“Jesus,” I hissed at Matteo. “I told you love is a weakness.”
“Was the purpose of this meeting to bicker with each other while insulting the people who actually like their spouses?” Rory’s voice called over from the opposite side of the room. “Because if so, I’d like to go back upstairs.”
Enzo snickered. “She’s so spicy. What’s not to love?”
“Shut your mouth before I cut out your tongue,” I growled.
Matteo lifted a challenging eyebrow. “Are you done yet, or shall I escort the lovely Rory to her bedroom?”
Draining my scotch, relishing the burn as it scorched a path down my throat, I stepped to the center of the room, commanding the attention of my family.
“As you’re all aware, we are under attack. Dario Bellini, my father’s own fucking brother, is attempting to claim the mantle of Don for himself. For years, he’s been working behind the scenes, brokering partnerships with our enemies to undermine my authority. His blatant disregard for the code that protectsthe women and children of made men makes him an extremely dangerous threat. Though his numerous efforts to eliminate us have been unsuccessful, he shows no signs of backing down, yet the coward refuses to show his face.”
“Because he knows the minute he does, he’s a dead man,” Enzo muttered.
“Exactly,” I agreed. “So it falls to us to find a way to draw him into the light so we can take him out, once and for all.”
“How do you propose we do that?” Matteo asked.
My lips curved into a devious grin. “Simple. In the past, he’s tried picking us off, one by one, but it’s been about as effective as throwing darts blindfolded. He keeps missing. What if we provide him with a golden opportunity, one that’s too good to pass up? A chance to take out the opposing bloodline in one fell swoop?” I paused, making sure all eyes were on me before continuing. “So what I’m proposing is that we make a giant spectacle of inviting the entire organization to celebrate the holiday season and the upcoming arrival of my heir. Put ourselves on display, which will hopefully entice Dario to make a move.”
Rory was the first to speak. “You want to set a trap.”
“Yes. I’ve racked my brain, and it’s the only thing I can think of that will guarantee he comes out of hiding. But I need all of you on board. This doesn’t work if even one of us is missing. He won’t show if there’s the possibility of leaving loose ends.”
Summer gnawed on her lower lip. “What about our girls?”
“Your children won’t be put in harm’s way,” I reassured her.
“Just ours.” Rory scoffed, palming her rounded stomach. “Loving this plan.”
Enzo covered his mouth, hiding his smile at my wife’s sarcasm.
Matteo focused on the logistics. “While homefield advantage is attractive, we can’t host the event here. If we do, Dario will see right through our plan.”
I nodded. “A neutral site is necessary. I was thinking the ballroom at the Blaze Imperial. It’s on the ground floor, with multiple access points, making it more enticing for an attack than the same space on the rooftop of the Nickel Regal.” Those were the city’s top luxury hotels, and we had a track record of using them for fundraisers and galas, so it wouldn’t seem out of the ordinary when Dario caught wind of our upcoming soirée.
My brother mulled it over. “The staff is accustomed to our strict security protocols, but I can’t imagine the Blazes will be too thrilled about us spilling blood on their carpets.”
I poured myself another drink. “If Everett Blaze knows what’s good for him, he’ll keep his eyes firmly fixed between the legs of whichever bimbo he’s found to be his executive assistant this week.”
“Kensington’s the one you have to watch out for,” Enzo cautioned. “She’s a real shark, been known to make grown men cry.” He chuckled. “Reminds me of Gemma in a lot of ways.”
“Nepotism aside, if she’s smart enough to land the position of CFO, she’ll recognize that filing an insurance claim and calling it a day is in her best interest.”
“And if she doesn’t?” Matteo pressed.
I shrugged. “Then destroying BlazeLuxe International might become my sole mission after putting Dario six feet under.”
It wouldn’t be hard to do. The Blazes and Nickels had been feuding over prime spots in exclusive tourist destinations for nearly a decade now. If Bellini Real Estate partnered with Nickel Hospitality, offering them access to the undeveloped properties we held in exotic locations around the globe, while helping to revamp their loyalty program, together we could slowly choke the life out of BlazeLuxe.
They didn’t want to go up against me. Not when I was known for playing dirty.
Nice guys finished last, after all.
Enzo let out a low whistle. “Damn, that’s cold. But I kinda dig it.”
“Do I have everyone’s permission to move forward?”
