Page 5 of Gilded Saint

I don’t have an issue with alcohol, but it lowers my inhibitions, so I no longer imbibe at work events. Miraculously, refusing drink, drugs, and women garners more trust, at least within the syndicate. Pretty sure guys like Massimo assume I’m a recovered addict. They would be wrong.

“Still wearing those cowboy boots. It’s how I knew it was you.” He slaps me on the back then grows serious. “Now, we have business to discuss. Then no more business until morning.Capisce?”

“I’ll follow your lead.”

“Submersibles. Is that an area of yours, or do you have a contact?”

“Submarines?”

“Eh. Yes. Cargo capacity is the priority. As opposed to military designs.”

This is swift confirmation Titan Shipping is indeed expanding into the shadow fleet. “If it’s not on the market, we can have a custom model manufactured.”

“That’s what they say about you.”

“What exactly would that be?”

“The cowboy delivers. Or, I should say, the lion cowboy delivers. Anyone ever call you that?”

“Can’t say I’ve heard it before.”

“Leo. Means lion.”

I grin. Pretty sure the Sullivan brothers were inspired by Leonardo Di Caprio when they derived my name, but… “Yes, that much I know.”

“Is it short for Leonardo?”

“No. Mom named me Leo.” He’s unimpressed. “American.” I shrug. What can I say? My paperwork says Leo. “So, should I meet with Alessio now or…”

“Let’s take a stroll. Most of the men have needs. And I’d like for you to get a lay of the land, and then I’m interested in the discount the syndicate will offer.”

Right. Discounts are a network benefit, along with distribution consulting and coordinated protection from the authorities. I’ll determine his purchasing needs, and then Nick and I will determine which partner will reap the contracts. Everybody gets love. And the guys back home get intel on the latest scheme to skirt international law and traffic illegal commodities.

Chapter3

Willow

Every cell in my body pleads to leave, to disappear somewhere far away. But leaving is not an option. My father is the host, and the important men in the family are present.

Goose bumps sprout, and I curl my arms around my waist, compensating for my dress’s thin fabric. The breeze carries a chilly undertone. It’s a direct contrast to the summery hues of the crystal blue Mediterranean.

A four-piece band plays a cheerful instrumental tune, and young, naive children laugh and dance along the lawn. The wives cluster in groups, sipping cocktails and gossiping. The men lurk somewhere indoors discussing business matters. This scene could have played out fifty years ago. Nothing has changed. There’s no progress.

In an ideal world, my father would disassociate from the Lupi Grigi. Titan Shipping has grown exponentially under my father’s guidance. He doesn’t need blood money. A legitimate businessman, he’s not like these men. But he’s loyal. As much as I wish it otherwise, he’ll never stand up against the family.

I should be grateful. That’s what my mother says. I attended university, a rarity for women in our world. My father’s success means that, unlike some of the other women, my marriage won’t be crafted to deliver business connections or to rise in the ranks. My father is a billionaire—on paper, at least—and he has no interest in being an underboss. My cousin Scarlet told me there were rumors father’s name had been bandied about for capo, but he declined consideration.

Unease coils through me so tightly I can’t possibly mingle. There’s no need for me to be anxious, but my anxiety doesn’t listen to logic. It doesn’t matter who approaches Papa. He won’t barter me away to one of these monsters.

He’s loyal, but he loves me. My mother says I’ve had him wrapped around my finger since I was two minutes old. There’s no need to be nervous.

Orlando steps out from the shadows, and I jump. My younger brother grins, pleased with himself. At fifteen, he hasn’t yet become a man, but Scarlet says his ceremony will be soon. I hope she’s wrong. I hope Papa gives him the chance to go to university, so he’s in the best position to lead Titan Shipping. My little brother admires the men for maintaining harmony throughout Italy, but they do that through fear. He wants to become a made man, but that’s not what I want for him. He’s not a killer.

“If we didn’t sell drugs, someone else would.” Orlando said that to me once, on the day I realized I could only guide him so far without risking my freedom. Of course, made man or not, Papa is grooming him for the shipping business. He’ll follow in Papa’s footsteps, growing the legitimate business, and will hopefully skirt the darker corners of our world.

If I weren’t so on edge, I’d return Orlando’s boyish smile and suggest we find Scarlet.

“What’re you doing by yourself?” Orlando asks, sidling up to me. The ill-fitting suit jacket he’s wearing over his linen shirt crinkles around the shoulders.

---