Page 90 of Assassin's Obsession

However, the day Severu asked me to continue in my role with him when he became the godfather, he also told me he considered me family. And family were the only people who could be trusted to be in the inner circle.

My phone buzzes several times, telling me there are texts from one or more of my men.

"The other day, you said she belongs to you. Is that still true?"

"There will never be a time that Candi does not belong to me."

"Then it is you who should be asking for restitution since Bianchi's men threatened to kill what belongs to you. Do you want to escalate this? "

"No."

Several seconds of silence greets my answer. "You're not usually a man to turn the other cheek."

"She doesn't think much of him as it is, but it would hurt Candi to find out that her sperm donor is seeking restitution after having tried to have her killed. I will not have her upset by Stefano or anyone else."

"Unfortunately, you are probably right. Women in this world carry the emotions we can't. However, Stefano Bianchi cannot get away with attempting to manipulate us."

That was Stefano's biggest mistake. Whether he sought restitution to have a hold over me or Severu, he will regret coming for someone in the godfather's inner circle.

"I promised Candi I wouldn't play the 18thhold with him."

"Noted." Meaning he understands that if the decision comes down to take Bianchi out, one of my team will do the actual killing. "We make compromises for the women we love."

"Yeah." Severu sure as hell made a big enough one for Catalina.

"Once my brother learns that Stefano is using the situation for leverage when it's his own daughter your guy played the 18thhole for, he'll take the necessary steps to remind his capo about our family's position on protecting one's children."

Since the first De Luca became Don of the Genovese, they have had an ironclad rule that none of the men in positions of power in their organization are allowed to harm their wives and children. Protecting them from harm is the other side of that principle.

Now that Severu is the godfather, that precept is being rolled out among all Five Families in New York and the other Cosa Nostra mafias in Las Vegas, Detroit, New England, Boston and The Outfit in Chicago.

The Las Vegas don already has the rule in place or Don Enzo would never have let Severu's sister marry the don's son and underboss.

There's been some grumbling out of Detroit and Boston, but no outright rebellion. It helps that they all know who will be dispatched to deal with insurrection.

Me.

And no one wants me showing up to clean house.

Do I wish I could be the one to impart that message on Severu's behalf to Bianchi? Yes.

Would I rather they were actions rather than words? Definitely.

But I promised Candi I wouldn't kill her father and if I see him right now that is exactly what I am going to do.

"Miceli said that you refused Bianchi entrance to your estate. Now I understand why."

When did Stefano Bianchi try to get access to my house? He's sure as hell not on the short list of people allowed on the estate without gaining approval from me or Derian.

Candi lives here now. That means my security can't have holes in it.

Since I wasn't contacted, Derian must have denied Bianchi entrance. I smile. That would have chafed his ego.

"I'll let Miceli know the full situation."

Severu De Luca is the godfather. For him to offer to discuss this with his brother on my behalf shows exactly what place I hold in his life.

An important one.

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