Page 144 of Empire of Temptation

No, thanks. Staying in Catanzaro wasn’t in the cards and I had my own battles back home. I needed to return to New York as soon as possible.

We drove in silence. The roads grew narrower as we climbed higher. He turned off onto an unmarked drive and kept going. It was like a maze. I’d never find my way here even with a map.

A black iron gate stretched across the road, connected to a similar fence that looked like it went on for miles. Gabi punched a few buttons on the keypad and the metal slowly swung open. As we drove through, he waved to some men gathered by the side of a small house. Guards, no doubt.

A sprawling stone villa soon came into view. Comprising three different levels, the house was built directly into the hill, almost an extension of the surrounding rock. Green plants and trees surrounded the perimeter and paths, lined the edge of the roof. Vining flowers adorned the front, while a fountain sat proudly in the middle of the circular drive. There were some smaller matching buildings off to the side, as well, but I couldn’t look away from the cleverly designed massive structure.

This was no mobster’s hideout. It was a super-luxurious estate worthy of a movie star.

“Wow,” I breathed. “This is where you live?”

“Wait until you see the inside.” He parked by a stone fountain and we got out. “Come on. They will want to yell at me right away.”

“What about me?”

“They won’t yell at you.” He tossed his baseball hat into the back seat of the car, then ruffled his hair. “My father would skin them alive if they dared.”

The words were said with absolute seriousness. It was a stark reminder of what had paid for this home—blood and crime. I couldn’t forget it.

He led me higher along the path until we reached a door. Punching some numbers on a keypad, he said, “This is my father’s office.”

Before I could think about what I was going to say, we were inside. The room was spacious, softly lit. Modern and clean, with big abstract paintings on the walls. Classy, for a man who understood money but didn’t need to show it off.

The Benetti brothers, along with another man I didn’t recognize, were on their feet waiting for us. None of them looked happy.

Sergio launched into Gabi immediately, his Italian furious and fast. Gabi didn’t try to speak, just stood silent, hands behind his back, and let his uncle rant at him. I couldn’t take it any longer. “Stop,” I told Sergio. “I’m the one you’re upset with. Don’t take it out on Gabi.”

Luca’s brother pressed his palms together and rested his fingertips on his lips. He seemed to be taking deep breaths. “Signorina, I’m trying to be respectful. But what you did today was very dangerous. You have put many things at risk, including my brother’s life.”

I couldn’t see how this was true. “I had to speak to Palmieri. He has the power to release Luca and I thought using information regarding my father would help.”

“You are playing in waters that are treacherous, signorina. There are things you don’t understand.”

“Then tell me.”

His lip curled, like he was offended I’d dared to ask. “Those are family matters. I can’t share them with anyone outside the family.”

I gestured to the young man beside me. “Or Gabi, it seems.”

Sergio’s gaze flicked to his nephew before returning to me. “Luca decides what his sons know, and it’s not your place to interfere.”

“Myplace?” I gave a derisive laugh. “Yeah, I know all about myplacein your world. Have babies and keep quiet. Right, Sergio? Well, that may work here, but it doesn’t fly in New York. We aren’t quiet, demure women afraid to speak up. Palmieri wanted my father, but for the wrong reasons. I explained the truth to him, and he agreed to let Luca’s lawyers in. You’re welcome, by the way. So untwist your panties and stop having a mantrum!”

No one said a word. Sergio appeared both angry and surprised, his brow wrinkled and jaw stiff, but I was done explaining myself.

I angled toward Gabi. “I would really like to see the rest of the house now, specifically a bedroom with a soft bed.”

Gabi blinked a few times, but nodded. “Follow me.”

Chapter Thirty-Five

Luca

There were no handcuffs this time.

I sat in the interrogation room, my hands free. I wasn’t complaining. Maybe this was because of my lawyers? When I met with them yesterday, they intended to press the GDF to charge me or release me. This judicial purgatory was bullshit.

At least Valentina was safe. I instructed Sergio to keep her in Catanzaro at the compound until my situation was resolved. I didn’t want her back in New York or in Roma. My brothers would watch over her, protect her.

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