“So, did you take his offer?” I ask. “Should I be ready for a war?”
“I guess,” he says, dropping his voice, “that’s something you’re just going to have to find out yourself.”
I stand. “I suppose it is. I have a meeting with Raleigh later. I’m sure he’ll tell me.”
“You don’t trust me?” His green eyes flash. “Unless…you would rather us band together, merge companies, change the status quo.” He rises to his feet, too. “Things get stale and die when they don’t move, Lucian. You of all people should know that.”
“Right,” I say and gesture to the elevator. I see him off, and as the elevator doors shut, I lean against the wall and call Vittoria.
She doesn’t pick up. So I wait.
I deliberately move Santiago’s eyeing my Monty from my head along with his stupid warning, because it coils and twists and stirs things that muddy inner waters.
What am I missing? Anything? Santiago’s got an agenda, but I think he just wants to build power, and by starting a fight with the Rogues he’ll… Shit. It’ll be war. A different kind of crusade.
The man’s an opportunist, someone who’s known to show up when there might be a swing in power or an upset.
Vittoria calls back. “I’m dealing with an issue. Can this wait?”
“An issue you need me for?”
“An issue about stealing from Vale Hart.” I can almost hear her smile. “Nothing I can’t handle. Problems?”
“Not sure. Just saw Santiago,” I say. “I think he wants to stir up trouble with the Rogues.”
“That’s idiotic. Even I know they’re not a threat. Raleigh is a pussy. Wants us all to hold hands and sing ‘Kumbaya’.” She sounds disgusted, even though she fucks him when she wants to.
“Unless he’s playing a long game,” I say.
“Raleigh? You think?”
“What is that thing,” I mutter. “Oh yes, Occam’s razor. The simplest, truest explanation is that. de Santis wanted more and decided to take me out. He failed. He had no idea who and what I truly am. And he paid the price.”
“Agreed,” Vittoria says.
“Still?”
She sighs. “Still, I think we should keep eyes out. Santiago likes chaos and he thrives on power.” She pauses. “And he’ll do anything to get it.”
With a sigh, I end the call.
We need to be vigilant, and I’ll be keeping my appointments with Raleigh and one of the Chicago mafia men who are looking for an in. But the meeting with Raleigh is on his turf, and I’ll be taking my pretty date with me to that.
The Amalfi man who’s looking to expand his family’s hold in Tenebris knows how powerful Vale Hart is. But he’s human and less of a threat.
It’ll be easier to unleash Vittoria or maybe Elliot on him to teach his family a lesson if he tries to take down Vale Hart.
Speaking of the devil, I get a text from Vittoria.
Vittoria
Amalfi claims emergency, canceled meeting for foreseeable future. His man says he’s happy to leave any de Santis holdings to us.
Me
Really?
Vittoria
