“You were always circling my father like a leech, waiting for him to fall. And now that he’s gone, you’re trying to claw your way into the seat you think he kept warm for you.”
Giacomo’s jaw tightens. “Your father kept power by holding a knife to everyone’s throat. I intend to evolve.”
“Into what?” I sneer. “A trafficker? A coward with too many enemies and no code? The brotherhood doesn’t respect evolution when it smells like rot.”
He chuckles low. “Careful, Matteo. You’re starting to sound like you care too much. Since when did the great ice prince find a heart?”
“It’s not about having a heart, Giacomo. It’s about following a code. Having honor. Knowing when not to cross certain lines. A skill you have yet to master.”
He leans in, voice lower, darker. “You think you’re going to stop me? You? The boy playing king in his father’s ashes?”
“I don’t have to stop you,” I say calmly. “You’ll ruin yourself. Men like you always do. You’ll be like Icarus—fly a little too close to the sun.”
He straightens, adjusting his jacket like he’s brushing off the moment. “Though I would love to stay and chat, I need to run. Duties and all. This empire of mine won’t build itself.”
He turns and leaves me sitting at the bar with a sour taste in my mouth. In time, he’ll get what’s coming to him. But for now, I’ll let him be.
After spending another hour at the club and a short call with Valerio, I head to my new apartment.
I hear the elevator ding behind me. I don’t turn right away; it’s probably the neighbor I haven’t met yet. When I finally glance over my shoulder, I freeze.
Beatrice.
She rounds the corner fast, headphones still in, hoodie zipped up, face flushed from what I’m guessing was a run. She’s so absorbed in her own little bubble that she doesn’t see me standing there. She nearly collides with my chest before skidding to a stop, breath catching when her eyes lift and land on mine.
“Matteo?” she says, blinking in shock. She glances around like maybe she isn’t seeing correctly. “What are you doing here?”
I raise a brow, amused by the surprise in her voice. I’d planned to tell her later, but now is as good a time as any. “I live here.”
Her mouth parts slightly. “You… what?”
I nod toward the door behind me. “Seems we’re neighbors now. I recently moved in.”
The irony of it all doesn’t escape me.
She stares like she doesn’t believe me. “You’re my neighbor?”
I grin, slow. “Seems that way.”
“And the owner of this building?”
“Yep.”
She exhales sharply, running a hand through her hair. “Of course you are. Did you… I mean…”
“I didn’t follow you, if that’s what you’re thinking. My old penthouse is being renovated, and instead of leasing somewhere else, I figured I’d stay here. Itismine, after all.”
“I didn’t say you were following me.”
“You didn’t have to. The look is clear as day on your face.”
She bites her bottom lip, eyes flicking to the door and then back to mine. I can tell she’s working overtime to steady herself. The sweat glistening on her brow doesn’t help my restraint.
“Coming from a run, I see,” I say, breaking through the thick tension.
“Yeah, been trying to get some exercise in,” she says, but her voice is thin, distant. “The engagement party’s coming up. I’m supposed to look… perfect.”
I lift a brow.
