Page 56 of The Don's Hidden Heir

Elena has me wrapped around her fingers and she doesn’t even know it. For her, and for Lucas, I would burn the world. I wonder if a day will come when she realizes how much power she holds over me and this city.

I own this city, but Elena owns me as much as I own her.

“She doesn’t know that yet, and that’s where the problem lies,” I say. I sip my drink and heat burns down my throat, searing into my stomach and mixing with the worry that’s awakened in there.

It’s a battle not letting my thoughts drift to Elena, to concentrate on what needs to be done. My cock is throbbing for her and for more of last night.

“A day will come when she sees it. You’ll be a total cunt-worshipper when that happens. It’ll be a tragedy to watch you fade away, man.”

My fist clenches and I remind myself why I’m friends with this crazy fucker in front of me. He’s myconsigliereand he’s been by my side since we were boys. He’d give up his life for me and I will give up mine for him.

We’re brothers by vow.

Friends by choice.

And those are the only reasons I put up with his arrogance. Men have died for just looking at me the wrong way.

“You’re lucky I like you, Dante.”

The door swings open and David Peterson walks in. My secretary runs in after him, panting heavily. “I’m sorry, sir. I stepped out for coffee and didn’t see him walk in.”

I wave at the secretary, dismissing him then turn my attention to Peterson. “What do you want?”

Peterson flashes a sly grin at me. “That’s no way to greet your uncle, boy.”

“I believe a better way would be killing you by driving a knife through your heart, but that’s not what you want, is it?”

Fear flickers in his eye, but he doesn’t stop smiling. “I’d like a word with you.” He glares at Dante. “Alone.”

Dante looks at me and I nod. He reluctantly gets up, scowls at Peterson and brushes past him. Their shoulders collide and Peterson staggers a little.

When Dante leaves and closes the door behind him, Peterson sits on the chair Dante just vacated.

“Better make it quick,” I tell him. “I don’t have all day.”

“We’re both busy men so I’ll get straight to the point, Nephew. I’m here to make a deal with you. Hand the mafia in New York over to me and return to Italy. You’ll still be Capo here—in name, of course—and in return, I’ll bring the Bratva to your feet.”

I lean back in my chair and swivel it. I take a moment to answer. The only reaction I can manage is a slow smile.

“What is funny?”

“I’m amused. You’re not only a traitor, you’ve also got guts. I guess you truly are a Romano, Uncle.”

He cocks his head and regards me with a sinister expression. “What’s your answer, boy?”

I lean forward and my nostrils flare. “You’re an idiot if you think I’ll give up my throne to a traitor like you. Call me ‘boy’ one more time and I’ll cut off your tongue and shove it down your throat.”

Tension drips in the air and fogs the atmosphere for a minute before he huffs out a sardonic laugh. “You can’t kill me, Dominic. You would have already if you could.”

“You’re mistaken. It’s not that I can’t. I just don’t want to, but each time you open your mouth, you utter something that makes me reconsider the choice I made.”

“Easy there, boy,” he draws. “You shouldn’t make threats you don’t intend to carry out. The Cosa Nostra forbids kin slaying. You’ll be seen as nothing more than filthy and dirty if you dare to harm me.”

“I am the Cosa Nostra. My word is the rule. Push me one more time and it won’t be just threats you’ll be getting.”

Anger courses through my veins and murderous thoughts ring in my head. Peterson is weak and old. I can kill him right where he sits if I wanted to. I’m not sure why I let this old fart walk all over me, but I know I’ve near damn reached my limits with him.

“If that is all, then, leave. You’re no longer welcome here. Ever.”

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