Page 68 of Twisted Embrace

He nodded. “That’s what I was thinking. Have you tracked the corporation involved?” He walked toward the desk and I bristled.

“Enough to know they play a brilliant shell game. The Russians are very clever, hiding behind a firm out of New York.” I waited to see if he understood the significance.

“It would seem your idea of collusion was accurate.”

“I felt it in my bones,” I retorted, studying his pensive gaze. “The only collusion I’m interested in is whether Romano is working with the Volkovs.” The man’s hold on Sicily and Sardinia was tight.

“That’s a stark accusation given the recent repurposing of the Five Families.” He had a grin on his face.

“It’s entirely possible I’m wrong. In truth, I hope I am. The last thing we need is to start a war with one of our own.” Even if I disagreed with the methodology of the Five Families, there was truth to the idea of strength in numbers.

“Did you already speak with Romano?”

I swirled the glass, studying the way the light cast prisms through the dense crystal. “Yes, for almost thirty minutes.” Which was rare. Giuseppe was not the kind of man who loitered on a call. He was a bitter, aging man who’d still refused to give up control of his empire to his son, Antonio. There was bad blood that, while clotted months before when the Lazarro and DeLuca families had co-mingled their empires, still existed. I couldn’t put it past the old geezer to pull a slick one.

Laughing softly, I took another sip of my drink. If he did, he’d find himself buried under a ton of rock. I shoved my drink aside, rising to my feet.

“And? I’m curious about your thoughts.”

I turned toward him, surprised he’d want my opinion at all. “I don’t think he’d be that stupid, but we’ll keep an eye on his activities. If it becomes necessary to fly to Sicily in order to remind him, then we’ll do that.”

“Agreed. He needs to retire. Antonio is more widely respected at this point.”

“Did you believe your father would step aside and allow any of his sons to take the helm?”

Mattia snorted. “Hell, no.”

“Well, brother. At least we have something in common.”

For the first time in as long as I could remember, there wasn’t tension controlling our words and actions. “I guess we do. Any thoughts on the wedding? It would seem you’ve already made your decision.” He snatched the box, nodding several times as he looked at the ring. “Very nice, brother. Very nice indeed.”

“I’m playing it by ear at this point as to the timing. However, an announcement will be made this weekend.”

He lifted his eyebrows. “Perhaps you are a damn good game player.”

“You should see me with Russian roulette.”

“You know what? I’m not certain I want to.” He handed me the box.

I grabbed my phone as well and as I walked from the room, he laughed at my joke.

Only I wasn’t kidding.

* * *

As soon as I headed into our bedroom, I was drawn to the open French doors. I almost reached for my weapon, concerned that the space had been breached. I unbuttoned my jacket, poised to grab my gun if necessary, taking quiet strides toward the balcony.

The moment Joy came into view, I took a deep breath, stunned from the sight of her. While I’d seen her in a beautiful dress at the baby shower, it was nothing in comparison to the gorgeous crimson silk covering her voluptuous form. The light breeze toyed with her long curls, drifting them back and forth across her shoulders.

She stood at the railing, gazing toward the mountains, her profile highlighted by the array of colors cast in the setting sun. As a whiff of her perfume trickled into my nostrils, I was forced to take a deep breath to try to keep my raging desire in check. I could easily rip off the expensive attire, fucking her like some crazed animal, but she deserved more.

The lovely woman deserved better.

She stiffened as she usually did when I was around, slowly turning in my direction. As the coppery ray of sun illuminated her fiery hair, the golden glow provided a stunning aura.

Her smile was the sweetest reward, something that I’d only been gifted during the last two days. The simple gesture only accentuated her beauty.

“You’re late,” she said casually, giving me a hard onceover.

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