Page 5 of Prince of Malice

“The Rossis?”

“Correct. So with them by our side, anyone wanting to get to us will see them as the easiest way. And that’s exactly what we want them to do. They’re weak, but they take time to deal with. You can trust me on that.”

“So they’ll slow down our enemies?”

“Exactly right. As well as removing them as one and making us look even better.”

It is a good plan, I must admit. It just isn’t one that I’ve liked ever since it was revealed to me. At no point did I have a say, though. I tried to persuade my father to reconsider, but once he’s set on an idea, he will force it into place no matter the resistance.

He’s been the same way with his desire for me to take over the family business and take his place as head of the Valenti family. Of course, it’s something I want to do, but I don’t know if I’m ready yet and I need to become ready before it’s too late.

“Come on, son. We need to get out there,” my father says as he pulls his jacket together. “The Valenti men must be punctual when presenting themselves.”

My father has a presence to him. He could stand in any room, and everyone there would know it. Something about him draws the eye; it’s as simple as that. It’s a quality I don’t seem to have. I could stand in a room and be as noticeable as the wallpaper. Sure, I am there, but no one takes notice of the wallpaper unless it’s unbearably obscene.

I try my best to accept this fact, change my perspective on it, and see it as a positive. I’m not plain; I’m subtle. I may not be extravagant, but I’m efficient. I can get away with a lot more when no one’s eyes are on me.

It all just means that today no one’s eyes are on me. It’s difficult to catch someone’s attention when you’re standing beside a man as prideful as Salvatore Valenti, especially when it seems you’re standing in his shadow.

“How are you feeling?” I whisper to my father tentatively.

“Don’t be ridiculous. This is no different than a business deal, so treat it like one,” he responds with a dispassionate stare.

The doors fly open, the guests stand to show their respect, and my future step-family walks in. Sofia Rossi seems to be another person who prefers to go unnoticed, at least that’s how I’ve been viewing her since we met.

She’s quiet, reserved, and never makes a decision in front of others. Although, this all may be down to the fact that she only became the head of the Rossi family after her husband passed. Maybe her behavior is because she isn’t cut out for the position she’s found herself in and isn’t someone to relate to.

Standing beside Sofia is someone I definitely don’t relate to one bit: Dominic Rossi. He’s loud-mouthed, aggressive, and has an aura to him. The way he carries himself, his stance, his walk, the way he talks, and how he doesn't seem to have to try all that hard. It’s different. Not only is he different from me, but different from anyone I’ve ever met before. It’s intriguing.

Like his mother, I’ve only ever met Dominic once or twice before the wedding. Even then, words were rarely exchanged, yet I find myself wanting to know more about him. He has a reputation for being a pain for his family, and if I am going to take chargelike my father wants, then he’s someone I’ll have to manage—whether he’s my ally or enemy.

Despite everything else about him, I do have to admit that he is also very attractive, in a conventional way at least. Not that it’s really something I’d pick up normally. I’m not one for caring about the physical side of things, and I’m certainly not one for Dominic Rossi. Still, he’s got a good height to him, he’s well-built and muscular, and he has a dark aura to match his jet-black hair. He looks like he could crush a man with his bare hands.

And, I have certainly thought about those hands on my body.

His eyes lock onto mine. I’ve been staring at him for so long, trying to size him up, but I didn’t realize until now that I have been so obvious.

His cold glare cuts through me in an instant, and I turn away but can still feel his eyes on me.

The reception was, for lack of a better term, simple. It only needed to serve the purpose of holding the guests who were willing to stay longer than they needed to, and so that is exactly what it did.

Most people opt to stand around the room in small clusters, making sly comments between themselves while no one too involved in the wedding could hear. I try my best not to draw too much attention to myself while standing on the outskirts of a group with my uncles.

“I don’t think this is going to work. You know how the Rossis are,” one of them sneers.

“They aren’t too bad. I mean it could be the Grecos.”

“Luca, what do you think? I mean, you’re a smart enough kid to know this is all a bad idea, right?” one of the uncles probes.

“Oh well,” I stutter. “I mean, sure they’re different…” I search for a satisfactory answer. “But this is all a necessary evil to better the family.”

“That’s what I’m talking about!”

“Are you serious? Just look at them,” my uncle says as he gestures across the room.

I follow his gaze and am soon pushed back by Dominic’s scowling face as he rushes toward me. Just the sight of his rage-fueled determination makes me shiver.

Dominic stops in place, shaking like a raging bull as he charges again.

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