My father stared into my souls the same way he did with Capos across the states. Unlike them, I didn’t flinch.
“I told you not to take the meeting with the olderDiablo.”
So it was me who’d fucked up…
“I can handle him.”
Diablowas an urban legend. Leader of the Mexican Cartel, ruthless and cut-throat, who’d been around since the seventies. Notorious for his empire’s long-lasting ruling for over the past fifty years. Faceless as a ghost, and even more feared.
No one except a select group of people on the inside knew the originalDiablohad been Leonard Di’Ablo, who’d passed down the name and business to his two sons. First, his oldest, Matteo…
Alright,princesa.You got yourself a deal with thedevil.
And now, Zach. Though he was taking a break at the moment. Hence, my meeting with his asshole of an older brother two weeks ago at the club.
“That’s not the point. You don’t listen, Francesca–”
“I had to get us the deal. I knew I could do it–”
“You don’t interrupt a Don when he speaks, Francesca.”
I gave a small, apologetic smile. “Sorry, Dad. I get passionate.”
A sigh escaped him and his voice softened. “I know,cara. Which is why you are one of the best Consiglieres this Organization has ever seen. But that temper… You need to control it.”
“Yes, sir.”
He pointed a finger at me, leaning forward. “And stop threatening my business associates.”
I rolled my eyes. “Did he tell you that?”
“No.” Leaning back in his chair, he clasped his hands as a mischievous smile lifted the corner of his lips. “But you just did.”
A laugh escaped me. “I threaten all of them. He’s not special.”
Gìo chuckled too. “Maybe. But right now, we need him.”
“Maybe you should have stepped up and talked to him since you seem to be such good buddies.” I gave a big, fake smile.
My brother rose a brow at me in dry amusement. “I would’ve if you’d waited until I got back from Vegas like we initially agreed.”
I rolled my eyes. He always had to right.
Him and Matteo had been friends for ages. Both worked together back when they took over North America. Matteo would’ve agreed to the new business proposal without hesitation if Gìo had been the one to talk to him.
I wasn’t sure why I took the meeting myself. I guess I just wanted to prove I could do it. Disrespect and all.
“What matters,” My older brother continued, “Is that we got his support to move forward with the expansion.”
“I’ve been saying we need to push West formonths. Sitting here with our dicks in our hands while the Bratva moves closer to Vegas every day–”
“Tony…” Gìo warned.
“He’s not wrong,” I cut in before it could spiral. “Every week we wait, we lose another cut.”
Tony smirked at me, proud. His black t-shirt wrinkled from the night before, chain glinting under the light.
“However,” I continued, turning toward him, “If you go into Bratva territory wavingyourdick around, you’ll get it cut off and nailed to a church door. This isn’t one of your street wars, Tony. It’s going to become international trade. Smarter moves. Cleaner fronts.”
