Page 111 of Massimo

"What for? That I tainted the goods?"

"No. Because you're living your life for you and are taking control. Stepping into your power."

"Am I? Am I really stepping into my power, Gemma?"

Her eyes flicker between mine, and she nods. "You're not ready to see it, but trust me, Nova, you really are."

Chapter 45

Massimo

Ashsitsacrossfromme at my desk in my home office. We had another all-morning meeting to discuss adding the additional seats to the Chamber. I called in virtually, not wanting to leave Nova since we had yet to find Mancini's second spy, and I'd be a fool to think there were only two.

With the bounty for Nova's return to her father at four million dollars, it's not just Mancini or the French mafia I need to worry about. Any criminal—in this city or beyond—would love to cash in on that prize. While I've made a few public appearances to show I have nothing to hide, I've been working from home as much as possible.

Circling my thoughts back to the problem in front of me, I regard Ash. He came here to further discuss the Chamber's decision because we couldn't keep putting it off. Dom is the biggest opponent to Ivan Everheart and the Serpents joining, although Ash and I aren't huge fans, either.

When Ash arrived, I had Gemma and Gabe make sure Nova stayed in the library. I'm impatient, though, wanting to get back to Nova as I've been distracted all day, but I force myself to focus on Ash.

He spins the silver ring on his thumb. "There's growing unrest with some of the criminal groups believing Ivan's claim that the Chamber is monopolizing power."

"Well, we are, in a sense." He grunts, and I add, "We benefit the most from this collectivealliance."

"We also do more than any other criminal entity in the city to ensure a lack of bloodshed and collateral damage," he says in his gravelly voice. "Plus, create an environment that's ripe for all criminals to thrive and profit."

"You're preaching to the choir, Ash. And as much as I despise Ivan Everheart, he has a point. His gang is just as strong as the Fire Clan, if not stronger."

"So, you're in favor?" He looks at me with hooded eyes.

My jaw clenches as I recall Ivan's pushy visit a few weeks ago, insisting that Iowehim for his vote to save Vito and Eden.

Fucking criminal world politics and their votes.

"I didn't say that, Ash."

"Regardless that Ivan is a cunt, we can't just keep adding seats whenever there are power shifts in this city."

"But you said yourself that there's growing unrest among the criminal entities, so if we're perceived as not even considering the current context, it could fuel unrest even more."

"Fucking PR optics," he mutters, threading his tatted hands through his mussed hair. "Yeah, the air is rife for rebellion and mutiny." His gives me a serious look. "There's people looking to strike at us in power. Such as cashing in on a bounty for a mafia princess."

I try to keep my reaction hidden, and he raises his hands. "Whatever you need, you know the MC is there."

"Ash—"

"I don't need to know, Mass," he stresses. "Just know there are enemies knocking at your gate. Multiple because of that bounty. And division of attention—such as this bullshit with the Chamber—is a risk."

There's a knock on my office door, and Vito walks in.

Jerome follows him, giving me a small nod, telling me he let Gabe know to keep Nova hidden for longer. "Can I bring anything for you and your guests, sir?"

Vito sprawls his tall frame in the chair beside Ash. "You have any ofMamma'sand Sophie's baking lying around, Jerome?"

"He's good, Jerome," I interrupt Vito's opportunity to stay longer than needed.

Ash chuckles and rises to his feet. "I'm heading out. Thanks, though, Jerome."

"Don't let me chase you away, Ash," Vito says.

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