Page 63 of The Diávolos: Part One
After the second shot ofouzo,I call my driver.
We spend the ride talking about business and the fact that tonight will be my first public appearance as the new Godfather. I just hope that no one mentions my new title around Angelica.
The driver pulls up to the Kastellanos estate and the gates open, allowing us to make the short drive to the entrance of the mansion. Several other cars are being driven away by attendants, and many guests are making their way up the steps to the house.
We head inside through the sea of people, keeping our greetings short and sweet.
Phillip Kastellanos increased his security for tonight. The place is flanked with armed guards. Something tells me this is Peter’s doing.
Aria’s father, Phillip, has been the Kouvalakis’ chief counselor and advisor ever since Peter became Godfather decades ago. I have no doubt they took extra precautions tonight, given I was rumored to show.
After murdering my uncle and trying to kill me, he expects retaliation. He won’t get what he’s anticipating, especially not tonight. My plan is to lay low, but to also make sure everyone knows that theDiávolosdoesn’t shy away from anything, and if anyone tries to mess with me, I will fuck them up.
We walk around the cocktail area, stopping to talk to some people. Some gawk at us, while others start whispering to each other. I know what they’re thinking.The Diávolos is here.My reputation runs wild in all parts of Cebrene.
Dion is on edge. A waiter passes by with a tray, and he grabs two glasses of champagne, his fingers fidgeting on the rims. The fucker is trying to double-fist. I snatch one of the flutes from his hand and gulp the whole drink down in one swig. Tonight is going to be a shit show for both of us.
I see no sign of Angelica yet, but as I turn around, my eyes meet another pair that are shooting daggers at me, full of anger. Gianis.Here we go.
I didn’t tell anyone about our conversation the other night. If I’m being honest, I was expecting his call.
Angelica’s security system was installed by him, so I knew he’d be watching and would recognize me.
Mind you, I wasn’t trying to be discreet. I’ve given up on covering my traces.
It was only a matter of time until he realized who Angelica was spending her time with, and for whom she was casting him aside. I have taken over her body and mind. He’s no longer her priority.
I’m not an idiot. I know Gianis loves Angelica. I can tell from the way he carries himself around her. The way he jumps at any and every opportunity to follow her around.
I’ve been watching her for weeks, but he’s been watching her for longer. Before she left Cebrene, while in Antium, and ever since she moved back to town, monitoring her ins and outs with the help of his security system and foot soldiers. I know this because I’ve been watching him, too.
Anyone who poses a threat to my relationship with Angelica is on my radar. He’s not fooling anyone, especially not me.
Our conversation that night only solidified what I already knew.
Gianis stalks over to me, his face an expression of rage and hostility. I turn around and walk to a backdoor that hopefully leads to an outdoor area.
I pass a server handing out drinks and grab a glass, setting my empty champagne flute on the tray.This one better be stronger than champagne.
Dion notices me walking away and immediately catches on that someone is following me. He turns and sees Gianis storming after me, and he gives me a warning look. I subtly shake my head at him, a sign to stay back. This is between Gianis and me.
I push the veranda doors open and head to a dark corner, Gianis right on my tail.
“I thought I told you to stay the hell away from Angelica, Evander,” he spits as soon as the doors close behind us.
I smile. “I thought I told you to mind your fucking business, Gianis,” I snap back, taking a step into his space. “I’m here to celebrate Kastellanos’ daughter’s engagement, just like you.”
I’m trying not to make a scene, but he’s getting on my last nerve.
“What the fuck do you want from her?” he asks.
“The same thing you want.”To make her mine.
Gianis scoffs at my response. “That’s bullshit and you know it, Evander,” he says, mockingly. “A guy like you can have nothing but ill intentions with a girl like her,especiallyher.”
I take a sip of my drink as I eye him from the rim. He’s not wrong, but I’ll never admit that to him. I can’t deny I had a one-track mind when it came to Angelica when this started, but things have changed.
“What do you know about guys like me, Gianis?” I retort, raising an eyebrow.
