Page 32 of Merciless Desires

“Can you talk?”

“Yeah, I’m on my way home from the club. What’s up?”

“We have to find a way to get Janero out of the turf war he is in without him having to sacrifice Cin.”

“Fuck, Gio. How are we going to do that?”

“If I knew, I would tell you, but I can’t stand by and watch her be sold off that way.”

“Does she know that’s what her father is planning to do?”

“No.” She would be on the first flight back to Italy, trying to convince her father not to use her that way, and that would only make him angry. He didn’t like to be told what to do, especially not when it came to his business.

“Did you already taint his bargaining chip?”

I didn’t answer.

“Gio, did you fuck her?”

“No.” We’re getting closer.

“Let’s keep it that way until we can come up with a solution.”

Maybe that’s the solution. If I took her innocence, I took away Janero’s bargaining chip.

“You’ll help me?” I asked.

“I’m your brother. I stand by you the same as you would me.”

“Thank you.”

“But I promise that I will not allow you to get killed over this.”

“I’m doing this for her.” Am I trying to convince my brother or myself? “She has the right to choose who she ends up with. Not her father.”

“She’s already chosen you, so that makes all of this a little easier.” He sighed. “You’re absolutely sure she’s worth making a possible enemy out of Janero? Because if we can’t come up with a way to secure his territory, we’re going to have to defy him. Will she stand by you then?”

“I can’t answer that.” I closed my eyes. “I want her.”

“Then let’s go to war.”

Chapter Ten

Cinzia

“Gio!” I shouted throughout the penthouse. “Gio Bilotti!”

How could he have done this? This was my fault. Not Alberto’s.

“Why are you yelling?” Gio came toward me from the kitchen. “What’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong?” I clasped my hands together, fighting the urge to slap him. “You fired Alberto.”

“I’m rearranging your security team. I’d say I’m justified, wouldn’t you?”

“You had no right to do that.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. I have every right to protect you how I see fit.” His voice was so matter-of-fact. I hated the business he and my father were in. “I’ll play checkers with you if you’re that upset.”

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