Page 90 of Violent God

“That’s why he proposed? Because you knew I’d marry him?”

“It is. And Moretti ruined everything when he stormed into the wedding, stopping it.”

I’m curious to see how he’s going to spin this, so I say, “He never would tell me why he ruined my wedding. Only that it was something he had to do.”

“He would say that.” He shakes his head. “He’s a dangerous man who’s trying to gain power within the society. There are even rumors that he killed his predecessor to get ahead.”

“I don’t understand how stopping my wedding helps him get ahead.”

“It made Giosuè appear undesirable. He couldn’t protect you, so how could he protect the society? I guess once Giosuè was under the microscope, other things came to light. Things that will be swept under the carpet, so to speak, once your divorce to Moretti is final.”

The Elite bitches said that Alessandro had made Zhang mad by marrying me. Is Zhang the man my father is talking about? I need to know for sure before I can do anything with this information.

“And your friend is certain that Giosuè and I will be safe once I divorce Moretti?”

It kills me to call him Moretti, like he means nothing to me.

My father nods.

“How can he be sure?”

“Because he’s going to have Moretti killed. Tell me, daughter, did Moretti ever tell you what he did for a living?”

“He said he was in sales.”

He barks out a laugh. “Sales, my ass. He’s in the Mafia.” Before I can react, he rushes on, “There’s another Family here in Vegas that wants him gone. Ever hear the name Facilier?”

“Isn’t that a hotel here in Vegas?”

“Bingo. They also have mob ties. When my friend gives them the word, they’ll take out Moretti and you won’t have to worry about him ever again.” He makes a gun with his finger and points it at his head. “A bullet between the eyes and Moretti will be no more.”

I feel sick. Like, it’s taking everything in my power not to vomit all over my father’s shoes right now.

Inhaling through my nose, I wait for the nausea to pass before asking, “Does your friend live in Vegas, too?”

“No. He lives in London, though he’s in the States a lot for work.”

That’s still not enough information to help me. I assume there’s a lot of members in the Brotherhood who live in London.

“Dad, I’m sorry for what I said earlier. I’ve just been on edge since I left Moretti, and seeing you was a lot.” I reach out, touching his arm. “I’m sorry I wasn’t at your wedding to Gia.”

He smiles, and, shockingly, looks genuinely happy.

“It was rather sudden. Gia was right there by my side when you were taken. I don’t think I could have survived without her.”

Okay, that’s a bit dramatic, but whatever.

“Is she okay with Giosuè joining a secret society? I know the two are close…”

“Well, it’s a funny story. She’s actually how I met Smith. They met while she was in London on vacation and started chatting at a bar. Small world, eh?”

My stomach drops. Smith? As in Jacqueline Chanel Minty-Smith’s husband? He’s my father’s connection in the society, not Zhang? But this doesn’t make sense.

“So this Smith person is your friend?” I rush on before he can answer. “And he swears that I’m going to be safe?”

I learned a long time ago that the most minuscule change in my father’s expression can be bad. A long blink. A twitch of the eye. Touching his ear. All signs that his mood has shifted. Which is why I know that whatever he says next is going to be a lie.

“Of course. Your safety is our only priority.”

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