Page 86 of Massimo

"I don't know," Renzo admits, glancing around to make sure no one is getting too close from what we can see, while Anna continues scanning the areas we can't. "All I've heard are whispers—that it has something to do with Nova's mother, and something Mancini forced out of her before she died."

I frown. "Miriana has been dead for a decade."

"I don't know," he repeats. "But Anna overheard Vincenzo and Camillo talking the night before you arrived. It all seems to connect to that multi-million-dollar diabetic drug they need Mancini for."

Glucoaid-X—Synovex Biotech’s cutting-edge diabetic drug, thanks to its gene-editing therapy—will hit the market soon.

I rub my face in frustration. "Why the hell would Vincenzo, Gastone, Camillo, and Achille get involved with a snake like Mancini with Glucoaid-X? Plus, how do they plan to take any sort of a cut of the profits from a pharmaceutical giant?"

Synovex Biotech isn't some new kid on the block who stumbled upon a revolutionary drug. The CEO and their shareholders will have an iron grip control to ensure all the revenue goes into their coffers, preventing people like Mancini being able to siphon any off.

"I agree. But they're keeping their mouths shut about the details. All I know is that they’re standing by the deal, and they need Mancini alive."

Taking a calculated risk, I tell Renzo about Beast's tattoo.

He scratches chin. "No wonder you fucking pulverized him. I was wondering what made you lose control."

I unclench my fists, wishing I had someone else I could pulverize right now.

"Let's assume that Mancini's alliance with the French has to do with Glucoaid-X as well—why would Vincenzo, Camillo, Achille, and Gastone get involved with them both? With six of them splitting the ill-gotten profit, their cuts can't be that big, could they?"

"Vincenzo and the others have to realize that."

I frown, continuing to try to puzzle through all this. "Vincenzo bleeds 'Ndrangheta. Mancini and the French are known dregs of the criminal underworld based on what they're deeply involved in, and an alliance with them would taint the 'Ndrangheta and everything Vincenzo stands for. Plus, how the hell does Nova's dead mother play into this?"

Renzo grips my shoulder. "They won't budge on the vote if you bring it up again. Bringing it up and trying to re-convince them will only give them a window to dig into your motives."

I hate that he's right.

He looks at me intently. "Keep her safe, Massimo."

Jealousy rears its head, thinking that Renzo cares about and wants Nova.

He sees it and smirks, but it fades quickly. "Over on this side of the pond, I hear things you don't. The French mafia is into some very bad shit. Julien Moreau is one of the worst animals in our world. You knowabout his proclivity for buying humans?" I nod, and he continues, a dark look flashing over his face. "Well, I've heard of his plans for Nova. He plans on making it a regular thing to force her to watch as he rapes and kills people as he's finished fucking them."

I jerk, and he grips my head.

"He plans on shattering her mind with guilt and horror, Massimo. He'll use her body however he sees fit; sharing her with whoever he thinks will benefit him. He'll destroy her, inside and out."

I'm snorting through my nose with rage and disgust, and toxic fear.

Mancini may not be the worst of Nova's monsters.

"Make it so your familyhasto protect her, Massimo, even if you're not there to order it. Don't risk that they'll do the right thing out of principle."

He releases me and steps back. He doesn't need to spell it out for me; I know what the ultimate protection for Nova will be.

Her being the mother of my heir.

She'll hate me even more for it than forcing her to marry me, because this will bind her to me forever. There'll be no chance of her ever leaving and to live her life in peace, free of her monsters.

Yet, there's no question or hesitation in my mind.

Renzo leaves me and goes to the pool house as I pull out my phone.

I text Gabe my order and start walking back to the house. I'm halfway there when Gabe calls me. I decline the call and respond via text because I don't want to risk being overheard.

You have your orders

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