delay.

“That fucker,” I said. “I don’t understand why he can’t just let it go. He’s your friend, though, right? Eli, I need you to know that if you don’t handle him soon, I will.”

“I’m not sure I’d call him my friend, to be honest. Maybe at one time. But friendships shift over time as people get older. In truth, I’m closer to Dominic’s older brother. Perhaps I can have a conversation with him and ask him to step in.”

“I’m not sure that will do any good,” I replied. “Dominic doesn’t seem like the type to do what anyone else says. I’m not opposed to eliminating him, Elias.”

“Let’s not go that far just yet,” he said. “I don’t understand why he’s doing this either. Do you two have a history I don’t know about? Could this be more than just the man’s ego getting bruised by Calista’s rejection?”

“Maybe,” I said. “I don’t know him well at all. I’d never met him until the charity event the other night. I only knew who he was because…”

My words faded away as a memory flashed vividly in my mind.

“Wait a minute. When I was younger, my second-oldest brother, Haris, and his wife, my sister-in-law Sophia, had quite the scandal surrounding their wedding.” I paused, my brow furrowing as I tried to recall the details. “Yes, I remember now. My mother was heartbroken because they’d eloped. They claimed the only reason for their abrupt decision was that Sophie was trying to escape a marriage her family had arranged with one of the Lucianos brothers. Do you think it could have been Dominic?”

“I think it may have been,” Eli said. “And if so, then Dominic must be losing his mind after being rejected twice, and both times losing to a Boscos.”

“Fuck,” I groaned, running a hand through my hair in frustration. “That’s it. That’s what’s happening. It has to be.”

“I think you’re right,” Eli agreed. “And knowing Dominic, he’ll stop at nothing until he feels avenged.”

“What a fucking prick,” I said, clenching my fists. “He has no idea he’s playing with fire.”

“Look, Leon, do what you need to do,” Eli said. “I won’t stand in your way. But might I make a gentle suggestion? I think it’s important to increase security around Cali now. She won’t like it. She’ll hate it. But I think it’s necessary.”

“Shit,” I muttered, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me. “You’re right.”

I knew my actions would make Cali feel even more trapped, like a wild animal in a cage. She had confided in me about her frustrations about the relentless protection imposed by her family, by Vik in Prague, and the ever-present security detail shadowing her every move.

All I could do was hope she’d understand my intentions and not hold it against me for trying to keep her safe. Because there was no way I was going to ignore this threat.

Dominic Lucianos needed to be dealt with, but in the meantime, I was going to do everything in my power to protect what was mine.

Fifteen

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