Page 57 of Third Degree

I gave Ricardo a slight nod. I felt the same way. We were brothers.

Our conversation was abruptly interrupted by a firm knock on the door, signaling the arrival of our visitors. The guards sprang into action, and Alex positioned himself near the window. I walked over to the door and turned the handle.

Angelo, accompanied by two other men, stood on the other side. There was an undeniable resemblance between Angelo and Daphne.

“Please, come in,” I welcomed them. Angelo surveyed the room and took a seat next to Ricardo. His guards positioned themselves behind him while Julian’s security team stood in the background.

“It’s a pleasure to finally reach an agreement,” Ricardo initiated the conversation.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed doing business with you over the past decade, Elio. Your clubs have been invaluable to us.”

I nodded in acknowledgment.

“I hope you can forgive me for my initial reaction when we last met in person. I was taken aback by seeing you with my barely legal daughter.” Angelo’s gaze narrowed in my direction. I raised my hand to halt any further discussion.

“Water under the bridge,” I declared, ending the topic.

“We are here to sign the agreement. Let’s get to it,” Julian barked. The men he had behind him tensed when he spoke.

Angelo produced the paperwork, and Ricardo and I sat at the table while Alex looked out the window, staying quiet, exactly what he was supposed to do.

As we meticulously combed through the documents, it became evident that everything was in line with a standard Mafia marriage agreement. It resembled any business transaction—a straightforward contract.

“The patriarchs of the families will need to sign below,” Julian stated, addressing no one in particular.

“We’ll have to include Alex’s name on this line.”

I shot a pointed glance at Ricardo.

“No,” I finally spoke after a few moments. “We’ll list the agreement under the Marchetti name. There’s no need to elaborate.”

Angelo gave me a quizzical look.

“There aren’t many other options,” Julian interjected, attempting to ease the tension in the room.

“Fine. We’ll leave it as a Marchetti bachelor,” Angelo reluctantly agreed.

“You’re a man of your word, aren’t you?” Ricardo asked, holding a pen in one hand and resting the other on his waistband where a Glock lay.

“There’s no need to get hostile over this. The wedding is already set up at the house. We’ve been awaiting this day for quite some time.” Angelo’s voice lowered. “I understand that it grants me full access to the clubs and allows you to expand further.”

“The Gambini family will also have the opportunity to expand, utilizing Alex and Julian’s business model to launder your funds,” I added, emphasizing the mutual benefits of our agreement.

“Then we will not have a problem, and I am a man of my word.”

Ricardo nodded after I silently gave him permission to sign. Afterward, we all got up, and Angelo shook our hands. Alex remained glued to the window.

“We will see you all tomorrow.” Angelo plastered on a professional smile.

“A domani(Until tomorrow),” Ricardo returned, and Angelo and his security made their way to the door.

“Thank you all.” I felt the words. Choking up, knowing that this was exactly what I wanted.

After today, there was no going back. I was finally taking what I’d been longing for. I’d also be giving Gianna exactly what she wished for: a real life without being subject to the confines of Mafia traditions or expectations.

Because I would give her everything. I would serve her the entire world on a silver platter if that was what she wanted, and then I would bury everyone who dared get in my way.

The road we had been on had all led us to this day, this very moment. Tomorrow, I would be married again.

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