Page 68 of Empire of Temptation

“Roccolletta?” I gaped at him. “Fuck off. No way am I giving up control of that marina. And why do you need a port? You’re already on the water.”

“Ravazzani controls most of the marinas on the eastern coast, save yours. It’s only a matter of time before he approaches you with a deal.” His smile turned predatory. “I would like him to negotiate with me instead.”

“What makes you think I would ever give up any of my marinas, let alone the biggest?”

“Ravazzani’s empire grows larger with each passing day. Which is bad for the rest of us.”

“If he tries, then I’ll reject his deal. You think I am unaware of his efforts to put a stranglehold on everyone else?”

“No, but you can’t withstand him alone. You’ll need allies.”

“An ally like you.”

D’Agostino rolled his hand meaningfully. “There are worse friends to have, Don Benetti.”

“You can’t have the entire marina.”

“Then I don’t know why we’re here.”

I sipped my wine and then carefully wiped my mouth. “Name something else.”

“There is nothing else I want.”

“I have a son close in age to your daughter.”

His brow wrinkled with disapproval. “Gia would have my balls if I agreed to an arranged marriage. She is very fond of my children. No, I want the marina.”

I didn’t think Gabriele would be fond of the idea either, so I didn’t push it. “I have construction contracts, business contacts. Members of the Italian government. Name it.”

“I have already named it.”

Merda! I curled my hand into a fist, my mind racing. The marina was used for both illegal and legal imports, and every vessel paid a fee to me. Giving it to D’Agostino would be a huge loss. “It’s hardly a fair trade. Your men find my cousin, but I lose the marina for good? You ask too much. But we can compromise.”

“Meaning?”

“You can use it freely. My men will continue to oversee the traffic there, except for your business.”

He rubbed his jaw, long fingers stroking over his rough skin. A fingertip was missing from one of his fingers. “I’ll agree if there’s no time limit—and if you promise to come to me first if Ravazzani ever offers you a deal.”

“Agreed.” I offered my hand and we shook. “I’ll have my brother call Vito to work out the details.”

“Va bene.”

Just then the women emerged from the washroom and walked toward our table. I leaned toward D’Agostino and lowered my voice. “You hate him, don’t you?”

“More than you can ever know. But I also respect him, which is how I know he won’t be satisfied until we’re all out of business.”

We both rose and helped the women into their seats. Valentina remained quiet for the rest of the dinner. Even during dessert, she pushed the tiramisu around on her plate, not participating in the conversation. What happened in the washroom to sour her mood?

I paid for dinner and the group of us gathered on the walk to say goodbye. Surprisingly, Gianna hugged Valentina. “Remember what I said,” D’Agostino’s woman whispered in Valentina’s ear.

I frowned. Had Gianna said something about me?

I shook D’Agostino’s hand. “Sergio will be in touch.”

“Good. I’ll tell my brother to expect his call.”

They got into the limo and drove off. I considered my options and went with the simplest. Aldo and Carlo were talking at the curb, so I caught their attention and pointed north. Aldo nodded and I tookValentina’s hand and began leading her up the block. She glanced over at me. “Have they been here the whole time?”

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