Page 212 of Remy

“I think you’re letting emotion get the better of you. Unnecessarily.” A sneer enters his tone. “So, like I said, take a fucking seat, and bite your goddamn tongue.”

There’s no way I’m doing either. Instead, I keep glaring at him as Salvatore enters the room.

“What did I miss?” he asks.

“Nothing, figlio.” Lorenzo turns to face us, his fatherly gaze resting on me. “Take a seat. We have a lot to discuss.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “I’ll stand.”

He sighs, plodding forward with the aid of his walking stick. “Of all Emmanuel’s sons, I have to admit, I didn’t think you would be the most defiant.”

“Well, hold onto your fucking pants, Grandpa. You ain’t seen nothing yet.”

“Remy,” Matthew warns. “Know your place.”

“Do you know yours? Because it sure as shit isn’t at my side where a brother should be.”

“Enough.” Lorenzo continues forward to claim the leather armchair seated between the two sofas that face each other. “I called a family meeting because we have a problem.”

I scoff. “She’s?—”

“Shut the fuck up,” Matthew growls. “I won’t tell you again.”

My nostrils flare, the vehemence pumping so hard through me that I can barely see straight.

“You called a family meeting because…?” Salvatore takes a seat opposite Matthew.

Lorenzo doesn’t take his gaze off me. “I’ve learned that the cartel have increased their efforts to protect themselves.”

I scowl, confused.

“They have a hit out on Remy. It’s barely enough to claim the interest of any serious threats, but there will be small fish who seek to claim the money, without thought of our family’s wrath.”

“My bad…” Salvatore shoots me an apologetic grimace. “I thought this meeting was about something else.”

“Hmm?” Lorenzo raises a brow.

“It’s nothing.” Salvo waves him away. “I just thought when you asked for someone to look for him this morning that he’d fucked up like usual. But alas, my baby brother’s notoriety has stolen center stage.”

I glower at him, sending a silent warning to shut his goddamn mouth.

If this isn’t about Ollie, I still have time to strategize.

“Given the increased threat, I’ll stay in town.” Matthew relaxes into his seat, kicking his foot back onto his knee. “I’ll call Bishop. We can wipe the slate clean with the cartel if need be.”

“No.” Lorenzo gives a dismissive shake of his head. “Although remaining in Baltimore temporarily is why I asked you here, more violence is not the answer I’m looking for. I’ve already spoken to Gabriel Rodriguez. He’s the new appointed head of the cartel’s operations since we had his brother killed. He’s a mean son of a bitch, but thankfully, he’s smarter than Javier was.”

“And why are we thankful for that?” Matthew asks.

“Because he listened to my warning not to escalate our conflict and agreed to return to the cartel’s regular business dealings instead of trying to undermine ours.”

Salvo raises a skeptical brow. “So the hit is no longer in play?”

“It doesn’t matter,” Matthew interjects. “Even if the hit has been retracted, it’ll take a while for news to spread. Especially to the bottom feeders who would’ve taken up the offer.”

Lorenzo nods. “Matthew is right. It would be wise for all of us to take extra precautions until further notice. Even though I’ve told our own messengers to spread the word, these things take time.”

My brothers seem appeased while I remain skeptical that this is the only reason we’re all here.

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