Page 38 of Something Blue

She’s still fighting me though. Not giving in to what is going on between us.

That’s fine.

I’m done playing nice and giving her the choice. At this point it’s time for the men to negotiate and she will have to fall in line and do as she’s told.

One of Greco’s campaign guys is waiting for me when I climb out of my car.

“Mr. Vece, Mr. Greco is ready for you in the sun room. If you will follow me.” He gestures with hishand towards the high arched entrance of Greco’s over the top mansion. The man likes luxury, that’s clear. I’m hoping that pushes him to say yes to my proposal. He wouldn’t want to lose all of this - and all of his other little luxuries.

“Thank you.” I nod towards the guy and follow him through the house, up the stairs and into the sun room where Greco is standing by the window, his hands clasped behind his back.

He doesn’t turn to look at me when I walk in. Luke, his son, is sitting by the sofa’s. He nods at me politely.

“Mr. Vece, sir.” The guy announces my arrival.

“Vincent - I can’t thank you enough for—” Franco turns and his face falls.

“My father is away on business, so I am here to represent the family and our business relationship with you.” I say, taking a seat, folding one leg across the other and sitting with my arms draped on each arm rest.

I stare at Franco with a smirk.

“I’d rather deal directly with your father.” He says, looking nervous and angry.

“Well, you have me. If that’s not good enough for you perhaps you would like to find another mafia familia to fund your bad habits?”

Greco’s mouth pulls tight as he walks towards me and sits down in the chair opposite.

“Can I get you a drink?” he asks, tense and polite.

“No, thank you. I’d like to get straight to business.”

“Good. Yes.”

Franco Greco is a wreck. His eyes are sunken beneath dark circles. He looks exhausted and he won’t stop fidgeting. He keeps clenching his jaw and biting at the inside of his cheek. His eyes are darting left and right, unable to focus on anything.

“Franco, we can help you solve this mess. We can put enough money towards your campaign to recover your standing with the public. We have the access to the best PR team, and you won’t have to worry about a thing. Just show up when they tell you and do what they ask.”

Franco’s eyes dart onto me, glimmering with hope. “You can do that?” he stammers.

“We can do that.” I nod, reassuringly. “But you have to do something for me in return. For my family.”

“What?” he says, tensing again. Whenever it comes time to return the favors, these type of men suddenly clench up. They are all the same. Happy to take, take and take - and they act shocked when you ask them for something in return.

Luke shifts in his seat but hasn’t said a word - as though his father forbid him from doing anything but being present.

“What is it we can help you with?” Franco asks tightly.

“Your daughter, Neve, will marry me.” I say - as clear as day. Leaving no room for misunderstanding.

“What the fuck?” Franco leaps from his chair and glares at me in anger. “Are you fucking insane? Neve isn’t going to marry into the mafia - the - are you?” He clasps his hand over his chest and starts to breathe heavily. “My - daughter - will never - marry - I’ll never - allow it.”

Luke stands up, unsure what to do.

He rushes to his father’s side.

I stand up as well. Angered by his reaction. His disgust. His distaste. His disrespect.

“I’ll give you some time to think about it. But unless you agree to that we will not be helping you with your campaign again.” I say stiffly, with one last look at Franco as he gasps and clutches his chest, fighting for air - I leave. Luke’s eyes are on me when I leave, I can feel them, heated against my back.

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