Page 51 of His Broken Queen

“I was protecting their assets,” I said. “Until Antonio fucked me over.”

“I don’t see anyone in power strong enough to lead right now.” Janero shook his head. “The Torrios house is not in order. Antonio’s three sons are no longer working as a united front. They are distracted.”

“You’re right.” Gio nodded at me. “They are divided.”

“I don’t care what their issues are,” he said. “I only want to use them as an advantage. The Marchelli family is strong, but Dante doesn’t seem interested in this life any more. Two of his sons are legitimate. The other three have potential, but they don’t seem to want total control of the city. They have other sources of income.” He leaned back in his chair. “The LaVanza family has been dealt three tragic blows in the last few months. They are not capable of running things.”

“From where you’re sitting," I said. “It does seem pretty bleak, but I think we can get things back on track.”

“I do too.” He stared at me. “There’s an emerging family I’m quite interested in. I have been from the time they realized who they wanted to become.”

“You want a new family to take over?” Gio asked.

“They’re not exactly new.” Janero pointed at me. “It’s time for you to step up and take your rightful place in this organization.”

“You know I don’t want that,” I said. “I never wanted to be in charge of all of it. I only wanted to expand my business and move my product.”

“How is that working out for you?” Janero slammed his fist on his desk. “I let you find your way when you wanted to go to the states. I didn’t interfere when you started working with the cartel. It was lucrative and a smart deal until it wasn’t. I stood by and watched you get into bed with the Torrios because I respected your choice to become your own man, but now you’re here for my help, and I’ll give it to you, but it has to come at a cost.”

“I’m not here for charity.”

“The city is ripe for a takeover. I can help you, but I’ll expect your total allegiance.”

“I wouldn’t ask you for your help if I wasn’t willing to repay you.”

“You know my price will be steep.”

“I do, but I’m sure it will be worth it.” I had to find a way to keep my business going while I protected Luciana and Gio.

“Are you saying you want Romero to take over in exchange for your help?” Gio joined me on the sofa.

“That’s just the beginning, Gio, but don’t worry, I have plans for you too.” He smirked. “In order for Romero to take charge of the New York territory, you have to get back in business.”

“That’s why I’m here,” I said. “I need you to help me figure out how to let the cartel allow me to move my product.”

“Fuck the cartel,” Janero scoffed. “They answer to me.”

“When did that happen?”

“When I took down a major player in their organization. The new regime needed my help and in exchange, I call the shots.”

“What do I have to do?” There was no turning back now.

“There’s going to be a change with the Feds in the city, so now is the time to strike. No one will be looking. I haven’t infiltrated New York because I didn’t want to upset the balance there, but now that things aren’t moving at all, I need to step in and take charge. When one of us loses money, we all lose money.” He stood and came around his desk. “If you help me, I’ll see to it that you start moving your product as soon as you return home. You’ll be in charge of the ports. I’ll make sure of that.”

“And the cartel?” I asked.

“They won’t be a problem for you any longer. I’ll make sure they are handled and well-compensated. You will have control. You’ll decide who you allow to move merchandise in and out of the city. You and Gio will run the day-to-day operations there.” He leaned against his desk.“You’ll have my total protection and full support. I don’t have a long-term interest in the city. It will eventually be yours.”

“What’s in it for you?” I placed my hands on my thighs. “Not that I don’t appreciate all of this, especially since I’ve managed to screw things up so quickly.”

“You trusted your father’s second.” He shrugged. “I have a feeling Giancarlo is no longer a problem.”

“You could say that.”

“That’s because you are smart and you know what has to be done. Making a deal with the Torrios was a solid plan, but they double-crossed you. Now you’ll have the leverage to stop them in their tracks.”

Gio shifted in his seat, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he was worried that Rocco would get caught in the middle of this. He definitely could, but that wasn’t my concern right now. I had an empire to fix.

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