Page 4 of Rise To Power

“Salvatore is old, but loyalty in America runs deep with the don. He’s a negotiator like your brother…” His nostrils flared with the mention—another reminder of Luca. He puffed on the cigar, a curl of smoke clinging to his thick, deadly fingers. “It’s his son, Santino. When you’re there, earn his trust. He’ll be useful.”

I’d heard he was quick to anger, groomed by his mother more than his father, and intent on expanding the Jilani territory.

“I’ll leave in the morning.” I slid my hands into my pockets.

“Good.” He blew a stream of smoke through his tightly puckered lips.

“Have you spoken to Orlando?” I asked.

A devious smile curled my father’s lips. The fucking smile that said he was going to enjoy whatever test he was about to put me through.

“No,” I said. Orlando was under the impression he’d be attending Eminence University in the United States. However, The Ruthless King had yet to inform prince charming that he would be working for his education. “What happened to keeping him on a short leash?”

The don shrugged his shoulders. “Leashes don’t work with your brother. Perhaps more responsibility away from the pressure of pleasing you will give him what he needs.” He tipped the glass, finished the drink, and set it on the table. “It’s time he builds his own crew, takes his position as capo seriously as Stefano has. I won’t be close, so I need a soldier we can trust with him.”

“Orlando will want Emilio at his side.”

Roberto groaned. “Those two play too hard.”

Emilio Pirlo was Carmine’s brother. We all grew up together. Emilio was also brilliant with a computer. The dark web was created for people like him. “I’ll make the arrangements.”

My father turned toward me. “The other capos respect you, the soldiers learn from you, and your enemies fear you. You make me and this family proud, Marco. This marriage is a big step. One day you will be don of this family.”

“One day…” But I wasn’t impatient to take over my father’s position. I smiled at him. “But I’m in no hurry.”

“Don’t forget the ring. Something from our vault. They’ll expect a formal proposal.” Only a Bruno diamond for the finger of a mafia bride.

I left his office. By tomorrow, the youngest capo in the family would be living in the United States, and I’d be resigned to a perfunctory life with my future wife. I wouldn’t be the only one dreading my upcoming nuptials.

Tonight, I’d bury my dick deep in Francesca. I hadn’t seen Allegra since she was a girl, but I couldn’t imagine much had changed. I could only hope she’d grown some tits along with a personality.

Allegra

“I can’t believe he’s finally coming here.” My younger sister, Deidre, flopped onto my bed. At sixteen, she was beautiful. We shared the same Italian features with long hair, although hers was darker than mine. We both had hazel eyes and a heavy fringe of lashes. Sadly, she was destined for the same fate as me. “When will he be here?”

“Soon.” Just saying the words sent a riot of butterflies flapping in my belly. Fire-breathing butterflies, with wings like razors. “I need to talk to Knox.”

Like an army of ants, soldiers, servants, and family swarmed the property. But the one person I needed to see wouldn’t be allowed in the house. He was my secret, the only person I implicitly trusted—and a man my family would kill just for breathing the same air as me.

“Do you know how much trouble we’re going to be in if you get caught?”

“Yes. But this is my last chance to see him. Once Marco arrives, there is no way I’m getting out of the house.” No way would I endanger Knox. He was Irish. He was as shackled to his heritage as I was to mine.

And I’d spent my life saving him. He’d say the same about me, and we’d both be right.

I sat on the bed, slipped on my chucks, and tied the laces.

“Just go in the bathroom, flush, shower, change the music. Watch Matt Rife on TikTok and laugh. Just make it seem as if I’m in here. I won’t be gone long.” I couldn’t. I had to be back before my fiancé arrived.

“And if Mom knocks?”

“Keep the door locked. Text me, but only if it’s a serious situation. Please, Dee. What if thisisthe last time I see him?”

I blinked tears from my eyes.

She nodded.

I pulled a black hoodie over my head, tucked my knife into the front pouch with my phone, and opened the French doors leading to my private balcony.

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