Page 44 of Doll Face

“Hm,” she said, narrowing her eyes. “I would have figured you’d have at least a mistress or two.”

Grief flashed across his features, but before she could ask him about it, it was gone. “I have no one, nor do I want anyone. I’ve been leading a war for the past three years.”

Three years? That confused her. “War?”

He shook his head. “Doesn’t matter. It’ll hopefully be over soon.”

There was something dark and bitter in his tone. His eyes defocused, as if his thoughts sent him down a long, winding path. A memory, she figured. The question was of what. Or who. Before she could question him more, Pietro Romanelli stepped onto the pool deck.

“Beautiful view!” he said enthusiastically as he joined them. “So, Gianna, have you come to a decision about who to marry?”

Looking at his puffed-up ego, she realized he really thought she’d choose him. The thought of Pietro Romanelli touching her filled her with revulsion. “I think we’ll stick with the original contract.”

The smile faded from his face. For a brief second, rage flashed in his eyes. “If that’s what you wish.”

She kept her emotions to herself, but it wouldn’t be long until she brought down the House of Romanelli.

“It is.”

Mauro took that moment to step into view, hovering near the door to wait for permission to enter. She gave him a slight nod, and he headed toward her. He held out a small envelope. She took it and opened it, reading through the quickly scrawled note. Then she put it back in the envelope and handed it back to Mauro.

“I’ll be done shortly.”

Mauro inclined his head, turned, and retreated. Gianna looked at her two guests.

“I’m sorry I have to cut this meeting so short. Why don’t I get Mauro to coordinate all the wedding details.” She looked directly at Matteo. “Do you want to marry here or in the States?”

“I don’t care,” he said.

“Fine. I’ll hash it all out and let you know.” She rose to her feet and the two men followed her lead. “Caelian will show you out. It’s been … lovely.”

She watched them leave, and as soon as the taillights faded down the long drive, Gianna spun and marched quickly to the war room. Caelian followed. With a warning knock, she waited for Seth to buzz her in.

“Tell me you recorded Pietro’s call,” she said.

Seth gave her a pointed stare. “I hope that was a joke.”

“Of course,” she replied, trying not to smile. Seth was touchy when it came to questioning his tech abilities.

He sniffed as he brought up the video. Pietro mainly talked in abstract sentences, but it wasn’t until he was just about to hang up that he revealed an important detail.

“…I’m still in Italy. No, I have a meeting tomorrow with the capo dei capi. I swear to fucking God, he’s a dumb shit. How do you think I managed to fool everyone in Chicago? No, I’m not worried. Besides, I still have a fortune the family knows nothing about. Well, I will as soon as I find the asshole stealing from me.”

The rest of the call was unimportant chatter, and when he ended the call, Seth paused the video.

“Did I just hear what I think I heard?” Gianna asked.

“Um, yeah,” Caliean replied, blinking in shock.

“What is capo dei capi?” Seth asked.

“Boss of all bosses,” Caelian translated.

“Wait,” Gianna said, holding her hands up. “I thought Pietro Romanelli was the don.”

“Apparently not.” Caelian frowned. “Does that make Pietro an underboss? Or is he a capo?”

“Not sure, but he’s portraying himself as the don,” she said. “You know this changes everything, right?”

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