Page 64 of Crimson Fate

“You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about. I barely know Gia. Just because she’s the daughter of a captain doesn’t make her any more my family than Eva is. It may not mean much to you, but that girl out there, besides being part of my life for as long as I can remember, was here with Amelia and me on the night my father died. And she has been the one holding my shit together ever since.”

Marco looks down at the tiled floor as if he cannot look me in my eyes. “You’re right. It wasn’t my place to say any of that.”

“No, it wasn’t!” I exclaim. “Breaking Gia’s heart isn’t something I ever wanted to do,” I confess, my voice barely above a whisper.

“I know,” Marco concedes.

“Now, would you care to tell me why in the fuck you are so up in arms this morning about this Gia situation?” I press, staring at my cousin.

Marco takes a deep breath, his eyes finally meeting mine. “Because... I think Gia is one of the most remarkable women I have ever known.”

“You what?” I gasp, my shock evident.

I stare at Marco in disbelief, my mind struggling to process his confession. He has always been levelheaded, never one to display his emotions so openly.

“Why didn’t you tell me this earlier?” I ask, my voice laced with concern. “I would have never pursued her if I had known she meant so much to you.”

Marco looks away. “Because there was nothing to tell you. She barely knows I’m alive,” he mutters. “A few summers back, when Anthony’s driver was out for surgery, Nico and I filled in for him. I saw how amazing Gia was, but there was no way I could tell her. Her dad would have killed me.”

“You’re a trusted member of this family. It would be an honor to have Gia date you,” I argue.

He shakes his head. “I was just a soldier. Anthony would never have given me permission to date his daughter.”

“Yeah, well, you’re not just a soldier anymore. I rely on you. In fact...” I consider what I’m about to ask Marco. I trust him with my life, and to offer him the position I’m about to, trust is a must. “I’ve actually wanted to talk to you for a while now. I want to ask if you would consider becoming my consigliere.”

Marco’s eyes light up at the offer. “Consigliere?” he repeats, the weight of the responsibility clear in his voice.

I nod. “Yes. The time has come for me to bring in someone I can trust implicitly. Someone who will always have my best interests at heart. Someone who shows me respect but also knows when to challenge me. And I believe you’re the perfect man to fill that role.”

His expression softens, and I can see his pride welling up. “Vincent, I—”

“Don’t say anything.” My voice is gentle but firm. “You’re the only person I could trust with this role. And I need you by my side.”

He embraces me, and Eva’s voice cuts through the celebration in the room. “Oh, sorry, I came in to grab some coffee. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“You’re not interrupting,” I assure her. “We were just finishing.” I direct my gaze back to Marco. “And don’t worry, we’ll figure out how to handle the Gia situation properly.”

“Thank you,” Marco replies, his voice filled with gratitude. “I won’t let you down.”

Eva doesn’t say a word, moving to the far side of the kitchen and pouring herself a cup of coffee. I can see her giving us a side glance. She is obviously curious about what Marco is thanking me for.

“I have a few more calls to make,” Marco says. “Do you mind if I use your office?”

“Of course not,” I reply.

Marco nods before he turns and heads toward my office.

Eva looks at me and asks if I would like a cup of coffee.

“Coffee would be great.”

She shakes her head. “Your food is probably cold. Do you want me to grab it and heat it up?”

“Nah, I don’t mind it cold,” I answer, knowing I am just looking forward to sitting down and spending some time with Eva. After she has both mugs in hand, we retreat to the dining area.

“Vincent,” she begins, her voice steady. “I want you to know I had a great time last night.”

“I did too.”

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