Page 109 of Divine Obsession

“This isMorettiterritory,” She said, her voice dropping lower but somehow growing even more lethal. “And you’re only sitting here because we’re allowing it. Don’t forget that. Or we’ll remind you what happens to people who overstep.”

Click-click.

The sound of guns loading filled the silence.

I didn’t move, didn’t blink, as I stared her down. The room felt like it was moments away from exploding, every man on edge, waiting for the first gunshot.

“Enough.” Salvatore’s voice cut through.

I didn’t take my eyes off Natalia. She didn’t look away from me either.

“Sit down. Both of you,” Salvatore said with the authority only a Don could carry.

Reluctantly, I broke the staring contest and lowered myself back into my chair. Natalia waited a beat longer before reclaiming her seat, her movements deliberate, controlled.

“If this is how you’re going to act, maybe I need to remind everyone what’s at stake.” Salvatore exhaled, the sound thick with irritation. “This ends with cooperation. You don’t have to like each other. You don’t even have to trust each other. But youwillwork together. I don’t care how you do it. Just get it done.”

Natalia didn’t respond. Her jaw tightened, and for a brief moment, I thought she would argue. But instead, she gave her father a sharp nod and walked out of the room.

The others followed behind, like her words and actions were law.

Stepping outside of the office, I nodded to my men to wait for me outside. As I returned to the party, the low hum of the music intensified, but my attention locked on the woman standing at the bar on the other end of the main room.

She was leaning against the counter, her head tilted slightly as she listened to a man I recognized immediately.Gìovanni DeMone.

If my blood wasn’t already boiling from our exchange in the office, it hit its peak now.

Fucking. Gìovanni.

Tall, broad-shouldered, with a smirk that was both arrogant and charming depending on who you asked. Five years older than Natalia and Cosa Nostra’s dream man – meant to take over not only his family’s empire, but as Boss of all Bosses, he looked the part of a man who had it all.

And right now, the dickhead was leaning toward Natalia a little too close.

She smiled.

It wasn’t the soft, warm smile I remembered from years ago, but it was enough to make my chest tighten.

She took a shot from him, her manicured fingers brushing his for just a second longer than necessary.

Something inside me snapped.

Gìovanni turned his head as I approached them, like he knew I’d been watching. His smirk widened, slow and deliberate, as he straightened from leaning against the bar, casually handing Natalia a second shot, which she downed immediately.

“Trevor Su,” He said smoothly, his voice carrying just enough false warmth to let me know he’d kill me if he could. “It’s been a while. Still making an entrance everywhere you go.”

I stopped just short of him, my hands in my pockets, my expression calm. “Gìovanni,” I greeted back, intentionally not saying his last name. I nodded at the drink in Natalia’s hand, careful to keep my tone neutral. “Keeping everyone entertained tonight?”

He chuckled, low and rich, like we were sharing some private joke. “Someone has to, no?” His gaze flicked to Natalia briefly, the tilt of his head almost possessive. “I thought I’d start with the birthday girl.”

My jaw tightened, but I didn’t let it show. Instead, I turned to Natalia, my tone measured. “Enjoying yourself?”

She raised a brow, taking a deliberate sip of the drink Gìovanni had given her. “I was.”

The subtle jab hit its mark, but I didn’t take the bait. Gìovanni’s smirk deepened, his dark eyes gleaming with amusement.

I never could understand his lack of reaction.

If someone had spoken to the woman I was interested in like that, I’d have put a bullet in each of their eyes.

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