“I need Rizzo to die and to see her reaction to that news,” Mateo says simply.
“Well, as soon as Julian gets what he needs from the asshole, that’s the plan,” I tell him. “Because after what he put Eloise through, he doesn’t get to live one minute longer than necessary.”
Before the conversation can continue, Julian’s son, Elliott, walks into the room with his fiancée on his arm. He’s in a tux, and Natasha looks beautiful in a floor-length gown the color of her eyes.
Sapphires.
Her blond hair is swept up and away from her face, and she’s holding Elliott’s hand.
She won’t look any of us in the eyes. That’s not unusual.
“Hey, everyone,” Elliott says with a smile. “Natasha and I were just headed out to the Wish Upon a Star Gala. We’re going to bid on some silent auction things and dance, right, babe?”
Natasha’s smile is forced, but she nods. “It should be fun.”
I glance over at Julian, who watches his son cooly. Julian has had to buy Elliott’s way out of jail a few times, yet the idiot continues to be reckless. His gambling habit will end up getting him killed, even if his fatherisJulian Stavros.
But recently, Julian approved the engagement between his son and Natasha Ivanov, the daughter of Sergei Ivanov, the head of the Russian Bratva. The alliance would be good business for both families.
However, based on how tight Natasha’s smile is and the way she looks like she wants to run away from Elliott, my guess would be that she’s not thrilled by the union.
“Have a good evening,” Julian says with a nod. The couple walks through the door and out to Elliott’s Range Rover.
“She doesn’t look thrilled,” Mateo says.
Julian’s eyes narrow. “They’ve only just met a few weeks ago. They’re getting to know each other.”
“When’s the wedding?” I ask him.
“Next month.”
We nod because there isn’t anything else to say. This is how things work in our world, whether we like it or not.
“We have other business to discuss.” Mateo changes the subject. “And Carson’s not going to like it.”
“I don’t like much,” Carson reminds us. “Just say it.”
“Adam Damien,” Mateo says, and Carson stands to pace. “I haven’t had eyes on him in our city, but there have been rumblings.”
I watch Carson, aware that this hits a particularly sensitive nerve for him.
For all of us, really.
Adam Damien is why Carson spent the better part of a decade in federal prison.
He’s also the reason the love of Carson’s life is dead.
Damien’s why Carson is as deadly as he is. The reason he’s filled with revenge and wrath despite none of that bringing Rina back.
Nothing can bring her back.
“If he steps one toe in this state,” Carson growls, “I will skin him alive.”
“I’m just putting everyone on the offensive.” Mateo shakes his head. “The man’s a fucking ghost, but I’ve been hearing things.”
“Keep listening,” Julian suggests. “And keep us informed.”
Thirty-One
