Page 38 of Captured Innocence

The uneasiness remained amongst all of us. Being in the same location certainly had its share of concerns. I’d ordered four of my soldiers to arrive only minutes after I had, walking the exterior of the estate. If word of our meeting had gotten out, we were all sitting ducks, something I refused to become. I wasn’t in the mood to play games or remain at the estate for longer than necessary.

“My father is concerned about news of the Volkov Bratva making an appearance in Italy. To that end, he’s handling a fact-finding mission of his own. But he does send his apologies that he was forced to send his son as his replacement.” There was disdain in my tone, which all three of them picked up on, glancing from one to the other.

It would seem I’d taken them all by surprise with my unusual outburst.

“What have you heard about the Volkov clan?” Don Romano asked, the amusement in his voice disappearing.

“That they are growing much stronger, their army well over five hundred men. And I’ve heard Grigori Volkov has a very capable son who is currently serving in the Russian military. It’s my belief that when Aleksei returns, that’s when they will endeavor to make an appearance in Italy.”

“The timing?” Don Rizzo asked.

“Less than two years.”

“Plenty of time to react,” Don Caldone said, laughing.

“If we sit by and do nothing, Caldone, the Russians will come for us, taking everything that we hold precious. We can’t allow that to happen. We must be stronger,” Giuseppe hissed.

I was surprised at hearing Giuseppe’s vehemence as well as thought-provoking comment. “You are right,” I told all of them. “That’s why we need to ensure that our borders are solid and our ties to each other are strong.”

Don Romano glanced at me slyly. “I’m curious, Mattia. What do you suggest we do as a famiglia? We are the most powerful syndicates in the world. If you’re suggesting we’re in danger, then please tell us your thoughts.”

If I was to prove my worth sitting at the table of the big boys, I had to grab onto a leadership position.

“Certain alliances have proven to be beneficial over the years, Don Romano. Yes?” I tipped my head in his direction. Then I glanced at the others, taking my time to look them directly in the eyes.

“Definitely. What did you have in mind?” Don Rizzo had a twinkle in his eye.

I took a sip of my drink first, allowing them to stew. “It’s very simple. I suggest we form closer alliances within the Five Families, highlighting complete peace between our families while building additional infrastructure to aid in protecting the territories we adore. We are wealthy men, gentlemen. We can afford to give back to our communities in exchange for their loyalty.”

Don Romano snorted. “An excellent idea. If we have the love of the people, they will be our eyes and ears for us, also becoming foot soldiers if necessary. I applaud you, Mattia. You have the chutzpa your father used to have.”

As if any of them could talk. They’d not only gotten soft around the middle, they’d also shown lack of leadership to the point they had discontent amongst their ranks. I kept up with how their businesses were operating.

“What else? I can tell there’s more to your idea,” Don Caldone encouraged. “What are you suggesting for strengthening our partnerships?”

“By ensuring our families are close of course,” I said in passing. Personally, I couldn’t care less about getting close to any one of them with the exception of Sophia. “And by using the Cosa Nostra in America, especially inside New York. With the Bratva attempting to invade their territory, they will welcome our assistance as we will theirs when the time is right.”

“Hmmm,” Don Rizzo said then lifted his glass. “An interesting proposal. With some time on our side, we could engage in additional lucrative business practices as well.”

I shot him a look, offering a slight smile. I’d barely thought it through but in truth, it was a damn good idea and one I’d use to take over my father’s throne if necessary. World power. I liked the thought of it.

“Yes, something we’ll need to discuss with Don Lazarro but an idea worth exploring,” Don Caldone said in approval.

Good. I’d done more than I’d set out to do. Now it was time to handle my personal reasons for coming. Seeing her standing in the window had reinforced my desire, the longing remaining enough my balls ached.

I took a sip of my drink as I moved toward the doorway to Franco’s office, catching another glimpse of the woman I adored. She was even more beautiful tonight, the dress she’d selected in a vibrant shade of violet. She stood under a series of shimmering track lighting, the copper-colored highlights in her hair making my cock swell.

Seconds later, her entire body stiffened and she tipped her head over her shoulder. There was another flash in her eyes like the one I’d seen before, an almost luminescent glow that had me ready to head into the living room. Her chest rose and fell as she studied me, which forced a tightness in my gut. There wasn’t a man in the room who wasn’t staring at her, wanting her.

Undressing her.

The fuckers were counting their dollars to try to convince her father they were the right fit.

I took a deep breath, holding it. Then her expression changed, becoming colder, full of anger. When she suddenly laughed, placing her hand on the arm of a senator’s son, I bristled, a snarl rushing from my throat. I felt a presence from behind and knew the bait I’d tossed out had been accepted by the three sharks.

“The Lazarro girls are very beautiful,” Don Romano said, suddenly beside me, obviously attempting to read my mind.

“Yes, they are quite lovely. Highly intelligent as well.”

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