Page 13 of Prince of Malice

“How do we plan to react?”

My father takes a moment to look me over once again, lingering on the thought. “We plan to do nothing. For now at least. Antonio has made his efforts to reach out to us himself. I suspect he has something important he wants to say.” He looks me dead in the eyes. “It is reckless to act before knowing what cards are in play. That’s what a Rossi would do, not a Valenti.” He chuckles to himself.

My teeth grit behind my faux smile. “Then why align ourselves with them?”

“Because now they are under our thumb where we can keep them in line,” he snaps.

I hold in my spite, knowing I must appear cool and calculated in front of him. I attempt to alter the conversation’s course. “Why are you sharing all of this with me?”

“Well, son, it’s about time that you stepped up in the family business. When the time comes for our meeting with the Grecos, I want you there with me.”

“Are you serious?” My voice is teemingwith both eagerness and anxiety. “Are you sure I’m ready for something like that?”

“I think so, but do you?” He remains cold, his question being just another test.

I pause, already realizing that doing so is a mistake. This is everything that I want to be doing but also the very thing that I’m scared to do.

“Yes, I’m ready.”

“Good. When the time comes, I’ll come get you like I did today. Make sure you’re ready for it. It will be good to see how you handle such a situation. They’ll be a common thorn in your side when you take over from me,” he declares as he reaches for a button by his side. Holding it down, the privacy glass lowers to reveal the driver in the front seat. “Filo, you can bring us back now.”

Filo nods without a word, and suddenly the window rises as quickly as it fell. The car reduces its speed, smoothly coming to a halt.

“I won’t keep you any longer,” my father says, showing off an authentic smile for the first time since picking me up.

The door beside me is swiftly opened, Filo standing outside of the car holding it forme. Awkwardly, I shuffle across the pristine seat and make my way out of the vehicle.

Once I’m out and standing on the sidewalk, Filo closes the door behind me, gets back into the car, and drives off before I can say goodbye to either of them.

This is what I need. This is something big and important enough to properly distract me. Right now is the time for business and strategy, not some petty crush. I can dedicate myself to the family, help my father, prove myself, and soon forget all abouthim.

This is perfect.

Looking up, I go to take my first stride away from the curb but instead, I catch a glimpse of him—Dominic, walking alone across the campus square. He’s so far away from me, but yet he is the first thing that catches my eye. Tall, strong and handsome.

You have got to be kidding me.

Is the universe testing me as well? Or is he doing this on purpose?

No. It doesn’t matter. This is just my first step to proving myself. If I am to take over the Valenti legacy, then I need to push past these thoughts and feelings to focus on what actually matters.

“Hey, Luca!” The voice coming from another direction pulls me from my spiral. I search for whoever spoke, finally spotting Emilio and rushing toward him and away from where I last saw Dominic. “Where have you been?” “Sorry, just had to talk with my dad real quick. What’s up?”

“I wanted to make it up to you for missing out on the party last night, so I’ve got us invited to another one!” He’s barely able to hold back his excitement.

“Oh wow, okay… I’d love to. It’s just?—”

“What’s wrong?” Emilio’s face turns troubled.

“I don’t need any more drama right now. Is Dominic Rossi going to be there?” I pray he won’t be, but something deep inside of me seems to disagree.

“You won’t have to worry about him. It’s the Delta Zeta’s party. Invite only. There’s a dress code and everything. No chance they’ll let him in.”

I let out a sigh of relief, but in that same place, deep in my stomach, a knot begins to twist up. “I can’t wait.”

5

DOMINIC

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