"Don't be a fucking asshole," Nico sneered. "I'm being honest. I've had a lot of time to think about shit, okay?" This time, his tone was calmer.
Go on, Rico signed.
Nico sighed, then slicked his hair back as if that helped him regain his composure after his earlier outburst. "If I even tried to take over, I can't do what you did, and Vito wouldn't allow it either. I've made my peace with that. You're smart and fearless, and you know how to run this family. I'm done fighting with you over it. I just want a chance to help you run it."
Maverick watched Rico regard his uncle with a bit of admiration, but also some suspicion. He wondered just howmuch animosity was between them for Rico to not fully trust the man.
Nico sighed and unbuttoned his suit jacket before pulling up a chair and sitting down. "I know you don't believe me."
Are you trying to tell me that you've changed?Rico asked.
"Not entirely, no. I didn't go to prison and become a fucking monk; give me a fucking break. I still want power; I'm just not going to try to take it from you. I want to be where Vito is," Nico said.
Rico snorted.I'm not giving you Chicago territory.
Nico waved his hand. "I'm not asking you to, nephew. I just want to run one of the family's territories. It could be Atlanta, Vegas, LA, Miami. Like I said, I won't overstep. I'll keep in line with your goals for the family. I'd never betray blood. I may be a crazy son of a bitch, but I'm no fucking traitor. You should know that much about me, Rico."
Rico pursed his lips because he did know. Nico may have wanted control of the family before he took over, but no matter how violent or crazy Nico was, he knew Nico would never kill him for it.
Let me think about it. First, let's see how you help me get rid of our opposition, Rico said.
"That's what I'm here to do." Nico smirked.
Then listen to my wife while she gives you the details,Rico said.
Nico turned his gaze to Alessia. "I'm listening."
Maverick was curious about Nico, but it also wasn't entirely his business. That was Castiello family drama. But if Nico tried anything that would fuck up their plan or endanger his life, he would make Nico his business. For now, he'd play it cool.
Chapter sixteen
Nathan
NathansatinVito'soffice, listening to the status of their current situation. He and his sons had been kept busy taking out Da Han's people, and he couldn't help but wonder if they were undercharging the Castiello family for their services.
"Are you bored?" Vito asked him.
"Me?" Nathan replied.
"Yes, you. You're sitting over there like you have better things to be doing," Vito said.
Nathan shrugged. "Killing is what I do. You give me a target, and I will take them out. Right now, since we're just cooling our heels, I'm wondering if I can visit your strip club."
"You should be wondering about how you're going to kill Tian Yu since your son failed," Vito pointed out.
"He's gone into hiding right now, but my sons and I have taken out other targets, narrowing down your problem. And trust me, as soon as we know where he's at, I'll take that son of a bitch out personally," Nathan said.
Vito scoffed as he leaned back in his chair. "Fine. What's this about the strip club? One of my strippers caught your fancy?"
"To be honest, yeah. Bailey, I'm interested in him," Nathan said.
"Well, he still has a debt to pay, but how well do you know him?" Vito asked.
"Not much; we've only met the one time. Let's just say that he left a lasting impression on me," Nathan said.
"On your dick, you mean," Vito countered.
"He didn't fuck me."
