Page 53 of Nanny for the Don

Just when I think the girls haven’t noticed me and I’m in the clear, Giulia’s eyes land on me. She stares for a second before asking, “Why are you in Papa’s room?”

Cue the panic. But of course, Nico’s smooth as hell. Doesn’t even blink. “Oh, we were having a little secret chat about Christmas presents,” he says, winking like it’s no big deal. “Had to keep it quiet so you two wouldn’t hear.”

The girls giggle, totally buying it. “Ooooh, presents!” Giulia claps her hands, and then they’re off, running out of the room.

I let out a breath, scrambling to get dressed. As I’m pulling on my clothes, Nico grabs me by the waist and pulls me in for a kiss.

“I’ll be out in a few minutes,” he says, all smirks and confidence..”

I can’t wait.

Chapter 27

Nico

I’m seated atIl Vecchio’s, one of the many businesses my family owns.The place is shut down for the day—snowstorm’s got half the city on pause.

But snow doesn’t stop my work. It never does.

Sal steps out from the back, wiping his hands on a towel. “Everyone’s here,” he says.

I nod, taking a slow sip of wine. This meeting’s been weighing heavily on my mind. I know the stakes—this could tip everything into war.But I’m not worried. War doesn’t scare me; I’ve been trained for it; I’ve planned for it.

I stand, adjusting my suit jacket. With a glance at Sal, I head to the back meeting room.

Inside, fifteen men wait, their eyes locking on me the second I walk in. These aren’t just any men—they’re my lieutenants. The ones who execute my orders, handle my operations, and keep everything running smoothly. Through them, I control the empire. The restaurants, the clubs, the streets—they all answer to me through these men.

I take my time, making eye contact with each one of them. They’re all waiting for me to speak, to lead them.

I walk to the head of the table and take my place.

One of the lieutenants steps up and refills my wine. I take the glass, my eyes moving from face to face, reading each of them. Some are calm, others are trying to hide what’s really going on inside. I can feel the weight of what’s unsaid in the room.

I clear my throat and break the silence. “There are more than a few empty seats here today,” I start, my voice steady. “Men who were killed alongside my father.”

The room is still, no one daring to move. I let my gaze drift across the table. “And as I look around at the faces of my inner circle, my father’s inner circle, I can sense the tension. Maybe even some mistrust. Some of you might think you should be sitting in my chair right now. Running this empire. But let me make this clear—it’snotup for debate.”

My words cut through the room, the air thick with unspoken thoughts.. “I’m the boss, just as my father intended,” I continue, my tone harder now. “And I expect every one of you to fall in line. You don’t have to like me, but you will respect me.”

I pause, letting that sink in. “I might be new to my father’s seat, but I’m not new to this game. Anyone who thinks they can cross me, try their hand at taking control? Do so at your own peril.”

Silence. They understand what’s being said.

I lean back in my chair, my gaze steady as I address the room. “I assume Sal filled you in on the current situation. We’re doing everything we can to get to the bottom of who attacked the Conti family.”

Paolo Di Luca, one of my more seasoned lieutenants, speaks up. “It sounds like someone who knows something is on the run?”

I nod, my eyes locking on his. “That’s right. A man going by the name Jack. Then again, that might not even be his real name. Says he’s a money guy for the Rossis, but something doesn’t add up.” I pause, letting the weight of my words hang in the air. “But he’s the closest thing we’ve got to a lead.”

Before I can continue, Angelo Rosetti speaks up, his voice dripping with frustration. “We don’t need leads, boss. Let’s call it what it is—the Rossis are behind the hit. Everyone knows it.”

A murmur ripples through the room, and I catch a few nods from the other men. I narrow my eyes but keep my tone calm, controlled.

“You think I don’t know the Rossis are involved? Of course they’ve got their hands in this. But we’re not making any moves until we have every piece of the puzzle. I don’t do guesswork. We’re not going to act on assumptions and chase shadows.”

Angelo quiets down, but I lean forward. , making sure my next words hit hard.“We’ll strike when I say so. Not a second before. Do you all understand?”

The room falls into silence. They know exactly who’s calling the shots here..

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