“You have no protection any longer, and you are not a part of any family. Something that hasn’t sat well since your father was in control of them.”
“There is nothing I can do about not being Italian.”
“But you could take my offer of protection. We hold all of the East Coast.”
“At what cost to me? For all I know, I let your men in, and you slowly try to take over. It would make it all the easier.”
“This is where trust will have to come in.”
“No.” I shake my head. “As you said, I’m not Italian. I don’t play rightfully in your world. I don’t get to sit at the same table when you have your little meetings.”
“Little?”
I ignore the comment. “But I could.”
“That I cannot offer you. There is nothing even I can do about that.”
“Are you sure about that?” I can think of a few things. It’s why I’m here, after all. The second step to my plan.
“By all means, enlighten me.”
“Naomi.”
“What about Naomi?” War asks. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him look more serious in his life than he does right now at the mention of his daughter’s name.
“If we were to marry, that would give me trust and a whole lot more protection.”
War is already shaking his head no. “Marriage inthisfamily is forever. You won’t divorce five years from now.”
“I understand.”
“This goes beyond culture.”
“I understand,” I say again. “Weren’t you and your wife in an arranged marriage?” I point out.
“That was different.”
“Was it? It’s my understanding that Tova too wasn’t from a family name of standing.” War quickly moves the conversation away from his wife. I’m walking a fine line even bringing her up, but I’ll do whatever I have to to try and convince him this is necessary, and I’m pressing on the point I know that will get to him the most.
“Aren’t you very fond of a blond doctor? Sloane. Isn’t that her name?” This isn’t a shocking comment.
There are many pictures of Sloane and me together. I did use her to go to events in California when rubbing elbows. She is in this with me, my half sister. That isn’t known by more than a handful of people, a couple of whom are dead at this point.
“Yes, I am very fond of Sloane, and she is off-limits. But there is no romantic tie there. I can assure you of that.”
“Then you keepthosethings very discreet.” He’s trying to dig up anyone I might have put my dick into. I truly admire the way that he’s protecting Naomi, and it makes me respect him more.
“There is nothing there. I would be faithful. In fact, put it into a prenup. All of my warehouses and docks will be hers if I cheat.”
“We’ve never had a need for a prenup to be drawn up. If, and that’s a big if, I took this offer, I would have to speak to a lawyer. We have never had a need for one before.”
“Do what you must, but that is my price.”
“Marriage to a Marino?”
“Not just a Marino. Naomi.” I make that very clear. His brows slightly rise.
“I’m guessing you’ve learned what you could about Naomi. Yes?” I nod. “Then you know she is different.”
