“Then they’ll be disappointed.” I pull on my coat and smooth down my pants. “I didn’t survive this long by exposing my throat to lions.”
But even as I say it, I know tonight will be different. Because for the first time in my life, I have something—someone—worth fighting for. And one way or another, the Gattos must be destroyed to ensure her safety.
I arrive precisely on time at the Golden Sands, because punctuality is power and power is survival. A hostess shows me up, Leon glowering behind me, and I motion him to take a few steps back when we reach the usual boardroom.
“Eva. Thank you for coming at such short notice,” Brie greets me as I walk in, and I’m relieved at least to see that she, too, has no guards with her, except for Dominika, of course.
“Brie.” I nod to Dominika, deciding to be the bigger person tonight. This meeting is important. But I still can’t resist using her full name. “Dominika.”
Her jaw tightens at my use of her full name, but she doesn’t rise to the bait.
“Our other guests should be here momentarily,” Brie says, guiding me to the conference table. The setup is intimate but strategic—chairs positioned to encourage conversation while maintaining clear sight lines to all exits. “We’ve been lucky to catch everyone with a few spare hours.”
As if summoned by her words, a side door opens and a woman strolls in, wrapped in leather pants and attitude. She is talland dark-haired, eyes a silvery gray. Her presence is magnetic, dangerous, the kind of woman who could start wars or end them with equal ease.
This, I think, must be Hadria Imperioli.
Behind her comes a more familiar face: Juno Bianchi, elegant in Valentino, her dark eyes brightening as they find mine. We embrace briefly, the gesture carrying decades of shared history.
“You’re starting to become a regular here in Vegas,” Juno says with a soft laugh. She hasn’t changed since finishing school, and as always when I see her, I’m transported momentarily to gray Swiss mornings and the sound of chapel bells.
“It’s good to see you.” I study her face, noting the contentment there, the settled happiness of a woman who’s found her place in the world. “How is your wife?”
“Wonderful. Marriage suits me.” Juno’s smile is radiant, and I feel an unexpected pang of something that might be envy. How does she balance it all—the violence and tenderness, the family business and family life? Maybe I’ll ask her later, if we both survive this meeting.
Hadria steps forward, extending a hand. Her grip is firm, assessing.
“I’ve heard a lot about you,” I say politely.
“Likewise—and none of it good.” Her smile is sharp. “Hence this meeting. I needed to see the woman behind the weapons.”
I’m unsurprised by her hostility. I had a run-in with her right-hand woman, Lyssa, over a year ago. At the time, I had no reason to care about the Styx Syndicate’s opinion of me. Nowthey would be very helpful allies, so I hope to change her opinion tonight.
I’ve heard more about her over the last two years, since she stepped forward to claim her title: Hades, leader of the Styx Syndicate, daughter of the Chicago Imperiolis. She struck out on her own after her father overlooked her in favor of her younger brother. Her kidnapping of her brother’s intended bride, before marrying the girl herself, made waves across the underworld—an amusing tale that Leon recounted to me like an old gossip.
As for Juno Bianchi, I’m glad to see her. She is a formidable force. We’ve never exactly beenfriends, but I like to think we have a measure of respect for each other.
We settle around the table.
Juno leans back in her chair, crossing her legs. “Brie has told me about your intentions for the Gatto Family. As you know, I’m always on board to take down organizations that are trafficking people,” she begins, her tone conversational but her eyes deadly serious. “My cousin Alessa has a particular interest in those operations—and their dismantling. But Eva, I need to know this isn’t you starting a problem here in America just to stir the pot.”
She pauses, letting the words settle. I try to look as innocent as possible.
At last, she continues. “The Gattos going down will destabilize things everywhere. And that is why I’m here. It will look like a declaration of war for all involved—and for their allies. My alliance with Brie Colombo is well known. But I have no interest in a wider war.”
Juno has survived in this business by being ruthless when necessary. If she thinks I’m playing games with American stability, she’ll end me herself.
“You have my word that I’ll stand with you all,” I say, meeting each woman’s gaze in turn. “In fact, I will make it known that the Consortium will withdraw resources from anyone who opposes you and your allies.”
Hadria’s expression doesn’t change, but something flickers in her eyes. “But why the Gattos, in particular? How did you find out about what they were doing—and how do we know you’re telling us the truth? You’ve played every side in America for years, but always maintained your neutrality. What’s changed?”
The question cuts deeper than she knows. What’s changed is a strawberry blonde with blue eyes who looks at me like I might be worth saving. What’s changed is the realization that power and money are not enough for me anymore.
What’s changed iseverything.
I hesitate, my hands curling slightly on the polished table surface. Then I take the leap.
“Someone I care about was caught up in one of the Gattos’ so-called auctions.”
