Page 171 of The Counterfeit Lover

Michele can't dieuntilRaf works out his guilt and his regrets and can finally let go.

Because if he dies before that, then I fear I might lose Raf, too.

As soon as Raf and Vlad finish their business talk, Sisi suggests we go out to dinner together.

"We're family," she smiles at me. "I've always seen Raf like another brother. Pity that it's nothimwho's related to me," she jokes, instantly managing to win me over with that one statement.

“Noelle?” Raf gives me a look, telling me it's my decision whether we go or not.

"Let's do it," I smile brightly.

Sisi and Vlad get ready, and surprisingly, Venezia declares she wants to join us too.

Together, we all head to one of Enzo's restaurants downtown.

It seems the man is supplyingeveryonewith entertainment in the city.

Just like the club, the restaurant sports a high-end look, the ambiance relaxing and luxurious. As soon as we give our names at the entrance, we are led to the back where only a few tables are occupied.

"Enzo has a separate area for acquaintances," Sisi leans in to explain. "Especially since our talks can become a little…too much for some people's ears."

"That's smart. This way there's also no way anyone could eavesdrop, or plant bugs."

Sisi's eyes sparkle.

"Indeed."

We're seated at a big conference table at the very back of the restaurant. Vlad, Sisi and Venezia are seated on one side while Raf and I are on the other.

As soon as we place our orders, the conversation from before resumes, and this time, Raf recounts what he'd heard from Carlos about Ortega trying to sneak into the city.

"You know," Vlad starts pensively. "You're not the first one to tell me there have been disturbances in the area. I'm not as in tune with everything that happens as I used to be, but I still get regular reports about the activity in the city. And lately…someone's been causing problems. Not big enough that they would be noticed immediately, but enough thatInoticed."

"You think it's Ortega?" Raf frowns. "I didn't think he had the resources for that."

"He doesn't," Vlad states with absolute certainty. "At least not yet."

"You're saying someone else is behind him?"

Vlad shrugs, leaning back in his seat and giving us a wolfish look.

"Maybe. I think we might need to reassess the terms your brother set," he nods at me. "He's the one who proposed an alliance to close the market. And what's happening now, is exactly what I predicted a few months back."

"What do you mean?" I frown.

When my brother had thrown in a ball in celebration of my marriage with Rafandthe fact that DeVille was going public, he'd enlisted everyone's help in creating a closed ecosystem within New York. One that would ensure no newcomers would be able to set their business here. At the time, that had been mainly to corner Michele, which had worked to an extent. After, it had served as a much desired alliance between all the crime syndicates involved in the area—regardless of nationality.

"By closing the ranks, we flashed a challenge to everyone around. Come in if you dare."

"You're suspecting someone," Raf states with quiet conviction.

"Yes, and no. I have some idea who might be so foolish to dare it, but I don't have enough proof to back it up. Yet."

"Who?"

"Marchesi."

"Enzo's in-laws?" I blink.

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