Page 9 of Tainted Ties

He laughed bitterly. “The phone works both ways,” he retorted.

“I’m not interested in what you have to say or need.”

“If you’re as good an attorney as those New York reports say, then I do need your help.”

The phone in my hand grew slick in my palm from sweat. “How do you know that?”

“Just because I never called, doesn’t mean I forgot about you.”

I bit my lip, willing myself to be immune to his words.

Despite this new information, a sliver of pride rooted in me that he knew how successful my career as an attorney was—even all the way from Italy.

After everything I went through, I wanted them to know I didn’t need them or anyone else to survive—never did and never would.

“Then you should know I’m not in the business of committing illegal acts,” I pointed out. I would not get involved in anything that would jeopardize my career or myself.

“I need you to come to Italy and create a contract for me.” He sounded confident, as if I would agree to it, which deepened my anger. Then he cleared his throat gruffly. “It’s been years since the Mancini family took over our businesses and seized our accounts, Aurora. Our nightclubs, trades, and connections are all gone. They’re finally willing to give them back.”

My brows furrowed in confusion. “Who is the Mancini family and why would they do that?” I asked, unsure of what my family had done to put themselves in that position. “Years, Enzo? When did this happen?”

“I know you’re not familiar with our line of business, but I’ll explain in simple terms. There are four crime organizations in Italy, Cosa Nostra, ‘Ndrangheta, Camorra, and Sacra Corona Unita. The Mancini’s run the Cosa Nostra, we run the ‘Ndrangheta, the Camorra is run by the Canaveri’s, and the Sacra Corona Unita is run by the Amato’s, but they’re more secluded.

Oh shit.

I knew the gist of what my family was capable of, but this was another level of power.

“How were they successful in overtaking your organization then?”

“The Cosa Nostra and ‘Ndrangheta conspired against us. They somehow infiltrated our enterprise and took everything.”

“Again, why would they do that?”

He disregarded my question completely. “The contract will specify that the Mancinis will hand over what’s rightfully ours, the Bianchis. Can you do that?”

“If this is an order from our father, then no. I’m sure there are lawyers in Italy who could do that for you,” I deadpanned. He called me forthis. It was laughable.

“There are, but after the feud, our family lost respect and status. Plus, I don’t want them in my business.”

It made sense. If they lost their status, then they must’ve lost employees. Regardless of where I stood with the family, heneededme to carry out this contract.

“You wasted your time by calling. I’m going to hang up now.”

“Don’t.” His voice boomed through the phone, strong and purposeful. “I helped you when you needed me. Consider it a debt owed.”

His words sliced through me, rendering me speechless.

Irina squeezed my shoulder, reminding me that she was in the room and pulling me out of my shock.

My vision blared red; I was done being civil. “Howdareyou. How dare you say that to me. You are a pathetic man, Enzo. If this is the debt I must pay, so be it, but after this, you will delete my number and stay the fuck out of my life. Forever.” I didn’t give him a chance to respond before hanging up.

Irina’s concerned face came into view, and with a blank expression, I told her something I never expected to leave my mouth, “I’m going back to Italy.”

Chapter2

Aurora

As I sat in my living room, reeling from the events of the day, my phone pinged, cutting through the silence.

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