Grayson and Sofia were bent over documents at the far end of the booth, discussing distribution channels and territory boundaries. Their voices were low, professional, but I could hear the occasional note of approval as they worked through the details.
"Your proposal is solid," Leo said, drawing my attention back to him. "We're willing to move forward with the partnership."
Relief settled in my chest. I kept my expression neutral. "I'm glad to hear it."
"The European connections alone make this worth our while. And your political influence in the UK will help smooth over some complications we've been facing with international shipments." He swirled his drink. "The question is implementation."
"I have logistics teams ready to integrate with yours. We can start with trial runs on three of your main western routes, expand from there once we've established reliability."
"And your people will respect our existing relationships?"
"Absolutely. We're here to partner, not compete."
Leo studied me for a long moment. Then he nodded and stood. "Walk with me."
I followed him to the railing overlooking the main floor. Below us, people clustered around high-top tables, drinks in hand, watching the show. The music was loud enough to cover our conversation but not so overwhelming that we had to shout.
"I want to be straight with you about something," Leo said, his gaze fixed on the crowd below. "This partnership is going to cause friction with the Malatestas."
I'd expected this. "I assumed as much."
"They won't take kindly to us bringing in new partners. Especially not one with your family's reputation and reach." He turned to face me. "You'll need to watch your back in this city. At least until we get everyone on the same page."
"How unstable is the situation?"
"More than I'd like." His jaw tightened. "The Malatestas used to be reliable. Predictable. But they've had internal issues lately. Leadership disputes. Succession problems. It's made them volatile."
"And you're still maintaining the alliance?"
"For now." He took another drink. "We've extended more mercy than most families would given the issues they've caused. But trust is a finite resource, and they've been spending it recklessly."
I could read between those lines. The Donatis were considering their options.
"We'll arrange a meeting," Leo continued. "You, us, them. We'll explain the new arrangement, make it clear that your presence here isn't a threat to their territory. We'll even suggest they consider expanding elsewhere, finding fresh opportunities."
"You think they'll go for that?"
"No." His smile was thin. "But we'll make the offer anyway. Gives us the high ground when things inevitably go sideways."
"And if they don't accept the arrangement?"
Leo was quiet for a moment, watching the dancers on stage. "Then we'll need to make a decision. We're aware of your family's reputation in your own territories. You're known forkeeping your word, supporting your partners. That loyalty is valuable."
"We take our commitments seriously."
"Good. Because if this situation with the Malatestas escalates, we'll be willing to work with you on resolving it. But I need to be clear about expectations." He met my eyes. "If we decide to push them out, we'll expect the Hales to take point on the main operations. You'd be filling their spot, so you'd be the primary force in making that happen."
I hadn't expected him to lay it out so bluntly. "That's a significant undertaking."
"It is. And we'd support you. Resources, intelligence, manpower if needed. But this needs to be a partnership, not us doing the heavy lifting while you reap the benefits."
Fair enough. "I understand."
"The Malatestas have caused us grief," Leo said, his voice hard now. "They've become unstable. Their word means nothing anymore. They've lost the respect that kept them safe." He paused. "We're pragmatic people, Mr. Hale. We value loyalty and reliability. If your family proves to be the same kind of problem down the line, we'll handle you the same way we'll handle them."
The threat was clear, wrapped in professional courtesy.
I held his gaze. "You won't have that problem with us. When the Hales make a deal, we honor it. This partnership will be favorable for both sides."
