Page 49 of His Broken Queen

I shook my head.

“The ports are quiet. Business is suffering.”

“We have to put a stop to that,” I said. “I’m hoping this meeting with Malatesta helps.”

“I’m sure he can help.” Gio glanced out the window. “But what is it going to cost us?”

“At this point, I’m willing to pay any price.”

* * *

Thirty minutes later,we were at a sprawling, secluded estate owned by Italy’s most influential mafia boss. Janero Malatesta was as old-school as they came. He was brutal, relentless, and always got what he wanted. He was a formidable enemy, but an ally anyone in my position would be lucky to have. I hoped I could still consider him that.

He had been close to our father, and after his death he took me and Gio under his wing. He protected us while we learned the business. He respected our decision not to take over the New York territory our father had left vacant when he was murdered. Instead, he let me find my way. He guided me when I needed his expertise, but I didn’t want any special favors from him. Ten years ago, I had a lot to prove, and if I wanted to make a name for myself, I had to get there on my own.

When we arrived, we handed over our guns as a show of good faith and let the guards frisk us. We had nothing to hide. We weren’t here to come after Janero, and they knew it, but they had a job to do. If I wanted Janero’s help, I had to play by his rules.

When we entered the grand foyer covered in marble from floor to ceiling, we were greeted by a beautiful young woman. I stared at her for a moment, taking in her wide brown eyes, and delicate frame. Her olive skin glowed in the sunlight streaming from the stain-glass windows.

“Is that Janero’s daughter?” I asked.

Gio seemed to be too mesmerized to respond.

“Ciao.” She approached us.

“Cinzia?” Gio asked.

“Si, Gio, Si.” She took his hands in hers, gracing him with an innocent smile. “It’s been a long two years.”

“I…wow!” Gio kissed her cheeks. “How old are you now?"

“Venti.” She laughed. “I just turned twenty.”

At least she’s legal.

“Your English has improved.” Gio let go of her hands. “Impressive.”

“I studied what you taught me.” She looked at me. “Hello, Romero.”

“Cinzia.” I nodded. “E’bello vederti.”

“It’s good to see you too.” She pointed down the hallway to her father’s study. “Papa is expecting you.”

As we followed her down the long hallway, Gio couldn’t take his eyes off her.

“Did you teach her anything besides English?” I whispered.

“She was a kid when we left.”

“She’s definitely not a kid now.”

Cinzia glanced over her shoulder and smiled at my brother with her full pink lips. She seemed to be just as taken with Gio as he was with her.

I needed to get this meeting with her father over with before Gio screwed things up by screwing the Don’s daughter.

When we approached the study door, Janero was already waiting for us. He was a tall man with an imposing figure. He had aged well. Even with a head full of silver hair, he appeared youthful, but his eyes were old. Maybe not with wrinkles, but he had seen plenty in his fifty-five years.

“The Bilotti brothers are here,” she said. “Do you need me to get you anything?”

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