Page 41 of Christmas with the Mafia
“I understand that last night was a huge success.”
He references the business concluded at the gala and I nod, taking time to fill him in on what was achieved, his nod of approval telling me he is happy about that.
When I finish, he leans forward, his fingers steepling under his chin, and his eyes flash as he says in his deep husky whisper, “You know why I am here.”
“You’re retiring.”
I take a stab in the dark, and his lips twist into his usual sinister smile.
“It was expected.”
“It was.”
He leans back in his seat, a thoughtful expression on his face, and says out of the blue, “I hear you are engaged.”
I say nothing because I’m not surprised that he knows. His spies are everywhere, and like me, he feeds off knowledge. As soon as a name is spoken to us, we insist on our consiglieres discovering everything about them. It’s how I knew about Simon Pettigrew and Regina’s business. What she doesn’t know is I have a file on her family and friends and every year of her life since she was born. It’s what we do, firefight any surprises that may spark up around us, and I learned it all from the great man currently studying me from across the table.
“Regina Stone.”
Now that I’ve said it, I wonder how I’m hoping to get this approved. My father believes a marriage is merely astrengthening of power, and Regina comes with none of the above.
“An ordinary girl leading an ordinary life.”
I detect the heaviness of disappointment in the air.
“Not the pedigree I expected from my successor, Nico.”
“And Desiree Bendetti is I’m guessing.”
He nods. “Vito is my friend. It makes perfect sense. Desiree is of our world; she understands it. Her life has been groomed for this occasion. She is the perfect choice as your queen.”
I shiver with revulsion, but he doesn’t need to see that, and I fix him with a dark glare of my own.
The silence is tense. This could go either way, and both Anton and Trent are all too aware of that.
“Which is exactly why she was never a contender.”
This time I lean forward and fix him with a dark glare of my own. I will use his tactics against him; it’s the only way, and my voice deepens and cuts like razors through the air.
“I do not intend on fighting my battles all day to return home to a war at night, father.”
If anything, his lips twitch, but his eyes remain cold and callous.
“Desiree is a loose cannon. You informed me of that fact when you stated she knows how this world works and she will use it to her advantage rather than for the family. Do you really believe she will be happy with bearing the next generation and fronting up charity events? She is a conniving bitch, and I wouldn’t put it past her to be in bed with my enemies, acting as a double agent just for the thrill of it.”
My father nods, resignation heavy in his eyes. “I admit she is wild spirited. You are right in your judgment. She requires a firm hand, and Vito was hoping that would be yours.”
“Vito is well aware I’m not interested. I am my own man, father and will not bow to pressure. I need a wife beside me who will bend to my will. Who I will mold into the perfect companion, unaware of the perils of this life.”
“You will destroy her in seconds.”
His voice hardens. “You have always been selfish, Nico. You want it all on your terms, and only a fool doesn’t utilize the tools of his trade. The ones that have served well over the years and were crafted in tradition. You prefer the latest modern gadgets with no life span. Wake up and face facts, Nico. The best woman for the job is Desiree Bendetti, and you know it.”
He sighs heavily. “Take her as a wife and set this new woman up as your mistress. It’s the perfect solution.”
“For you, maybe.”
We are all aware of my father’s circumstances, and my mother has been a token one brought in to bear his children while his affection rests with Gigi Constantine, my father’s mistress of thirty years.
