Page 50 of His Broken Queen

“We’re fine.” He kissed her cheek. “Leave us now.”

She glanced at Gio before hurrying down the hall. I moved into Gio’s line of sight, blocking his view of Cinzia when I noticed he lingered on her a little too long. Lusting after her in front of her father wasn’t the smartest thing he could do.

He would have no qualms over shooting Gio in the head for being inappropriate where his daughter was concerned. That was a war I didn’t need.

“Don Malatesta.” I cleared my throat, trying to get Gio back on track. “Thank you for seeing us today.”

“Romero, how is your recovery going?” Janero shook my hand. “Such an unfortunate mishap.”

“I’m doing well. It’s just a small injury,” I assured him. “It’s not a problem.”

“It sounds like you have several problems. You should have requested a meeting with me months ago.”

“I didn’t want to disturb you, but now I could use your help.” I hated to admit that, but I didn’t have a choice.

“You could have used my help before Giancarlo talked you into an alliance with the man who murdered your father.” Janero’s jaw tightened. “I know that’s never been proven, but whether Antonio pulled the trigger himself, or he had someone do it, he stepped into your father’s place. Your rightful place.”

“I didn’t come here to discuss history.” I never wanted to avenge my father’s death, but Antonio wouldn’t be on top forever.

“If it isn’t the man who taught my daughter English. Now she insists I don’t speak to her in Italian.” Janero patted Gio’s back. “I guess I have you to thank for her begging me to visit America.”

“Cinzia wants to come to America?” Gio asked. “I would love for her to visit.”

I’m sure you would.

“Let’s see how this meeting goes.” He motioned for us to enter his study, and then he shut the door. “Maybe I’ll allow her to visit you. She was very excited that you were coming today.”

“She’s stunning,” Gio said. “You must be very protective of her.”

“You have no idea.” He rolled his eyes. “I’m constantly approached by other families looking to make an alliance and marry into this family.” Janero looked at me. “You know all about that, don’t you?”

“I do.”

“How is your wife?” He motioned for me to have a seat in front of his desk.

“She’s well.” I took a seat on the sofa. “She’s enjoying your country.”

“She’s grieving,” he said. “Gio told me she was close to your friend.”

“Stella’s death has been tough on all of us, but it has hit Luciana the hardest,” I said. “It was senseless and put us in a vulnerable position.”

“Yes, I agree.” He sat at his desk. “Having your home attacked makes you vulnerable.”

“That’s why we’re here.” I glanced at Gio who chose to stand behind the sofa. “My business has been paralyzed. The cartel doesn’t trust me because of the agreement I entered into with the Torrios.”

“They don’t trust you because Antonio got the better of you, but when you blew up his warehouse, you put yourself back in a position of strength.”

“I’ve made some mistakes,” I admitted.

“New York is a mess,” he said. “But the cartel is not the problem.”

“They aren’t?” Gio questioned. “What do you think the problem is?”

“Weak leadership.” He nodded. “I believe the cartel was responsible for the botched attempt on you and Romero. They were also responsible for the hit on LaVanza’s son.”

“You’re sure?” I asked.

“I have it on good authority, but the cartel can’t be blamed. They have to do what they have to do to protect their assets.”

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