Page 159 of Empire of Temptation

“It’s fucking cold.” Vito shook his head. “I thought I wouldn’t mind it, butfuck.”

I wasn’t looking forward to the winters in New York. I would convince Valentina to stay in Catanzaro during those months. “And you took over for Mancini. How is business?”

“Things have settled down. We’ve secured the territory and expanded.”

“It must be nice to have your brother’s resources.”

Vito sipped his wine and set the glass down carefully. “I believe in being direct, Don Benetti. So if you’re asking whether Enzo is running Toronto with me, then the answer is no. I am doing this alone.”

It was what I’d been told, but I’d needed to be sure. “I also believe in being direct. You should know that my family is settling here.”

If he was surprised, he masked it well. “In this area or Manhattan?”

“This area. I will go back and forth to Catanzaro, but my brother Dante will reside here permanently, as will my son.” I indicated Gabriele.

“I’m assuming this has something to do with the woman you brought to meet my brother.”

I dipped my chin in acknowledgment. “My fiancée, who runs this restaurant.”

“Congratulazioni.” He lifted his wine glass in a toast. “I wish you many happy years together.”

“Cin cin.” We all drank. I pointed to the ring on his finger. “I hadn’t heard you were married. Congratulations, as well.”

He held up his hand and smirked. “Not married. Not interested, either. This ensures it stays that way.”

Everyone laughed except for me. I was once so foolish, but then I met Valentina. Now I needed to marry her, make her forever mine, for my own peace of mind. “I wanted to inform you of my intentions so there are no misunderstandings later.”

Vito’s fingers stilled, his eyes going flat. “What are your intentions?”

“There is a casino an hour away, poorly run. We plan to start there, then expand as necessary. How are you finding the MCs?” Some motorcycle clubs in North America dabbled in trafficking.

“Stupid and a pain in the ass.”

Good. That meant they would be easy to eliminate here. “I want to establish a trade with you. The chemicals for crystal in exchange for South American coke. We’ll use drones. Boats, when necessary.”

“I’ll agree to that. What about the casino? Need any help?”

“I might want to borrow some of your men. Temporarily, until things settle down.”

“And in return?”

“What are you asking for?”

“Ten percent of the casino.”

I laughed. “Please.”

“Eight.”

“Ma dai, I would never agree to such a high percentage.”

“And I would remind you that I have just saved your cousin from making a very big mistake.”

I pressed my lips together. I didn’t like it, but Vito was right. And I was going to strangle my cousin. “Three.”

Vito nodded once. “We’ll work out all of the details later. Who should we talk to? Dante?”

“I’ll be here at least until the holidays. How quickly can you get your men here?”

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