Page 34 of Desperate Vows

“I’ve heard the same.”

Jason studied me for a minute. “I’ve also heard he’s got an alliance with you. Something about marrying his daughter.”

“It’s something.”

“Why am I here?” asked Jason.

“This thing with Marco could bleed out to the rest of us. I want to know if someone’s got my back if I need it and offer the same to them. Someone I can trust.”

“I see.” Jason threw back the drink. “I guess that’ll depend on what you know about Benoit.”

“He killed Gianna and Dad.” I held his gaze as it registered what I just said.

He exhaled. “Gianna?”

“Yeah, we don’t have proof, but we followed a lead at the time, and it led back to him. I think the French are due for a leadership change.”

“What about your alliance with him?” Jason asked.

Ari cut me a glance.

My brother and I stared at each other. I was going to lay my cards on the table. I wouldn’t let him in on what we were doing as far as our hobbies went, but I was going with my gut regarding Franklin. “I think he’s trying to strike us before we can strike him.”

“So you think the alliance he’s suggested is a ruse?”

I nodded. “I think he doesn’t like to get his hands dirty, so he was planning to set me up against Moretti, but something went wrong.”

That was it. Had to be. That was why Emil was killed. He knew. I glanced at Ari, and there was a silent understanding. He was on the same page as I was.

Thomas spoke up this time. “But you’re marrying the daughter?”

I nodded. “Yeah. Is that a problem?”

Thomas held my gaze. “As long as she’s not a daddy’s girl.”

“His daughter thinks cockroach isn’t low enough, and she’s not involved.” My voice was clipped. “Again, is that a problem?”

Shaking his head, Jason replied, “No. That does beg the question, though. How do we fortify our union when there’s no blood involved?”

“Is Anna married?” I knew the answer before I asked. Anna was Jason’s sister. Talk about oil and water. Thea couldn’t stand the girl, but that was my sister’s issue. Anna was all right, and if things were different, I’d be offering myself for the marriage.

“No. Do you have someone in mind?”

“Me,” Ari responded. “I’m only a few years older than Anna, and I’m Lucas’s second. I’m the logical choice.” I hadn’t discussed it with Ari, but I would have if he hadn’t volunteered. That showed initiative, and that was admirable.

I sat back. “Would Anna be on board?”

“She’ll do what she’s told.” Jason looked at Ari. “There might be kicking and biting, but I’m told some like that sort of thing.”

I ducked my head, hiding a smile. Maybe Dimitris would be better for this.

Grumbling, Ari replied, “It’ll be fine. As long she knows her place.”

Jason poured everyone another drink and lifted his glass. “To family.”

Yeah, to family.

Chapter Thirteen

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