Akane giggled, then winked when Maverick looked at her. Her hair was still wet from the shower, but she was dressed to kill... literally, and he loved how sexy and deadly she looked. He tore his gaze from her to look at the others. "Is this the crew? Who's the target?"
"The Esposito family. They wanted a sit-down, but they have nothing to bargain with, and they know it," Alessia said.
"Do you think this request for a sit-down is a trap?" Maverick asked.
Alessia nodded. "I know it is. They know that we're going head-to-head with the Jade Dragon Triad, and the Espositofamily has a better chance of keeping their alliance with the triad than trying to form one with us. But if they take us out, that will earn them merit with the triad. It may even get them more territory."
"Makes sense when you look at it that way," Maverick said.
"My husband is a visionary. He knows when not to trust a tiger hiding its claws," Alessia said.
"Damn, aren't you poetic," Striker said.
Alessia gave him a sweet smirk, but that was it.
"Will this be a coordinated attack?" Akane asked.
Alessia nodded. "We want to take out as many as we can at one time. They've been troublesome enough, and since they decided to spit on my husband's generous offer to run New York with the Castiello Family from the beginning, they can die. No more negotiations."
"Just point me in the direction, and I'm good," Maverick said.
"Soon, we have a guest arriving in—" Alessia was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Well, it would appear that he's here." She rolled her eyes, and Maverick wondered if it was Nico. The guards opened the door, and six men entered. Two worked under Rico, and the other four apparently came with Nico, or at least Maverick thought they did since he didn't recognize them.
Nico looked around the room, quickly taking in his surroundings, and Maverick could tell the man wasn't anyone to take lightly. But then again, no one in the Castiello family was. Maverick checked the man out: six-three, black hair sprinkled with gray, shorter on the sides, longer at the top, and slicked back. His beard had a sprinkle of salt in the pepper, and trimmed neatly. The man's build reminded Maverick of a middleweight boxer, and the suit he was wearing fit him like he was born in it. The man had tattoos on his hands—the word "KillU" on the fingers of one hand and "King" on the other. There was also a bit of a tattoo peeking out from his collar, and Maverick wonderedwhat the full tattoo looked like and how many the man had. Being a tattoo artist himself, he appreciated beautiful ink.
Maverick took a seat and watched the reunion.
Nico strutted over to Alessia. "Ciao Bella, la mia adorabile nipote," he said in Italian with a gravelly tone that reminded Maverick of his father's. He knew that tone, combined with his accent and looks, probably got Nico plenty of pussy or ass or both. Not to mention his whole bad-boy image and family backing. No wonder he was so bold.
Stai attento a come parli, zio, Rico signed in ISL.
Nico laughed and clapped. "Relax, nephew. I know not to overstep. I'm simply complimenting your beautiful wife. You have excellent taste."
Why are you here?Rico asked, getting to the point.
"The family is well aware of what is going on here, and I've come to give you aid," Nico said, knowing his nephew could read his lips.
I don't need your help, and don't think this is a chance for you to take over the family, uncle, Rico said.
Calm down, nephew. I'm not here to take over. I just want a slice of the pie once this war is over. I'm being sincere. I want to help so that you can see that I'm capable,Nico said, this time in ASL since that was how Rico was speaking to him.
Rico spoke to his uncle using ISL and the conversation went on that way.
Maverick only understood ASL, so he only understood the conversation when they were speaking it, but not when they switched to ISL. However, he did understand body language, and Rico's shoulders weren't as tense as before, and his stern expression changed ever so slightly to one of curiosity. Looks like a fight wasn't going to break out.
Explain yourself because last time we spoke, you weren't so willing to let go,Rico said, this time in ASL, which Maverick appreciated.
Nico nodded with a sly smile that revealed one dimple. "You are right, I wasn't. I didn't think you were capable... considering your...condition."
"As you can see, my husband exceeds even his father's successes," Alessia stated, because under Rico's control, the Castiello family reached new financial heights and power in all industries.
Nico nodded. "I'm willing to admit that I was wrong."
Rico cocked an eyebrow and laughed, throwing his head back as he did. Once he settled, he looked back at Nico.You can admit that you're wrong?he asked.
"What the fuck are you busting my chops for here, Rico? I'm trying to be fucking sincere, you fucking asshole!" Nico shouted, along with vocal hand movements, and Rico just shook his head as if he were expecting that reaction.
Maverick had heard that Nico wasn't all there and had an explosive personality. He guessed the man could only keep it together for so long.
