Page 56 of Twisted Embrace

Right. The word meant nothing to me. I couldn’t care less what other people thought and never had. What was important now was making a statement, issuing a warning neither the Volkov nor the Petrov Bratva could ignore.

“Just remember that the reason the Five Families held the rest of the world in the palms of their hands for generations was alliances. I doubt your marriage to the Russian girl will mean anything.”

“To the contrary, Anthony. In the past two decades, alliances forced by marriage have been waning because of low birth rates and loss of lives. My marriage to the beautiful woman will ensure a level of peace that will be unprecedented.”

He stared me in the eyes, finally shaking his head. “You like this girl.”

I slowly turned my head in Joy’s direction. She was watching me intently, her mouth twisted from frustration and fear. “She’s a commodity.”

“I don’t mean any disrespect, but I suggest you use her as just that.”

I crowded his space, taking a deep breath. “Since when did you become my advisor, Anthony? At this point, I’m concerned I can longer trust you.”

A wave of hurt flashed in his eyes before he lowered his head out of respect. “Then you would be wrong.”

“I suggest you remember who you’re talking to.”

“Of course, sir.” He walked away, his shoulders slumping. The one thing my Capo hated was to be admonished.

As D’Artagnan approached, I sensed his increasing anger and heightened anxiety. Perhaps our arrogance had gotten in the way of keeping our enemies at bay.

“I could use one of those,” he said as he reached for a glass. “Is the doctor waiting at the house?”

“He is. You’re certain you don’t want to take Lucia to a hospital?”

He cursed in Italian. “The only place to provide adequate protection is my father’s estate.”

“An understandable choice.”

He’d taken to calling the man who’d adopted him his father, likely for political reasons. Bringing up his adoption was still a sore point in everyone’s mind, including the Five Families.

“You should stay at the estate as well.”

D’Artagnan’s statement wasn’t a request, although with our understanding, he’d never pushed his authority but so far over the few months. We were both like lions in a cage, powerful men who enjoyed taunting our prey.

“Lucia will need someone to care for her,” he added.

The sprawling estate had several wings allowing enough space for our combined families, including Mattia, the only surviving yet illegitimate son of Franco DeLuca. There were pros for sequestering together, including having the highest level of security, but in my mind the cons were worse. Having everyone in close proximity meant an easier target.

After all, the Russians had invaded Italian soil before. Now they had a bigger reason to risk losing more soldiers.

Joy.

I found it fascinating that she’d become the center of a battle zone, the Bratva’s desire to erase her life more powerful than using her to form an alliance. That meant there were additional secrets to be uncovered.

“You’ve spoken with Joy about the upcoming nuptials?” he asked.

“She is aware. We’ve come to an arrangement.”

He gave me a wary stare then managed a smile. “A woman after your own heart or is she planning your death as we speak?”

I brought the glass to my lips. “Perhaps a little of both. However, she will surrender soon enough if for no other reason than it’s a part of the deal we made.”

“A shrewd businesswoman, just like Lucia.”

“Yes, it would seem.”

In an unusual show of limited affection, he patted me on the shoulder. “Be prepared for a wild ride.”

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