Page 64 of Mafia Kings: Valentino

As soon as I said it, Dario’s shoulders dropped the tiniest bit.

Like he was either relieved…

Or disappointed.

But he didn’t say anything.

Niccolo was a lot more vocal.

“FUCK you!” he snarled at me. “This isn’t about Caterina – this wasneverabout her! This is about you being an immatureassholeand not being willing to do your part for the family!”

I was once again considering punching Nic when Dario snapped, “Consigliere –you’re not helping.”

Niccolo immediately went silent.

Dario turned to me. “In an effort to make you see our point of view, I’m going to tell you everything – but you are not to repeat it to anyone else. Not even to Adriano, and certainly not to Alessandra or Bianca. Do you understand?”

“…yes,” I said, suddenly very nervous.

“You already know that Massimo and Lars are out of contact. We obviouslyhopeit’s not the case, but we have to face the possibility that they’re both dead.

“What youdon’tknow is that Fausto extorted and blackmailed various bank officials. The morning the assassin shot at me, those bank officials helped Fausto transfer 28 million euros out of our accounts. He essentially destroyed our finances in one fell swoop.”

I stared at Dario in shock. “We’rebroke?”

“We have enough money to last another month, if that. Roberto is in Hong Kong trying to get back the 50 million euros we invested with the gambling syndicate so we’ll have the resources to keep fighting. If Roberto doesn’t succeed, then Don Vicari’s support might be our only chance at survival.”

What Dario was saying was horrifying…

That we were crippled and on the verge of death…

And yet, I still couldn’t bring myself to agree to what he wanted.

“I wouldn’t ask you to do this if the situation weren’t dire,” Dario said.

“Then don’t ask me,” I pleaded.

He sighed sternly. “If you won’t honor my request, then you will follow my command. Youwillmarry Don Vicari’s daughter. Am I understood?”

There was nothing more I could do or say.

My don had spoken.

“…yes, Don Rosolini,” I whispered.

Dario patted me on the shoulder consolingly, then walked towards the door. “Say your goodbyes, but make it quick.”

“What?” I asked in shock.

“We’re flying out in half an hour,” Niccolo said sourly.

I stared at him in shock. “Half anhour?”

“What, is that not enough time for one last fuck for the road?” he sneered.

I was going to break his jaw, I swore to GOD –

“Niccolo,” Dario said sharply as he opened the door.

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