Page 23 of Monster in Disguise

"Jimenez used Romina's death to drive a rift between our families."

"And then he picked on us one at a time." Enzo interrupts. "I must admit, I'd been thinking about this for a while. You just confirmed my suspicions. When my father first got involved with the Irish, I advised him to keep our options open, but he was bent on pursuing that partnership. But, alas, I will not blame my father for this entirely, since I didn't exactly do much to stop it. I was blinded by the possibilities too."

"So you suspected them?"

"Suspect? Hmm... I wouldn't say suspect, in as much as I didn't trust their intentions. But I never thought they would work for Jimenez. Andthatwas my mistake."

"I don't think anyone could have known. The Irish aren't known to work with the cartels."

"And that's why it was such a brilliant move. They played us on our expectations." Enzo taps his pen on the table. "The world is changing, but we aren't. Our families are too steeped in tradition."

"Maybe we can do something about it."

"Hmm... lofty aspirations for someone wholeft, Marcello."

"It might be doable," I continue.

Enzo shrugs. "Then you might as well get to why you came here."

I clear my throat, the tension in the room palpable as I speak. "I want an alliance. I want our families to get along as they did before."

Enzo's dark eyes flicker with interest as he stands up from his seat and heads towards his decanter. Pouring two drinks, he hands me a glass with a slight nod. "Are you saying what I think you're saying, Marcello?" His voice is smooth and controlled, but there is a hint of amusement in his tone.

I take a long sip from my drink before answering firmly, "Yes."

A small smile tugs at the corner of Enzo's lips as he raises an eyebrow at me. "I must inquire about the marriageable girls of age. I have to warn you, though. You won't have too many choices."

"As long as she's of age," I say, forcing myself to remain composed despite the unease that gnaws at my gut. The thought of marrying someone so young sends a shiver down my spine.

"Not picky," Enzo chuckles, swirling his drink in his glass. "I like that."

"You'd be in favor of a match?" I ask, feeling a glimmer of hope ignite within me at his words.

"It would be the solution for both our problems, wouldn't it?" Enzo takes a slow sip from his drink, his gaze locked on mine.

"Indeed," I agree, emptying my glass with one final gulp before standing up. "Let me know who you've chosen, and we'll set a date."

Enzo studies me for a moment longer before asking with genuine curiosity, "You really don't care?"

I pause for a moment, considering his question carefully before responding with conviction, "No, I do not." But deep down, I can't help but wonder if this arrangement is truly the best solution for both our families, or if it is simply a means to an end.

"What's there to care? It's my duty," I shrug.

Catalina

"Enzo!" My voice goes up a notch. "I've been worried."

"Piccola, I am fine." He coughs. "Not that I was finebefore."

"What do you mean?"

"We were attacked. Rocco's dead." My fingers tighten on the phone. He is?

A surge of happiness envelops me. My father is dead.

"What about you? Please tell me you're okay!"

"I'm out of the danger zone, don't worry. They discharged me from the hospital a couple of days ago."

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