Page 81 of The Villain
“There’s more,” Angelo continues. “Their lawyer has also reached out with a renewed interest in buying back this property and the land the club sits on in Devil’s Peak.”
“Oh?”
My father and I own the buildings and properties. My father bought them from Sybil and rented the space out to her for pennies when selling was her only option. The pennies for rent was a separate understanding between them followed shortly after by their marriage.
“They must be flush with cash,” I comment, sipping my too-weak coffee.
“Suppose so.”
“Well, I’ll talk to Severin tonight. Understand what he’s been up to. But as of now, I have no intention of selling back to them. If anything, I’ll be increasing their rent.”
Angelo nods, glances in the direction of Enzo who I can see is standing like the soldier he is. He’s too far to hear what we’re saying.
I follow his gaze. “Do you want me to talk to him, Uncle?”
“No, no. He’ll come around. Just sometimes I don’t understand what cause I’ve given him to be so untrusting of me.”
“If I can help…”
“I don’t think you can, but I appreciate you asking, Cassian.” He studies me, smiles. “I always hoped you two would be like brothers.”
“Enzo and I are fine.”
“Good.”
“I want to run something else by you.” He raises his eyebrows. “Moretti territory, we’ve had a truce in place for years, but what if I’m interested in expanding?”
“Expanding?”
I shrug a shoulder. “Why not. Michael is weak. Lombardi will move in as soon as he’s able. You and I both know that. Given the seizure of the cargo and Michael’s clear inability to pay what he owes, well, it just seems like a good time to grow the business,” I say, considering my words. “And send a very clear message to anyone else who might consider moving against us.” I clear my throat. “Allegra Moretti is in my keeping.” My heart beats faster at the mention of her. Do I soundcasual? Like having Allegra is an incidental. A means to an end. She is more than that. That’s something I’ll need to unpack another time, but for now, she needs to be seen as nothing other than collateral.
Angelo studies me, tilts his head, one corner of his mouth curving upward. “Allegra Moretti. The contract binding her to Governor Moore is no longer in play then.”
“Correct.” My hand flexes at the thought of Allegra with another man. “I’m not worried about the governor and with the money Michael owes, it’s a solid inroad.”
He studies me. “If he were to pay you back, to buy back his sister, would you return her?”
I blink, my eyelids feeling like sandpaper suddenly. I haven’t allowed myself to think of this. “That’s an impossibility.”
“Which part?”
“He doesn’t have access to that kind of money. He’s not going to get it anytime soon. I’m well within my rights. I gave him his week. Why ask the question?”
“Humor me.”
I look straight back at Angelo. “I have no intention of returning her.”
He smiles. “Well, it’s decided then, isn’t it?” There’s a pause I don’t fill. “Are congratulations in order?”
I snort.
“Is she amenable?”
“Well, I haven’t proposed if that’s what you’re asking.” I sip my now lukewarm coffee just to have something else to do than look at him.
He chuckles. “Cassian, Cassian, Cassian. It’s meyou’re talking to. I’ve known you since you were in diapers, remember. I know you. You want her.”
“I have her.”
