Page 99 of Gorgeous Villain (Marchetti Mafia)

“Fuck you and your little traitor behind you.” I waggle the bookend toward Nuncio.

Nuncio puffs up his chest.

Sonny levels his voice. “I’ve done this longer than you.”

“Correct, which means your brain is fucking dead.” I stare at him, stone-faced. “You’ll be the next man to suffer from bad health and bite the dust. With your health and that figure, I’ll give you two years before you’re annoying the fuck out of Satan in hell.”

“You’re a smart man—I’ll give you that—but I’ll make this family stronger.” His face reddens. “We’ll run this city. I don’t think you can lead us into that.”

Nuncio nods behind him as two other men join him.

I clear my throat and look Sonny straight in his cataract-ridden eyes. “Go fuck yourself.”

He throws a manila folder across the room, and it lands on the desk with a weighted thud. “Until next time then, nephew.”

I rub a hand over my jaw, watching them exit the room, and wait to open the folder until they’re gone.

I flip through the photos of Amara and me.

Clara and Amara.

And Gigi.

“Motherfucker.” I hurl the folder across the room.

Visiting Seven Seconds is risky.

I’m doing it for Amara.

For the men who remain loyal to me, refusing to switch to Sonny’s side and risking their lives for it.

Benny agreeing to meet with me was a surprise. It could be a setup, and maybe I’m walking straight into a death trap. Although, in the years I’ve known Benny, he’s given me better respect than any other Lombardi. But given all the bullshit that’s happened, there’s a possibility he’ll shoot me as soon as he sees me. Never put anything past the Marchettis.

People stare as I walk through the hallway in the back of the club, and one of Benny’s men stops at a door before opening it and gesturing for me to go inside.

My hands are sweaty, yet I keep my cool as I walk inside.

“Antonio Lombardi,” Benny greets dryly, sitting behind his desk and not bothering to stand. “Shouldn’t you be out somewhere, mourning your father’s admission into hell?”

I grit my teeth, shut the door, and walk to him.

Benny reclines in his leather chair, propping his feet up on the desk while drinking. “To what do I owe the pleasure of this unwanted visit?”

“I told you there’d be problems with my uncle upon my father’s death,” I tell him straight up, no time for bullshit.

“You did, but I don’t understand what that has to do with me. I’m not in your family—thank God.” He directs his glass toward me. “Sucks for you, though. Good luck in your fighting.”

“I need your connections.” I pinch the bridge of my nose, hoping to ease the stress. “Out of respect for your father, Severino has cut off all relations with my family. That includes selling us firearms. I need you to convince Severino to change his mind and help me out.”

Severino is the top supplier of illegal weapons in the country. His connections led to Neomi and Benny’s contractual marriage. In the past year, he’s limited his business with us, but after Vinny’s behavior and the wedding incident, he terminated all association.

Benny drops his feet, leans forward, and settles his elbows on the desk. “Even if they didn’t cut you off then, do you think they’d sell anything to a Lombardi after one shot their daughter, you fucking morons?”

I hold back the impulse to shoot the pompous asshole in the head. “I’m here to make a deal. We have great connections overseas. I have multiple reps with banks the United States hasn’t even heard of. Any connection I have is all yours. Talk to your father and Severino. Help me out here.”

“But will those connections overseas be on your side or your uncle’s?” He downs his drink.

“My uncle wants your family to pay for Vinny’s death. He will go after Natalia, Gigi, and Neomi if he has to. You will also go to war with my family if my uncle takes charge.”

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