Page 80 of Arranged Mafia Marriage

“Close enough to matter,” I say carefully. “We’re not using the kid, but having this connection gives us leverage.”

Felicity chimes in. “It’s a way to approach O’Malley that doesn’t immediately put him on the defensive. We can use it to open a dialogue.”

Damiano sits back, considering our words. “And you’re sure this connection is solid?”

I nod firmly. “Absolutely. We’ve verified it.”

He’s quiet for a moment, then a slow smile spreads across his face. “This could work. We could use this to get O’Malley to the table.”

“Exactly,” I say. “We approach him under the guise of discussing the dance studio. Once we have him talking, we can steer the conversation toward a more... mutually beneficial arrangement.”

Felicity rests her elbows on her knees to support her chin with her hands. “We need to be careful though. We can’t put any of the children at risk.”

Damiano waves a hand dismissively. “Of course not. We’re not animals. This is about business, not hurting kids.”

I pour Damiano a drink and hand it to him. “So, we’re agreed? We use this connection to broker a meeting with O’Malley?”

Damiano takes a sip and nods. “Agreed, but we need to plan this carefully. O’Malley’s no fool. He’ll be suspicious of any overture from us.”

“That’s where Felicity comes in,” I say, glancing at my wife. “She’ll be our point of contact. As the dance instructor, she has a legitimate reason to reach out.”

Felicity nods, though I can see her concern. “I can do that, but what exactly am I supposed to say?”

I sit down next to her, taking her hand. “You’ll invite him to some event. Nothing suspicious about that. Once he’s there, we can feel him out and see if he’s open to a larger discussion. He was too closeminded last time I met with him, but maybe a change of venue will relax him.” And maybe I’ll have to subtly reveal I’m aware his daughter dances there, but I’m going to avoid it if I can. I don’t want my wife to be angry with me for the rest of my life.

Damiano swirls his drink. “It’s risky, but it could pay off big. If we can get O’Malley to agree to revert to the old boundaries, we can all breathe easier.” His expression clouds. “Isabella and Tony can finally live with me.”

I nod in agreement. “Exactly.”

Felicity squeezes my hand. “And if things don’t go well?”

I flash her a steady smile, trying to convey confidence. “Then we’re no worse off than we are now, but we have to try. The alternative is all-out war, and none of us want that.”

Damiano stands, downing the last of his drink. “All right, let’s do this. Felicity, you make the call to O’Malley. Kiril and I will work on the details of what we want to propose once we get him to the table.”

As Damiano leaves, I turn back to Felicity. She looks pale but determined. “Are you okay with this?” I ask softly.

She takes a deep breath. “I don’t like involving Siobhan, even indirectly, but if this can prevent a war, then yes, I’m okay with it.”

I pull her into my arms, kissing the top of her head. “We’ll keep her safe, and with any luck, this will lead to peace for all families.”

Felicity nods against my chest. “I really hope you’re right, because I don’t want to do anything to betray anyone’s trust.”

It clearly bothers her, so I don’t try to offer platitudes. I just hold her, letting her slowly reach the conclusion that sometimes, our choices are terrible, and we pick, or become, the lesser evil.

36

Felicity

The plan to use Siobhan as leverage against Sean leaves a sour taste in my mouth. There has to be a better way that doesn’t involve potential risk an innocent child. I’m trying to think of the best way to get O’Malley here and to be openminded to talking about a truce with my husband and brother.

I consider a parent-teacher conference but discard that idea. He might feel trapped if Damiano and Kiril suddenly appear in the room, and that could lead to negative consequences. No, it has to be more public than that.

I look at the bulletin board in my dance studio, covered with flyers for upcoming events. An idea sparks to life. A charity recital. Not just any recital, but one that brings together all three factions of the mafia families. It’s risky, but it could work.

I grab my phone and start making calls. First, to the studio owner to secure the space and get her permission. Then to myfellow dance instructors to help coordinate the performances. As I hang up, a familiar voice speaks behind me.

“Aunt Felicity. Can I show you my new twirl?”

---