Page 17 of Vengeful Vows

I’m not looking to change. But I do want to quench my thirst in her hot body.

And now, through me and the strategic business moves I’ve made against the Fontanas and Alessandro Calabrese, I have controlling interests in their endeavors. This helps the don consolidate power in this part of Houston.

“Your marriage?” Matteo prompts. As underboss, he’s aware of many—if not all—of his father’s actions.

“By the end of the year.”

The don twists the ring on his finger. “No longer, Nico.”

“Of course, Uncle.”

The room is silent for a moment, and I offer beverages—whiskey, brandy. The don waves me off.

“It’s time to consolidate power further.”

Pressing his hands together, Matteo watches Roberto and me.

“I’m proposing the Four Corners Alliance, an agreement between us and the Russos, De Lucas, and Bertonis,” Don Raffaele says.

Meaning Houston, north Texas, the Rio Grande Valley area, and New Orleans.

Matteo takes over. “We need respect for each other’s boundaries.”

Which we don’t always honor, of course.

“Sharing intelligence on mutual threats.”

And if the Russos are trying to disrupt our business as we suspect…

“After that is established, a conflict resolution council will mediate disputes.”

Theoretically that would ensure mutual protection and prevent unnecessary bloodshed.

Naturally either Matteo or the don would preside over any such gathering.

Then Don Raffaele stuns me by looking at me directly. “What’s your opinion, Nico?”

For a moment, I hesitate. This is the first time I’ve ever been directly asked for my feedback, and I first glance toward Roberto.

He’s studying me without surprise. It occurs to me that he knew this was going to happen…my first real test as the future consigliere.

As if this was a normal business meeting, rather than something setting the tone for the future, I take a moment to choose my response, being deliberate and thoughtful.

First I look at Don Raffaele. Then I include Matteo. “In principle, it sounds like a way to maintain stability.” I think through a few more angles. “And we need a way to protect our interests from external threats.”

The room is quiet, giving me space to expand. How would Roberto respond? How do I add nuances to prove myself? “We will only be as powerful as our weakest link. Trust and transparency will be required.”

Realizing I’m drumming my fingers on my thigh, I curl my hand into a fist. “Having a way to resolve conflict is brilliant and potentially provides a way to minimize violence.” Though I acknowledge the don’s idea, I am cautious because I don’t trust the Russos. But keep your enemies close…

And still, when I discover who fired the bullet intended for Don Raffaele and that has now cut Roberto’s life short, I won’t hesitate to pull the trigger myself. “I like your forward-thinking approach.” I sit back. “A strategy to implement your plan matters as much as your intention, Don Raffaele.”

Matteo is unreadable, but his father nods almost imperceptibly as he stands.

“Would you like me to draft a letter?” I suggest, hoping I haven’t overstepped my bounds.

“Have it on my desk in the morning,” Matteo replies, also standing, following the don’s lead.

Within moments, Roberto and I are alone again, and the atmosphere seems to crackle with tension.

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